International Issues

NGOs in the U.S. are not alone in facing or addressing the obstacles caused by counterterrorism measures.  Different NGOs and governments use a variety of models, produce studies examing critical issues and offer solutions to protect charitable activity. (photo by Patrick Q)

The International Center for Not-For-Profit Law (ICNL) recently introduced the NGO Law Monitor. The NGO Law Monitor seeks to provide up-to-date information on legal issues affecting not-for-profit, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) around the world. The first phase of the project has been completed, with an analysis of 10 countries and 3 regional multilateral organizations.
 

International issues

UN Approves Reforms for Listing and Delisting on Terrorist List

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Date: 
February 1, 2010

The lack of due process in the United Nations' (UN) terrorist watch list has made some governments reluctant to enforce sanctions against those listed.  Responding to these criticisms, and at the urging of human rights advocates, on Dec. 17, 2009 the UN Security Council unanimously passed Resolution 1904, which sets out an improved process and creates greater transparency.  These improvements, supported by the U.S. in the Security Council vote, do not yet apply to the U.S. listing process.

Study: The West Bank Zakat Committees (1977-2009) in the Local Context

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Date: 
December 10, 2009

Emanuel Schaeublin, along with the Center on Conflict, Development and Peacebuilding in Switzerland, has published a study about the role of zakat committees in the West Bank and Gaza, and the effects of politics on them. Zakat committees, Schaeublin explains, had been (before 1970) informal groups that operated charitable projects out of mosques in the West Bank. In the 1970s the Jordanian government established more formal committees.The Working Paper draws on interviews with local actors and published research to argue for a more nuanced interpretation of the role of zakat committees within Palestinian society.

Aid Expert Recommends Re-thinking Aid Strategies to Reduce Terrorism

in
Date: 
November 2, 2009

Denis Dragovic spent three years in Iraq in senior positions with U.S. based nongovernmental organizations, and has extensive experience in emergency response and post-conflict environments in Asia, the Middle East and Africa.  In an Oct. 5, 2009 Journal of Humanitarian Assistance article titled Terrorism and the Aid Industry: A Back to Basics Plan, he argues that now is the time for an approach to the relationship between aid and reducing terrorism "that recognizes the importance of how aid is being delivered and not just how much, an approach that recognizes the opportunity to tackle poverty and violent extremism concurrently rather than prioritizing national security and combating extremism through the cooption and at the expense of the poverty alleviation agenda."

International Commission of Jurists Report Calls for Change in Counterterrorism Laws

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Date: 
May 11, 2009

After a three year investigation of the worldwide impact of counterterrorism laws in 40 countries, including 16 hearings, the prestigious International Commission of Jurists released a report Assessing the Damage, Urging Action.  It finds that many governments, including the U.S., have "confronted the threat of terrorism with ill-conceived measures that have undermined cherished values and resulted in serious human rights violations."  It calls on governments to re-asses their strategies and not let temporary measures become permanent.&n

Study: Public Opinion Could Predict Terrorism

in
Date: 
September 30, 2009

Can public attitudes predict future terrorist attacks? According to a September 2009 study, evidence suggests when people of one country disapprove of the leadership of another country there is greater likelihood of international terrorism by groups from the original country. Authored by the Czech Academy of Sciences and Alan Krueger (prior to becoming the appointed Assistant Secretary for Economic Policy at the Department of Treasury) the study was published in Science Magazine.

The UK Charity Commission: Focus on Problem Solving, Program Beneficiaries

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In the United Kingdom (UK) the Charity Commission, an independent regulator for charities in England and Wales, uses a vastly different approach to the issue of charities and counterterrorism than the U.S. In March 2009 the Charity and Security Network interviewed David Walker, Head of Compliance Outreach and Development and Sarah Jane Digby, Regional Manager sub-Saharan Africa International Programs, in the Commission’s London office. Here is what we learned.

Report: US and EU Must Rethink Counterterrorism Measures that Violate Our Shared Values

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Date: 
June 15, 2009

On May 27, 2009, Anthony Dworkin of the European Council on Foreign Relations published a report, Beyond the "War on Terror": Towards a New Transatlantic Framework for Counterterrorism, that calls on European leaders to recommit to finding common ground with the U.S. on shaping future counterterrorism policies. 

Charitable Work Promotes Our National Security

in
Date: 
July 31, 2009
Author: 
Suraj K. Sazawal

On July 29, 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee of Foreign Affairs held a hearing on U.N. peacekeeping missions. Opinions varied on determining peacekeeping priorities, but there was near unanimity about the need for the U.S. to take meaningful steps toward reducing the primary causes of violent extremism around the world as a way to improve our national security.

US, EU Grantmaker Groups Publish Accountability Principles for International Philanthropy

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The Council on Foundations (COF) and the European Foundation Center have published Principles of Accountability for International Philanthropy, the result of a two-year consultative process of grantmakers and stakeholders from four continents. The COF press release announcing the document says:

Clinton's Speech Stresses "A New Generation" for State and Civil Society Relations

in
Date: 
May 11, 2009

Speaking at the Global Philanthropy Forum Conference in Washington, D.C., Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton told the audience that the State Department's doors are "wide open" to engage and collaborate with civil society organizations. The April 22, 2009 speech served as another platform for Clinton to promote her "smart power" strategy that emphasizes an increased role for aid and development in American foreign policy.