Financial Action Task Force Guidelines Raise Concerns Over Human Rights in Estonia

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global watchdog on anti-money laundering and terrorist financing, has been criticized for its guidelines that some say are being used by repressive governments to suppress civil society and limit dissent.

FATF’s Program of Promoting Financial Regulation: A Concerning Trend

According to a 2012 report by Statewatch and the Transnational Institute, FATF’s program of promoting financial regulation has been abused by governments to cut back on the space of civil society. The report found that FATF rules are being used to restrict access to financial resources for development, conflict resolution, and human rights work.

Estonia’s Use of FATF Guidelines: A Threat to Civil Society

The Estonian government has been accused of using FATF guidelines to exert control over non-profit organizations (NPOs) operating in the country. According to sources, NPOs in Estonia must comply with strict regulations that limit their ability to receive foreign donations and operate independently.

• These restrictions are inconsistent with international human rights law, which guarantees the right of association and freedom of expression.
• The Estonian government has not commented publicly on these concerns, but human rights activists say that the country’s NPOs are already facing significant challenges in accessing funding and operating freely.

UN Special Rapporteur Calls for Revision of FATF Guidelines

The UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, Maina Kiai, has called for FATF guidelines to be revised to protect civil society from undue restrictions. “It is unacceptable that governments like Estonia are using FATF guidelines as an excuse to crack down on civil society,” said a spokesperson for the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders.

A Call to Action: Implementing FATF Guidelines in a Way that Respects International Human Rights Standards

The Estonian government has been urged to implement FATF guidelines in a way that respects international human rights standards and protects civil society from undue restrictions. “These restrictions undermine the ability of NPOs to promote and protect human rights, including the right to freedom of association,” said a spokesperson for the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders.

Learn More

For more information on this issue, please see: http://www.charityandsecurity.org/FATF_Overview.