The far-reaching effects of sanctions
I scrolled through my Instagram feed when a global fundraising platform ad drew my attention. It is free, secure and “easy” ... with some exceptions
I completed an application to launch a food drive for the Syrian population, 70% of whom are food insecure. Within three hours I received an automated email: “At this time we cannot approve your campaign as it looks like you are raising funds for a cause that is in or connected to a location currently facing U.S. economic sanctions by the Office of Foreign Assets Control [OFAC], U.S. Department of Treasury. Please understand that this is beyond our control.”
How does a foreign policy, specifically sanctions, implemented to protect human rights of vulnerable populations limit aid and opportunity from reaching them?
The modern theory of sanctions became popular after World War I as a punishing mechanism for transgressors of international law that governments could use instead of war. Their effectiveness is mixed.
Sanctions often lead to deteriorated economic conditions by driving up the prices of essential goods and services due to a country's isolation, ultimately worsening the living conditions of the vulnerable population they were intended to protect. More importantly, sanctions create a chilling effect that discourages foreign entities from engaging with the country and its citizens. For nationals of sanctioned countries that have sought refuge outside of their home, the impact of sanctions follows them. The problem is the effects of sanctions manifest beyond the borders and into our local economy. Examples of this are when potential employers retract their hiring advertisements after reading the candidates hold work experience from sanctioned countries including Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc., or banks are skeptical to loan money to these same folks.
At Tiyya Foundation, I work on creating economic opportunities for immigrants and refugees. During the Afghan evacuation crisis when 100,000 or more refugees moved to Southern California, Tiyya worked with dozens of participants on job placements and continued education. Although most of our participants were highly educated and served senior positions, their work and educational experiences were not recognized by the job market.
This is yet another example of the chilling effect that institutionalized barriers blocking vulnerable populations from upward mobility. When I was working with a doctor from Afghanistan on attaining a U.S. physician assistant's degree, we submitted his paperwork to verify his academic qualifications and transfer his college credits, only to receive an automated email that his degree couldn't be re-evaluated as the U.S. doesn't recognize Afghanistan's Taliban government. This is a doctor who fled Afghanistan because his work treating U.S. personnel put him at risk of the violence from the Taliban.
The recent Ukrainian refugee crisis has demonstrated that we are equipped with the tools to offer a smooth work force and educational transition. As 20,000 Ukrainian refugees have entered, there's been a smoother transition into the job market. In our program, we've seen Ukrainian educational documents being reevaluated at a higher rate with less resistance from recertification organizations. Employers have been more receptive to degrees and work experience from non-sanctioned countries, like Ukraine.
For example, most of the professional Afghans who came to the US had to prove their qualifications by working an entry-level job, before beginning their ascent to professional jobs, like program managers and IT consultants.
I write this to draw attention to the effects sanctions have beyond their region of implementation. I highlight the comparison between these two different populations, from sanctioned and non-sanctioned countries, to display the massive impact radiated beyond their scope of implementation.
Although we may not be able to change policies on the federal level today, we have power over our personal choices. As we continually face humanitarian issues, how can we empower them toward independence when they seek refuge by welcoming their skills and value into our organizations and networks?