US widens sanctions against Russia due to insufficient human trafficking prevention procedures
The White House reported that the United States added Iran to the list of countries subject to sanctions as a result of "insufficient efforts" in the fight against human trafficking, while at the same time increasing the number of sanctions against Russia, which was already on this list.
The White House statement on September 30th indicated that in addition to Iran, Venezuela, and four African countries - the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan, and South Sudan - will be included in the sanctions list.
In addition to Russia, a few other countries that are already on the list, specifically, North Korea, Eritrea, and Syria will face new restrictions. These countries will face limitations in their ability to participate in educational and cultural exchange programs with the United States.
The Administration of the United States President Donald Trump also instructed the Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund and officials in other multilateral development banks to vote against granting loans or other funds to Russia, Iran, and North Korea in the 2018 financial year, which begins on October 1st.
Under US law enacted in 2000, the United States does not provide humanitarian or economic assistance to countries that do not meet the minimum requirements in the fight against human trafficking and take no measures to prevent it.