Marking International Human Rights Day, observed annually on December 10, the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has announced sanctions against individuals and entities involved in serious human rights abuses. These measures reflect the United States’ commitment to holding perpetrators accountable and promoting global respect for human rights.
The latest actions target one individual and one entity for their roles in abuses against prisoners in Houthi-controlled prisons in Yemen. Additionally, one individual providing support to the regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria has been sanctioned. These steps are part of a broader strategy to use economic tools to curb human rights violations and support victims worldwide.
Further actions include visa restrictions imposed by the Department of State on dozens of individuals under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as well as the designation of one official under Section 7031(c) of the annual Appropriations Act for their involvement in gross human rights violations. These measures aim to restrict the ability of human rights abusers to benefit from international systems and send a strong message of deterrence.
Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen emphasized the historical importance of OFAC, formerly known as the Office of Foreign Funds Control, in combating atrocities. Established during World War II to prevent the Nazi regime from exploiting occupied countries’ assets, OFAC continues to play a pivotal role in addressing human rights abuses worldwide.
By leveraging sanctions and other tools, the Treasury Department upholds its enduring commitment to exposing and countering serious human rights violations, ensuring that justice and accountability remain central to US foreign policy.
