The Global Expert Hub on AML/CFT (anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism) currently includes over 80 activists from more than 45 countries. Through the Hub, activists are empowered to apply AML/CFT standards in their local contexts and rebut attacks on their operations.
Sharing and learning. The group promotes peer learning, shares information and good practices, and generates new knowledge on the impact of security- related policies on civic freedoms. It develops guidance, joint research, and evidence on civic space restrictions driven by measures originally aimed at fighting terrorism or financial crimes, but then abused for restrictive purposes.
Engagement with global bodies. Through the Hub, members can provide direct evidence of the impact of AML/CFT rules on their work to FATF and UN counter-terrorism bodies. This leads to positive changes in global attitudes and policies.
Local impact. These actors are the catalysts for change as they are committed to lead local initiatives. They build national and regional coalitions creating resilience and navigation tactics for practitioners. These are used to manage and push back restrictions and further deepen engagement on AML/CFT issues impacting civil society’s day-to-day work in their countries.
Connection. Hub members periodically convene for in-person meetings to connect, share strategies, increase understanding on new topics and identify global and regional advocacy opportunities. Please find short summary of the global meetings so far below:
2022 Global Meeting
2019 Global Meeting
2018 Global Meeting
Increasing resilience. The Hub supports members’ country-level work through online and offline tools and resources to facilitate learning, mentoring and exchanges. They receive assistance with local advocacy efforts and co-developing push back strategies. Additionally, they continue to engage with different stakeholders that are part of this process to facilitate cross-sector discussion about solutions.
Visit ECNL's Learning Center for more country stories and resources on the impact of security standards on civil society work! And get in touch with us if you want to join the Hub and learn more!