Remove Mr. Benoni W. Urey from the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN) & U.S. Visa Ban

Mr. Benoni W. Urey was placed on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List imposed by the Department of Treasury, under the 23rd July 2004 Executive Order 13348 (“E.O.13348”). After thorough investigations by the United Nations (UN Resolutions 1521 and 1532), United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Australia, they have all chosen to remove Mr. Urey from their travel and assets freeze bans at the international and national levels. The post-conflict transformation of Liberia needs a visionary leader, and we the citizens and friends of the Republic of Liberia believe Mr. Benoni W. Urey is committed not only to the development of Liberia, but also has the passion and vision needed to help lead the transformation of Liberia in the post Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf era.

Mr. Urey is without a doubt a true friend of the United States and is committed to strengthening the historical ties between the U.S. and Liberia. He received his primary education at the American Cooperative School in Liberia, and holds two Masters Degrees in Public Administration (finance) and Planning (public and private) from the University of Southern California. Consistent with his commitment to improving the lives of disenfranchised Liberians especially women and children , Mr. Urey has worked tirelessly to provide economic relief to women by making available micro loans to impoverished women and has developed scholarship funds for orphan children.

In addition, Mr. Urey has been a strong advocate against violence and rape of women and children. Mr. Urey has provided employment to over 1600 Liberian citizens through various businesses he owns. If these restrictions can be removed, Mr. Urey will be able to better engage the international community especially the United States to open up avenues for development for the Liberian people. We are proud to acknowledge his pivotal role in helping to alleviate the plight of Liberians caused by the Ebola epidemic, through the Urey Foundation.