Since 9/11, measures designed to criminalize financial support for terrorist organizations are increasingly linked to laws and regulations governing charities and nonprofits. The Financial Action Task Force, a global standard-setting body on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, sets recommendations for member states, which in turn promulgate laws and policies to combat illicit finance. In the U.S., the Department of Treasury is responsible for these programs.
Under this framework, repressive regimes and financial institutions can restrict the legitimate activities of civil society through the imposition of extensive legal and financial requirements. The important work that civil society organizations do to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism must be protected.
This page contains information on many aspects of Counter-terrorist Financing, including on the Financial Action Task Force and U.S. Treasury.
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UPDATED: Treasury Data Shows Charities Not Significant Source of Terrorist Support
The Department of Treasury has made broad statements charging the U.S. charitable sector with being a significant source of terrorist financing and support. But evidence to support these claims has not been forthcoming. As a
Anti-Terrorism Financing Overview
Since 9/11, measures designed to criminalize financial support for terrorist organizations are increasingly linked to laws and regulations governing charities and non-profits. Under this framework, repressive regimes and financial institutions can restrict the legitimate
The Impact of Counterterrorism Measures on Charities and Donors After 9/11
There is increasing evidence of the negative impact on all charities of the counter-terrorism measures introduced since 2001.[i] Here are examples from around the world: A printable PDF version of the fact sheet is available here. This fact
Selective Enforcement: Charities Targeted for Harsher Sanctions
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has designated nine U.S. charities as supporters of terrorism, seizing all property, blocking all funds and effectively closing all programs. In contrast,
Treasury Amends Regulations on Legal Services and Payments
ffective as of December 2008, the U.S. Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has expanded its scope of mandatory licensing affecting legal services available under the Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations and payment