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Homepage introduction text and picture

The problem:

Programs that fight poverty, provide essential services in underserved communities, and promote human rights and peace are being hindered by laws such as the Patriot Act and Executive Order 13224.

Our solution:

Reform US counterterrorism laws and policies so they protect both our national security and the vital work of charities. See our 10 principles that should guide reforms, and a summary of our proposals.

Latest Blog Entries

Response to Matthew Levitt's Take on Due Diligence by Charities (Part 2)
Kay Guinane
August 3, 2010
Response to Matthew Levitt's Take on Due Diligence by Charities (Part 1)
Kay Guinane
July 15, 2010
Supreme Court’s Humanitarian Law Project Ruling Fails the Common Sense Test
Kay Guinane & Suraj K. Sazawal
June 29, 2010
NGO Impartiality May Upset Some, But Is Important for All
Suraj K. Sazawal
June 16, 2010
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News

U.S.’s First Report to UN Human Rights Council Admits Shortcomings
August 30, 2010

On Aug. 20, 2010, the U.S. government made public its report on its human rights record to the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights. The report is one step in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process in which UN member-state’s human rights records is examined once every four years. This is the first time the U.S. has submitted a report on its human rights record, and its work drew mixed reviews from civil rights and liberty advocates who had hoped it would reflect more of the concerns and recommendations raised by the U.S. nonprofit sector. The U.S.’ review before the UN is scheduled for Nov. 5, 2010 in Geneva, Switzerland. 

Letter to President Outlines Reforms Needed to Protect U.S. Charities and Donors
August 16, 2010

On August 11, 2010, more than 40 Muslim, Arab, Sikh and South Asian charities delivered a letter to President Barack Obama asking him to reform federal charitable giving laws and regulations that restrict the humanitarian work of legitimate U.S. charities.  The letter identifies several barriers that harm humanitarian groups, their donors and the people they serve. It also outlines “concrete action” the President can direct the Departments of Justice, State, and Treasury to do to “protect innocent donors and charities.”  

Documents Reveal Rampant Government Surveillance on Washington State Activists
August 13, 2010

Documents released on Aug. 4, 2010 by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) reveal widespread government surveillance of political activists in Washington State.   Obtained through records requests to several government agencies, the public documents demonstrate anti-war groups have been the target of repeated infiltration by law enforcement officials from 2006-2010. According to the ACLU, the documents "reveal a disturbing abuse and misuse of government resources.”   

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