NGO Joint Statement on the Impact of Counterterrorism Measures and Sanctions on Humanitarian Action
Ahead of the European Humanitarian Forum (EHF) from the 21 to the 23 of March, World Patients Alliance (WPA) along with 50 NGOs and 7 networks of NGOs have written a statement welcoming an agenda that includes sessions highlighting the challenges regarding the impact of restrictive measures on humanitarian action. The statement calls upon agreement on concrete approaches to safeguard humanitarian principles and aid organisations’ capacities for delivering assistance to people in need. Moreover, the joint statement also asks for to make clear common commitments, regarding donors, aid organisations, the private sector, and financial operators to facilitate consistent application of terrorism financing prevention mechanisms allowing the swift and principled delivery of aid.
It is essential that: ○ EU Member states protect open access to the banking system for aid organisations, which is the safest mechanism to support the necessary financial services for humanitarian and development aid; and ○ EU Member states and donors should recognise the principle of nondiscrimination for the beneficiaries of aid and therefore should not request beneficiary screening.