On Sept. 24 the White House released two documents that are intended to increase protections for the rights of civil society organizations/nonprofits to operate freely, consistent with the rights of association, assembly and expression. The first document is a new Presidential Memorandum — Civil Society that directs federal agencies operating internationally to engage and work with civil society representatives, facilitate exchanges between governments and civil society and oppose unde restrictions on them. A separate Fact Sheet: US Support for Civil Society announces additional programs, including “enhancing efforts with other governments and within intergovernmental bodies to proetect civil society while combatting terrorist activity.” This includes supporting civil society engagement with the Financial Action Task Force. A detailed summary of both documents will be posted soon.
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