Treasury’s Global Human Rights Action: 150+ Sanctions Combat Terrorism, LGBTQI+ Repression, and Conflict-Related Sexual Violence on UDHR’s 75th Anniversary

On December 10, 2023, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the Department of the Treasury reiterates its unwavering commitment to promoting human rights and holding perpetrators accountable. Secretary Janet L. Yellen emphasized the significance of this commitment, underscoring the gravity of human rights abuses worldwide. Over the past year, Treasury has designated over 150 individuals and entities across various countries for human rights-related issues, utilizing sanctions authorities to address activities violating the UDHR.

The designations targeted a spectrum of human rights abuses, including those linked to terrorist organizations, criminal activities, LGBTQI+ repression, transnational repression, and environmental crimes. Treasury pledges to leverage all relevant sanctions authorities to address violations such as the repression of civil society members, violence against civilians, arbitrary detention, kidnapping, and gender-based violence, prioritizing conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV).

President Biden has prioritized accountability for conflict-related sexual violence, resulting in the imposition of sanctions against 13 targets identified by the United States, and in coordination with UN Security Council allies. Today, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned 20 individuals across nine countries, with an additional two individuals sanctioned under the Department of State’s counterterrorism authority. The Department of State also imposed visa restrictions on individuals in Russia, Indonesia, and the People’s Republic of China (PRC). These actions align with measures by the United Kingdom and Canada, reflecting a collective commitment to deterring global human rights abuses.