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UN Urges FATF to Reconsider Actions on Myanmar

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The United Nations (UN) or a related organization has issued a statement urging the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to reconsider its actions regarding Myanmar. The FATF is an intergovernmental organization that aims to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.

Concerns about NGO Regulations in Myanmar

Proposed New Law on NGOs

  • Would require mandatory registration, increase operational restrictions, and curb humanitarian access.
  • Contrary to international law, humanitarian principles, and limit NGOs’ abilities to provide relief to vulnerable populations.

Physical Access Barriers and Interference in Operations

  • Regularly impede physical access of NGOs to communities in need due to movement restrictions and checkpoint investigations.
  • Escalate administrative reporting burden for NGOs, violating global data protection standards.

Safety and Security Risks for NGO Staff/Volunteers

  • Intensification of bureaucratic and administrative impediments exposes individual staff to heightened safety and security risks.

Request for Support from FATF Member States

  1. Recognize the Devastating Humanitarian Impact: Acknowledge the impact of blacklisting on 14.4 million people in need in Myanmar.
  2. Refrain from Compelling Legislative Measures: Avoid compelling states like Myanmar to adopt legislative measures that may jeopardize or curtail legitimate NGO operations.
  3. Apply Focused and Proportionate Measures: Apply measures based on identified risks and threats, in line with international human rights principles and due process norms.

Additional Requests

  • Public Statement: Issue a public statement emphasizing the need for preserving and protecting legitimate NGO activities to ensure continuity of urgent life-saving aid delivery.
  • Recognize Alternative Financial Aid Modalities: Recognize and enable both formal and informal financial aid modalities in Myanmar, such as alternative money transfer systems.