*[Enwl-eng] Tell Biden to Lift Sanctions for COVID Relief

[ENWL]

RootsAction: Connect. Act. Grow.
                  As a result of broad U.S. economic sanctions, countries 
such as Iran, Syria, Venezuela, North Korea, Sudan, and Zimbabwe struggle 
without adequate food, electricity, medicine, medical supplies, masks and 
respirators. Those who suffer most under sanctions include pregnant women, 
children, and the chronically ill.

                  We need to urge the Biden administration to issue a 
worldwide temporary general license to allow all countries and locations 
sanctioned by the United States to be able to easily import all related 
medicines, medical supplies, and vaccines, to facilitate international 
relief efforts related to COVID-19.

                  We've put together, with our allies, a petition that will 
be delivered to President Joe Biden; Vice President Kamala Harris; White 
House Chief of Staff Ron Klain; Sec. of State Antony Blinken; Sec. of 
Defense Lloyd Austin; Sec. of the Treasury Janet Yellen; and Sec. of 
Commerce Gina Raimondo.

                  Click here to add your name!




                  The U.S. Treasury Department has the power to issue a 
worldwide, temporary general license authorizing the exportation and 
re-exportation of medical supplies and equipment and other essential goods 
that might otherwise be prohibited by sanctions. The temporary general 
license would not require Congress to suspend or repeal sanctions and would 
only cover the listed types of supplies and equipment. By making it clear 
these types of financial transactions are allowable, this license would aid 
in the donation or sale of items such as test kits, respirators, sanitizers, 
personal protective equipment, and medicine, which are all critical for 
preventing and treating COVID-19.

                  U.S. economic sanctions technically exempt humanitarian 
items -- but banks, insurance companies, and other corporations are afraid 
that if they make loans, provide insurance for shipments, or send goods, the 
U.S. government will accuse them of violating the sanctions, levy hefty 
fines, and place them on a banned business list.

                  An April 2020 Human Rights Watch report explained that 
sanctions have had a particularly detrimental effect on Iran’s healthcare 
system, as the country lacks access to critical medical equipment and 
medicine despite existing exemptions. UN Human Rights Commissioner Michele 
Bachelet echoed this point when she called for an easing of sanctions for 
COVID-19 relief. Past Republican and Democratic Party administrations have 
issued temporary general licenses after earthquakes in Iran. So, there is 
precedent for following through on this request.

                  Sign the petition here!



                  After signing the petition, please use the tools on the 
next webpage to share it with your friends.

                  This work is only possible with your financial support. 
Please chip in $3 now.



                  -- The RootsAction.org Team

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                  Background:
                  >> liftthesanctions.org
                  www.RootsAction.org








            From: RootsAction Team
            Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2021 10:05 PM
            Subject: Tell Biden to Lift Sanctions for COVID Relief





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