The U.S. counterterrorism framework impedes the work of legitimate nonprofit organizations (NPOs) in two ways: first, it prohibits anyone from engaging in a wide range of broadly defined activities that involve listed terrorist organizations, regardless of the purpose or intent behind such engagement. Violating “material support” laws can result in criminal prosecution, extensive jail time, and fines.
Second, it allows the government to list U.S. charities as supporters of designated terrorist organizations and thereby seize their assets, including their donations, without the benefit of basic due process rights such as notification or adequate opportunity to challenge the listing.
Read more about this issue in our Background section.
Featured Resources
C&SN’s Year in Review: 2023
Throughout 2023, eruptions of conflict and multiple natural disasters in regions already burdened by violence and inequity compounded the turmoil experienced by millions. Yet, because conflict zones and politically unstable regions are often subject to
U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Lawfare Attack Against the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights
Washington, D.C. - On Jan. 22, 2024, the Supreme Court of the United States declined to review a lawsuit filed by the Jewish National Fund (JNF) and several U.S. citizens who live in Israel against
C&SN Urges President Biden to Resist Calls to Designate the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization
Washington, D.C. - The Charity & Security Network (C&SN), a coalition of more than 500 civil society representatives dedicated to protecting the rights of nonprofit organizations (NPOs) that help communities and address pressing human rights
Material Support Allegations Against Palestinian Groups Lack Evidence: Old Tactics, New Situation
Washington, D.C. - Since the beginning of the current crisis in Palestine-Israel, the Charity & Security Network (C&SN) has observed with concern the weaponization of the U.S. material support statutes against U.S.-based Palestinian organizations and
C&SN Statement on the Conflict in Palestine and Israel: Safe and Secure Access for Humanitarian Aid and Peacebuilding Processes Must Be Maintained
Following the eruption of violence taking place in Palestine and Israel since Oct. 7, the Charity & Security Network (C&SN) is deeply saddened by the considerable loss of civilian lives and emphasizes the importance of
C&SN Presents at PeaceCon 2023: U.S. Material Support Prohibition to Terrorist Organizations Undermines Peacebuilding
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RrzLtwLaIc On May 5, 2023, the Charity & Security Network (C&SN), in partnership with the Alliance for Peacebuilding (AfP) and the International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN), presented at PeaceCon 2023 a session