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Guidance on Authorized Transactions Related to Earthquake Relief Efforts in Syria

“In response to the devastating earthquakes in Syria on February 6, 2023, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) authorized activity supporting emergency earthquake relief efforts in Syria that would otherwise be prohibited by U.S. sanctions in Syria. Specifically, OFAC issued a broad authorization in the form of a general license, General License (GL) 23, to authorize for 180 days certain transactions related to earthquake relief efforts that would otherwise be prohibited by the Syrian Sanctions Regulations. This license supplements broad humanitarian authorizations already in effect under the Syrian Sanctions Regulations for nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations, and the U.S. government that authorize the provision of disaster relief to Syria.

Specifically, GL 23 expands upon existing humanitarian authorizations to enable foreign governments and private companies to provide support to earthquake relief efforts in Syria and provides additional assurances to financial institutions who process such transactions. This guidance responds to specific questions OFAC received related to earthquake relief efforts in Syria and explains how to provide legitimate humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people in compliance with U.S. sanctions. GL 23 reflects the United States’ commitment to support the people of Syria through their ongoing humanitarian crisis—it is not a change in policy toward the Assad regime. While this authorization alone cannot remedy the many challenges of operating and providing aid in Syria, it can ensure that U.S. sanctions do not inhibit relief following the earthquake disaster.”

Read the guidance here: https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/syria_earthquake_relief_compliance_guidance.pdf

 

Navigating US Executive Actions

A series of presidential directives, agency communications, and court orders in the United States have created operational disruptions and widespread confusion for federal contractors, grant recipients, nonprofit organizations, and private sector companies. As the situation continues to evolve, organizations should prepare for potential disruptions and seek to understand the impact of these actions on their operations.

To help navigate this complex landscape, we are gathering insights from trusted sources on what to expect, proactive steps to mitigate risks, and answers to frequently asked questions. Please check back for updates as the situation develops.

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News on Purpose Janaury 2025

In This Issue

  • An Incredible 2024 in Review
  • The 2024 Global Innovation Index, Unlocking the Promise of Social Entrepreneurship
  • A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Supporters
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Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation Honored with Two Anthem Awards

Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation Honored Twice as a Winner in the Category of Humanitarian Action & Services for the 4th Annual Anthem Awards

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News on Purpose August 2024

In This Issue:

  • Addressing the Need to Create a Single Market for Philanthropy in the EU
  • Budgeting for Equity and Economic Mobility
  • 2024 Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation Awardees
  • Mayora & Mayora, a Leading Light in Latin America
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Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation Announces New Appointments to its Board of Directors

During the Lex Mundi Annual Connect & Collaborate Conference in London on May 10, 2024, Carlos Velázquez De León was elected as the new Chair of Lex Mundi and Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation’s Board of Directors. The Foundation’s Board of Directors also elected Aniekan Ukpanah, Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie (Nigeria), to the position of Chair-Elect and Christel Van den Eynden, Liedekerke (Belgium), as a new director. The three new members join the Foundation’s current directors in seeking to embody the highest ideals of the legal profession. By promoting and facilitating the delivery of pro bono legal services, they support those positively improving lives worldwide.

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2024 Pro Bono Foundation Annual Award Winners

The Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation (the “Foundation”) was proud to recognize the following 2024 award recipients:

  • Day Pitney LLP, Lex Mundi member for USA, New Jersey
  • Deacons, Lex Mundi member for Hong Kong
  • Dudley Newman Feuerzeig LLP, Lex Mundi member for U.S. Virgin Islands
  • Shalakany Law Office, Lex Mundi member for Egypt
  • Wardyński & Partners, Lex Mundi member for Poland

 

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