Reminder for charities working in areas where terrorist groups operate

Following recent events in Nairobi, the Charity Commission, the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales, has issued a regulatory alert to charities providing humanitarian aid in areas where terrorist and militant groups operate.

The Commission is reminding charities to make sure they are aware of the risks that their funds may be diverted for terrorist purposes and of their duty to report any suspicions to the police.

The events in Nairobi in September 2013 remind us all about the risks posed by terrorist groups and the risks that terrorist groups pose to society.

Charities working in conflict zones or in regions where it is known that terrorist organisations operate need to manage risks to the security of staff, funds and aid materials. This is particularly so at the moment for charities working to provide humanitarian aid in Syria and surrounding countries and in parts of Africa.

William Shawcross, Chairman of the Charity Commission, said:

"The misuse of charitable funds for terrorist purposes is a despicable perversion of everything charity stands for, and a betrayal of those working to deliver humanitarian aid and the public whose donations fund it. Tackling any such abuse is a top priority for the Charity Commission and one to which I am personally very committed.

“The terrible events in Nairobi remind us once again of the threat that terrorist groups pose to civil society. Charities providing humanitarian aid in areas where terrorist groups operate must be alert to the risks and mindful of their duties.”

The alert to charities is available on the Charity Commission’s website: http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/our-regulatory-work/how-we-regulate-charities/alerts-and-warnings/reminder-for-charities-operating-in-areas-where-terrorist-groups-operate/


For further details please contact the press office

Notes to Editors

1. The Charity Commission is the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales. See www.charitycommission.gov.uk for further information.

2. Our mission is to be the independent registrar and regulator of charities in England and Wales, acting in the public’s interest, to ensure that:

• Charities know what they have to do
• The public know what charities do
• Charities are held to account