News

The Charity and Security Network monitors U.S. and foreign government activities and a wide range of news sources to identify developments in national security policy that impact American charities and foundations. We collect and disseminate this information - with a focus on its impact on civil society and nonprofit organizations.

 

News

Charity's Fourth and Fifth Amendments Violated By Treasury’s Unchecked Investigative Powers

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Date: 
August 21, 2009

On Aug. 18, 2009, a federal judge ruled the Treasury Department’s seizure of a charity’s assets without notice or means of appeal is a violation of the Fourth and Fifth Amendments. If the 100 page order is upheld, the ruling challenges the emergency measure passed two weeks after 9/11 that allows Treasury to shut down any organization suspected of financing terrorists without warrants or court approval.  A hearing to address additional issues has been set for Sept. 21.

Geneva Conventions Turn 60: Still Relevant for NGOs in Conflict Zones

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Date: 
August 14, 2009

The 60 year anniversary of the four Geneva Conventions served as the backdrop for an appeal to protect vulnerable citizens who have become increasingly targeted in contemporary warfare. At a ceremony in Geneva on Aug. 12, 2009, Jakob Kellenberger, the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned that under International Humanitarian Law (IHL) political and military goals cannot supercede the humanitarian imperative. 

Farmer Unlikely to be Named Head of USAID

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Date: 
August 12, 2009

Rumors of Paul Farmer becoming the next USAID Administer are losing steam. According to Foreign Policy, the White House is believed to have removed his name from consideration. No official statement or explanation was made and the position remains vacant. Despite a career in foreign assistance that many foreign policy experts have praised as “visionary and inspiring”, some critics have questioned Farmer’s preparedness to handle the prodigious bureaucracy at USAID.  

Senate Committee Says USAID Must Reconsider Proposed Vetting System

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Date: 
August 7, 2009

Seeking a “comprehensive review” of USAID’s proposed Partner Vetting System (PVS), a Senate appropriations bill (S. 1434) would halt implementation pending full review by the yet-to-be named USAID Administrator. The Senate State, Foreign Operations Appropriations Committee approved the bill on July 9, 2009. It mandates nongovernmental organization (NGO) involvement in further inquiry of the “scope, methodology and effect” of PVS. Although the rule went into effect Aug. 4, 2009, implementation will be delayed until the new Administrator is in place. The Senate review requirement is a significant victory for nonprofits, who have opposed PVS as ineffective, wasteful and potentially dangerous for NGO workers abroad.

Fusion Center Analyst “Caught” Spying on Peace Protestors

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Date: 
July 31, 2009

Washington State peace activists allege that an army intelligence analyst infiltrated their group and collected private information that was later shared with several law enforcement agencies.  Discovered through a public records request, the covert surveillance of civilian organizations by a military official is the latest threat to First Amendment rights, and questions surrounding the legality of these activities have been raised.

Survey Finds Americans Adverse to Supporting Muslim Charities

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Date: 
July 23, 2009

An extensive July 2008 poll found that Americans are more in favor of the government financially supporting Christian or interfaith humanitarian aid groups rather than their Muslim counterparts. The poll, conducted by The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, a nonpartisan group that analyzes foreign policy data, showed that 70 percent of Americans "oppose funding for Muslim organizations" while Christian and interfaith charities

"Terrorism" Toolkit Will Offer Guidance to Charities

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July 20, 2009

As counterterrorism measures continue to evolve, the UK Charity Commission has begun collecting information for developing a toolkit for charities on how to deal with terrorism legislation and related measures in their sector.  They are requesting charities and NGOs to submit examples of situations and issues affecting them that the Commission should examine and possibly include in the toolkit.  More information is available from British Overseas NGOs for Development

Court Rules Government Must Demonstrate Scholar Knowingly Supported Terrorism

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Date: 
July 20, 2009

On July 17, 2009, a federal appeals court overturned a ruling that allowed the U.S. government to deny a Swiss Muslim scholar entry into the country for contributing to a charity that was later determined to have connections to terrorism.  The ruling remands Tariq Ramadan's case back to a lower court where the government will have to demonstrate that he knowingly donated to a group sponsoring violence.

Lengthy Vetting Process Holding Up Top USAID Appointment

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Date: 
July 17, 2009

Secretary Clinton is frustrated over the slow vetting process of potential candidates for the USAID administrator. Representative Howard Berman agrees.  Grassroots International is anticipating the eventual nomination of Paul Farmer for the head of USAID.

DOJ Asks Supreme Court to Hear Case on Definitions of "Material Support" of Terrorism

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Date: 
July 16, 2009

On June 4, 2009 the Department of Justice (DOJ) asked the Supreme Court to review a ruling on three elements of the definition of prohibited material support of terrorism. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that definitions of "training," "expert advice or assistance" derived from specialized knowledge" and "service" are unconstitutionally vague as applied to the Humanitarian Law Project's (HLP) plan to provide human rights and conflict resolution training to two designated terrorist organizations.  HLP filed an opposition brief on July 6, along with a counter-petition asking the court to consider additional issues if it accepts the case. A decision is expected in the fall. If the Supreme Court grant the DOJ petition review will be limited to the narrow issues in the case and not consider whether there should be a humanitarian aid exemption.