Regulations, policies and even lawsuits can have a chilling effect on the work of humanitarian aid, peacebuilding, development, human rights and other nonprofit organizations. At times, however, government officials make statements or issue guidance indicating that certain activities are permissible. While these do not hold the force of law, and consulting with legal counsel is always advisable, this page contains resources on those statements and guidance.
Featured Resources
Treasury Issues Two General Licenses for Humanitarian Activities in Afghanistan
September 24, 2021 On Sept. 24, 2021, the Department of Treasury issued two general licenses to allow transactions necessary to provide humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan. However, these general licenses do not include similar protections for
Webinar – Are My Peacebuilding Activities Permissible?
The 2010 Supreme Court ruling in Holder v. Humanitarian Law Project had a chilling effect on peacebuilders working abroad and left practitioners worrying that their work might run afoul of US counterterrorism law. Seven years later, many
Permissible Activities for Peacebuilders: New Resource
A new resource on our website outlines permissible activities for peacebuilders. The fact sheet is based on statements by U.S. officials in the Holder v. Humanitarian Law Project case. Since that Supreme Court decision, peacebuilders have faced significant
Analysis: Permissible Activities for Peacebuilders – Based on Statements by U.S. Officials
Since the Supreme Court’s 2010 decision in Holder v. Humanitarian Law Project (HLP), peacebuilding organizations have faced significant uncertainty as to what communications with Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) remain permissible under the prohibition on