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Counterterrorism & Security

Since September 11, 2001, governments have adopted and strengthened measures and agreed on mechanisms to coordinate efforts at the global level.

While recognizing the importance of these efforts, ICNL works in cooperation with our partners to promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in policymaking on counterterrorism and security at all levels.

Highlights

Crowd marching with signs that read "TIME FOR CHANGE" and "SILENCE IS VIOLENCE"

State Domestic Terrorism Laws in the United States

This report draws on a first of its kind ICNL database of state domestic terrorism statutes to warn about the chilling impact these laws can have for U.S. civil society and to provide key takeaways for policymakers at both the federal and state level.

Global Study on the Impact of Counter-Terrorism on Civil Society & Civic Space

This study, co-written by UN Special Rapporteur Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, synthesizes extensive research and evidence regarding the intersection of counterterrorism strategies with civil society and civic space.

The Financial Action Task Force: A Toolkit for Non-Profit Organizations

This ICNL toolkit introduces non-profit organizations to the Financial Action Task Force, which sets international standards on anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism.

Financial Action Task Force

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is the main intergovernmental body setting international standards to prevent money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Recommendation 8 of the FATF guidelines addresses the regulation of civil society organizations.

FATF Recommendation 8

Recommendation 8 and its interpretive note describe how countries should counter the financing of terrorism in the nonprofit sector. In some contexts, states have used it to justify excessive restrictions ciil society in FATF’s name.

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Positive Practices in Implementation of FATF Recommendation 8

This guide uses concrete examples to show how states can comply with FATF Recommendations relevant to non-profit organizations while promoting an enabling environment for the sector.

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More FATF Resources

▷ Venezuela’s New Banking Risk Management Rules Contravene International Standards

▷ ICNL’s Analysis of FATF Findings on India

▷ FATF in the Middle East and North Africa

▷ FATF Standards and Their Misuse in Africa

▷ FATF’s Publication Library

Other Useful Resources

Counterterrorism & the UN

• UN Special Rapporteur on counter-terrorism and human rights: Homepage of the independent expert appointed by the Human Rights Council to monitor, report, and advise on how states can uphold human rights while countering terrorism.

• United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy: Originally adopted in 2006, this global instrument is designed to enhance national, regional and international efforts to counter terrorism. It is reviewed every two years, with the next review scheduled for 2026.

Banking & Financial Regulations

• Understanding the drivers and impact of “de-risking” on Civil Society Organizations: This report examines the phenomenon of de-risking, which occurs when banks seek to avoid the regulatory risk associated with AML/CFT by denying services or imposing conditions on clients.

• Banking Nonprofit Organizations – the Way Forward: This paper discusses ways in which security-focused regulation of the financial sector results in adverse de-risking of civil society organizations.

• United States: Evolving Threats to the Tax-Exempt Status of 501(c)(3) Nonprofits

• The Impact of Counterterrorism Measures in Myanmar: ICNL’s Submission to the UN Special Rapporteur

All Counterterrorism & Security Related Resources

Tunisia’s Implementation of FATF Recommendation No. 8 and Its Impact on Freedom of Association

May 18, 2026

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