Bills passed by Congress and signed into law in March include relief for public charities and private foundations with tax-exempt status under IRC Sec. 501(c)(3) whose budget and operations are impacted by the pandemic. This includes forgivable loan programs, incentives to increase charitable giving, and provisions for assisting employees. Find out more at C&SN News. (April 2)
This practical guide outlines the risks that counterterrorism measures pose to principled humanitarian action and suggests actions to consider throughout the project cycle to help mitigate these risks. Access the full guide at the Norwegian Refugee Council. (March 20)
States are currently engaged in the 7th biannual review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. UN Special Rapporteur Fionnuala Ni Aolain analyzes the four pillars of the strategy, weighs the risk expanding government counterterrorism architecture poses on human rights, and makes several suggestions to protect civil liberties in the wake of COVID-19. Read the full story at Just Security. (March 30)
The European Union has been criticized by the Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network (PNGO) for an “anti-terror” clause, which lists several official Palestinian Authority political parties as terrorist organizations. The EU is now in talks with the PNGOs to clarify the grant agreements. Megan Giovannetti reports at Al Monitor. (March 29)
Authorities worldwide are using the coronavirus as a pretext to crack down on human rights for political purposes. Though some limitations are undoubtedly necessary to address a pandemic, there is a real risk that this crisis could trigger a lasting global backslide in fundamental freedoms — and it’s already started. Allie Funk and Isabel Linzer provide opinion at The Washington Post. (March 20)
The COVID-19 pandemic presents a grave threat to public health, but emergency measures adopted to combat the dangers can also have discriminatory impacts and harmful effects, and can be extended and repurposed after a crisis has passed. Freedom House calls on governments to protect civil and political rights during and after the pandemic. Read the report at Freedom House. (March 24)
The Federal Reserve is temporarily dialing back its bank examination and inspection activities, and will give banks more time to address issues flagged in past exams to help banks navigate the coronavirus pandemic. Jon Hill reports at Law 360. (March 24)
In the latest podcast from AML Rightsource, host John Byrne interviews Amit Sharma, CEO of Finclusion on how technology can promote more financial inclusion among underserved communities. Additionally, the two discuss a new tool for those looking for enhanced AML compliance advice. Listen to the podcast at AML Rightsource.
The United Nations has urged donors to continue funding aid work in Houthi-held north Yemen, following the United States decision to cut aid to the region due to interference and aid diversion to rebels. James Reinl reports at The National. (March 28)
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) announced it would suspend some activities in Libya in response to the coronavirus outbreak, sparking concern among refugee camps that they would lose access to critical aid. Read Sally Hayden’s story at The Guardian. (March 24)
With borders now closing around the world and health services coming under huge strain as COVID-19 spreads, the humanitarian sector is scrambling to adapt to new challenges while continuing to provide assistance in ongoing emergencies and disasters. Paula Dupraz-Dobias reports at The New Humanitarian. (March 27)
More than 320 Iranian nonprofits have called on the UN secretary general to stop inhumane US sanctions on Iran. The nonprofits argue that sanctions have violated international human rights law. Read the full story by Fatemeh Askarieh at Iran Front Page. (March 28)
Sweeping US sanctions are hampering Iranian efforts to cope with one of the largest coronavirus outbreaks in the world. Sanctions have limited Tehran’s ability to finance and purchase essential items from abroad which are needed to manufacture medicines domestically. Erin Cunningham writes at The Washington Post. (March 29)
Experts analyze the impacts sanctions have had on government and humanitarian efforts in three of the most heavily sanctioned countries in the world. Jenny Lei Ravelo reports at Devex. (March 11)
During the current COVID-19 crisis, containment efforts must be global, and at-risk countries must be able to count on all necessary international assistance. Sanctions by the government of the world’s largest economy make this impossible. Jeffrey Sachs and Francisco Rodriguez argue at Project Syndicate. (March 25)
