ADVERTISEMENT

NGOs say bank anti-terror rules hindering aid

The Syrian Development and Relief Collective, known by its French abbreviation CODSSY, said in an open letter that its ability to provide humanitarian aid was being put at risk.

Many western banks have become reluctant to work with any of the numerous groups offering aid to the country, wary of running afoul of strict rules aimed at choking off funds to jihadist fighters.

"Refusals to open bank accounts, the unexplained closing of accounts, closings of online donation sites, long delays or cancellations of money transfers: The obstacles are numerous," the group said.

"We're asking that controls be tightened, because it protects the banks as well as us," said Ammar Chaker of the Union of Medical Aid and Treatment Organisations, a CODSSY member.

ADVERTISEMENT

"But we need clear procedures and responses to our questions. When a transfer is blocked or refused, we need to understand why so we can provide the necessary information for it," he said.

The letter's signatories noted a pledge in March by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian to triple France's budget for humanitarian aid, so that it could be "one of the pillars of our foreign policy".

"But for this policy to be effective, it's essential that security imperatives do not render all humanitarian actions impossible," they said, urging talks by authorities and banking officials aimed at finding a solution.

The seven-year civil war in Syria has taken a heavy toll on civilians, killed or driven from their homes during the conflict between the regime of President Bashar Al-Assad and opposition rebel groups as well as Islamic State fighters.

An estimated 6.1 million people are now internally displaced in Syria, more than five million have fled the country and 13 million including six million children are in need of aid, according to the UN.

ADVERTISEMENT

More than 700,000 people have been displaced since the start of this year alone as Assad has stepped up his offensive against rebel forces, intensifying the humanitarian crisis.

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

French police detain man who threatened to bomb Iran consulate  in Paris

French police detain man who threatened to bomb Iran consulate in Paris

FCCPC begins fact-finding engagements in markets to crash food prices

FCCPC begins fact-finding engagements in markets to crash food prices

Gunmen kill 13 persons in fresh Plateau attack - Police

Gunmen kill 13 persons in fresh Plateau attack - Police

Aiyedatiwa, 15 other APC aspirants jostle for 171,922 votes at Ondo guber primary

Aiyedatiwa, 15 other APC aspirants jostle for 171,922 votes at Ondo guber primary

Tinubu wants South Korean company to establish production bases in Nigeria

Tinubu wants South Korean company to establish production bases in Nigeria

NCDC remains concerned as mysterious illness continues to spread in 3 northern states

NCDC remains concerned as mysterious illness continues to spread in 3 northern states

Only God gives power, Atiku resigned to fate in WhatsApp chat with supporters

Only God gives power, Atiku resigned to fate in WhatsApp chat with supporters

Why Kogi Assembly can't impeach Ododo over Yahaya Bello's escape - Speaker

Why Kogi Assembly can't impeach Ododo over Yahaya Bello's escape - Speaker

New twist as police detain Yahaya Bello's ADC, security detail for aiding his escape

New twist as police detain Yahaya Bello's ADC, security detail for aiding his escape

Pulse Sports

Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami

Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami

Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe

Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe

Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024

Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT