Bi-weekly News and Opinion Roundup - December 5, 2022

Call for Inputs: Global Study on the Impact of Counter-Terrorism Measures on Civil Society and Civic Space

This forthcoming independent global study will be the first to evaluate the impact of counter-terrorism measures on civil society and civic space. Civil society, UN Member States, and regional and international organizations can submit input until the December 31, 2022 deadline. Guidelines found at UN OHCHR.  

Last Chance: December 6 Deadline for Comments to FATF on Beneficial Ownership

The FATF is accepting comments on the draft Guidance on R.24 and amendments to R.25 until December 6 (18:00 CST). C&SN is collaborating with the Global NPO Coalition on FATF on a Coalition submission for both papers. Please reach out to Ashleigh if you have any last-minute input. Submission guidelines can be found on the R.24 and R.25 calls for input. Find the agenda from the public consultation FATF held on this on Friday, December 2. 

How Congress Can Break Down Barriers to GFA Implementation

Alliance for Peacebuilding’s policy brief outlines how the U.S. government can—through close partnership, buy-in, and sustained commitment—ensure successful implementation of the Global Fragility Act (GFA).

Beyond the 2001 Paradigm: Counterterrorism and the U.N. Security Council Since 9/11

The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) held a discussion reviewing Securing the Future Initiative’s report on UN Security Council counterterrorism policies over the last twenty years. Watch the recording at USIP. (Dec. 1)

Leadership Conference, Brennan Center Question Biden Counter-terrorism Strategy

Critics state that the Biden administration’s strategy to combat domestic extremism and white supremacy relies too heavily on methods that risk unnecessarily targeting and profiling Black and Brown communities. David Nakamura reports at The Washington Post. (Dec. 1)

Mind the Gap: UNSC Counterterrorism, Sanctions, and Humanitarian Action

Despite sharing a common goal in promoting peace and stability, institutional counterterrorism efforts have undermined civil society-led humanitarian and peacebuilding efforts. Naureen Chowdhury Fink explores the phenomenon at IPI Global Observatory. (Dec. 1)

UN Budget vs. Rhetoric: Touting “Agenda for Peace” But Investing in Counterterrorism Instead?

Although counterterrorism was not previously included as a UN strategic priority, a new framework calls for a 400 percent counterterrorism budget increase in 2023 and a 700 percent increase in 2024. Jordan Street analyzes at Just Security. (Dec. 1)

US Considering Designating Russia's Wagner Group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization

The Biden administration has previously resisted the designation, believing it would hinder the ability to provide aid to Ukraine. Kylie Atwood reports at CNN. (Nov. 30)

To Designate or Not? Russia and SST Status

Jocelyn Trainer at Lawfare argues that designating Russia a state-sponsor of terrorism will narrow the diplomatic and humanitarian space. She instead calls for a measured approach to condemning Russian aggression while limiting unintended consequences. (Nov. 29)

Reflecting the UN’s Core Mission in its Counterterrorism Efforts: Interview with Fionnuala Ní Aoláin

“We have no comprehensive monitoring and evaluation in counterterrorism, so we don’t know if any of these efforts work to advance security and to support peace.” The UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism discusses the findings of her latest report. C&SN had contributed input to the report along with several civil society and UN member state representatives. Read the full interview at IPI Global Observatory. (Oct. 18)

The New Humanitarian | Key Takeaways from the UN’s Humanitarian Appeal for 2023

Despite record breaking budgetary needs forecasted in 2023, the funding gap continues to widen. Irwin Loy and Jessica Alexander provide breakdown at The New Humanitarian. (Dec. 1)

Think Tanks May Need To Rethink FARA Registration

Following 2022 DOJ guidance on FARA registration requirements for nonprofits, “Think Tanks” receiving funds from foreign governments may come under increased scrutiny. Derrick Kyle and Alex Dieter analyze at Mondaq. (Nov. 28)

Rep. Omar and Sen. Warren Lead Letter Calling on Regulators to Improve Banking Access for Communities of Color

“Many Muslim and Arab, Middle Eastern and South Asian Americans, simply because of their connections — real or perceived — have been systematically cut off from financial services.” C&SN supported Omar’s office on this letter and provided input. Read the full letter at Rep. Omar’s Office. (Dec. 2)

Who Sets the Rules for Global Banking?

Jeff Schechtman provides a comprehensive breakdown of the FATF on the Who What Why Podcast. (Nov. 25)

US Treasury Follows Up On Action Plan to Mitigate the Illicit Finance Risks of Digital Assets

The Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes at the US Treasury, Elizabeth Rosenberg, addressed the need for regulatory clarity on the virtual assets. Read the story at Comply Advantage. (Nov. 25)

South Africa: Financial Action Task Force’s Potential Greylisting

Greylisting would cause a chilling effect on foreign investment, raise international scrutiny on finance, and complicate business and nonprofit operations. Baker McKenzie provides analysis at Lexology. (Nov. 25)

Luxembourg Court Ruling

In a court ruling the 2019 anti-money-laundering directive - the provision whereby the information on the beneficial ownership of companies incorporated within the territory of the Member States is accessible in all cases to any member of the general public - was ruled invalid. Read the press release at the Court of Justice of the European Union. (Nov. 22)

To Save Lives, UN Must Deal with Oligarchs, Terrorists, and Extremists

Engaging with Russian oligarchs is the latest example of the necessity in engaging all sides of a conflict in order to deliver humanitarian aid or facilitate effective peacebuilding. Colum Lynch writes at Devex. (Nov. 28)

Banks Failing to Comply with Anti-corruption Rules and Sanctions Lists

A study has found that criminals including terrorists and tax evaders, as well as government officials subject to sanctions, can easily breach regulations meant to bar them from the international finance system. David Batty reports at The Guardian. (Dec. 1)

The US Needs a Sanctions Policy Revolution

John Bolton argues that sanctions must be more aggressive and comprehensive to ensure targeted entities are unable to bypass the measures. Read Bolton’s full opinion on The Hill. (Dec. 1)

Please note: C&SN does not support the use of broad-based and sweeping sanctions, due to their lack of clear policy objectives, targeting of whole countries and economies, and harmful impacts on humanitarian aid and peacebuilding activities.

Experts React: As the US Eases Oil Sanctions, is Venezuela Coming in from the Cold?

Lifting of sanctions set to enable UN-led humanitarian cooperation. Read the report at the Atlantic Council. (Nov. 27)

Humanitarian Exemptions in Unilateral Sanctions Regimes Ineffective and Inefficient: UN Experts

“We are seriously concerned at the deep social, economic and humanitarian disruptions caused by extensive and multifaceted restrictions emanating from both targeted, sectoral, economic and financial unilateral sanctions regimes…” Read the full statement at UN OHCHR. (Nov. 23)

US Sanctions, Trade and Visa Restrictions on Ethiopia and Eritrea

U.S. sanctions and other restrictions on Ethiopia and Eritrea may persist despite a recent peace deal between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. The National Law Review provides guidance on navigating sanctions. (Nov. 21)