Financial Access

The Humanitarian Agenda focuses on identifying opportunities for increased cooperation between donors, financial service providers and humanitarian organizations to address this challenge

Humanitarian relief organizations regularly face challenges accessing financial services and transferring funds in areas where U.S. and international sanctions apply. For financial service providers, uncertainty remains around the legality and liability inherent in processing such transactions. Many providers simply choose not to provide financial services due to anti-money laundering, terrorist financing, or other compliance obligations, and ‘de-risk’ from humanitarian organizations. The Humanitarian Agenda facilitates a working group for leaders from government, financial and humanitarian sectors to highlight current challenges and to find practical and actionable solutions.

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Assessing Economic Crisis Response Options for Afghanistan

As Afghanistan's economic and humanitarian conditions deteriorate, the U.S. government and international stakeholders should identify and implement new proposals to sustain Afghanistan’s economy and support the humanitarian response.

Commentary by Jacob Kurtzer and Alex Zerden — February 9, 2022

U.S. Sanctions Squeeze Humanitarian Assistance in Afghanistan

As the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan deteriorates, the U.S. government should work with all stakeholders to establish a safe payment channel for humanitarian and organizations and financial institutions to move urgently needed funds into Afghanistan.

Critical Questions by Jacob Kurtzer, Kelly Moss, and Sue Eckert — September 29, 2021

Impact of U.S. Sanctions on Aid Delivery in Afghanistan

The CSIS Humanitarian Agenda hosts a discussion on the regulatory and legal challenges to humanitarian assistance and solutions to allow for safe and unimpeded humanitarian assistance to civilians in a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.

Event — September 2, 2021

Four Years On: An Update on the Rohingya Crisis

Four years after being forcibly displaced, 900,000 Rohingya refugees remain in Bangladesh with an uncertain future. The humanitarian community, donors, and Bangladesh government should coordinate an evidence- and needs-based strategy for long-term support.

Commentary by Jacob Kurtzer, Sana Vaidya, and Imrul Islam — August 26, 2021