Latest news with #INGOs
Business Recorder
05-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Rs415 billion in losses raise alarms over tobacco enforcement
While regulators tighten the noose around Pakistan's formal tobacco sector, the real threat is expanding in plain sight. Illicit cigarette brands—untaxed, unregulated, and widely available—have captured more than half the market. They pay nothing, follow no rules, and yet continue to grow. The law is chasing what is visible, not what is dangerous. The formal industry, despite contributing nearly Rs270 billion in taxes each year, now controls only 46 percent of the market. The remaining share belongs to illegal operators selling cigarettes at a fraction of legal prices. This thriving black market is causing an annual loss of over Rs415 billion revenue that could have supported healthcare, education, or debt relief. Instead, it is being lost to unchecked trade networks and lack of enforcement. Much of the blame lies with those who claimed to champion public health. Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and Vital Strategies ran campaigns targeting the regulated industry while staying silent on the illicit trade that now dominates the market. Last year, the government shut down both INGOs for operating without registration, funding local entities without approvals, and engaging in policy circles unlawfully. Their work, once seen as advocacy, is now under scrutiny for policy interference and regulatory evasion. 'This is not about tobacco anymore,' said Fawad Khan, spokesperson for Mustehkam Pakistan. 'It is about survival. When lawbreakers take over the market and face no consequences, the whole system starts to collapse. We are rewarding the illegal and punishing the legal—and everyone in the country is paying for it.' At the same time, the IMF continues to push Pakistan to broaden its tax base and reduce leakages. But fiscal targets cannot be met if entire sectors remain outside the net. Experts argue that unless enforcement expands to include illegal trade, even the most disciplined revenue policies will fall short. The issue is no longer about raising taxes—it is about applying them fairly.
Libya Review
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Libya Moves to Regulate International NGOs' Work
The Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation held an extensive meeting on Saturday to address the regulation of international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) operating within Libyan territory. The meeting was convened in accordance with directives from Foreign Minister Abdelhadi Al-Hwaij. The session was chaired by Jabr Al-Athram, Director of the Department of Civil Society Organizations, with participation from representatives of several INGOs. Discussions centered on the importance of direct coordination with the Foreign Ministry as the primary regulatory body for international partners in Libya. Participants emphasized the need for NGOs to collaborate with accredited local partners to ensure that their projects align with Libya's national priorities and actual humanitarian needs. Al-Athram underlined that the Foreign Ministry serves as the official gateway for all international NGOs. He called for the signing of clear memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to guarantee transparency and foster effective partnerships. The meeting also highlighted the importance of ensuring that humanitarian interventions and development programs are consistent with national policy frameworks and legal systems, in a way that preserves Libyan sovereignty while balancing international humanitarian standards. Among the attendees were Mohamed Al-Zaidi, Director of the Strategic Planning Office at the Ministry, as well as several officials from the departments responsible for international organizations and civil society affairs. This initiative reflects Libya's broader effort to regulate the humanitarian sector, improve coordination, and streamline foreign assistance under unified national oversight. Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations. Libya's economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy. The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions. The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition. Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges. Tags: Abdelhadi Al-HwaijCivil SocietylibyaNGOs
Middle East Eye
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
Oxfam calls for urgent action over new Israeli NGO registration rules
Oxfam and 54 other organisations have called on the international community to take action against Israel's new registration rules for international NGOs. The organisations argue that the rules, which impose vague and politically motivated criteria, threaten to silence humanitarian efforts and further entrench Israeli control over Palestinian territories. 'These rules appear designed to assert control over independent humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding operations,' Oxfam said in a statement. The new regulations, which could lead to the de-registration of existing INGOs, make it harder for organisations to operate by introducing politically charged disqualifiers, such as supporting accountability for Israeli violations of international law. Oxfam warns that these measures are not routine but signal a dangerous escalation in restrictions on humanitarian work, potentially forcing organisations to choose between delivering aid or advocating for international law. 'Humanitarian and human rights advocacy is being framed as a threat to the state,' Oxfam added, highlighting the risk to organisations simply for speaking out against violations they witness.
Scoop
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Israel's New INGO Registration Measures Are A Grave Threat To Humanitarian Operations & International Law
Press Release – Doctors Without Borders Under the new provisions, INGOs already registered in Israel may face de-registration, while new applicants risk rejection based on arbitrary, politicised allegations, such as delegitimising Israel or expressing support for accountability for … The undersigned 55 organisations operating in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) call for urgent action from the international community against new Israeli registration rules for international NGOs. Based on vague, broad, politicised, and open-ended criteria, these rules appear designed to assert control over independent humanitarian, development and peacebuilding operations, silence advocacy grounded in international humanitarian and human rights law, and further entrench Israeli control and de facto annexation of the occupied Palestinian territory. For over a year and a half, humanitarian organisations have continued operating despite unprecedented constraints. In 2024, they reached millions of people across the oPt with essential services – from food and water to mobile clinics, legal aid, and education. The new registration rules now threaten to shut this work down. These measures go beyond routine policy. They mark a serious escalation in restrictions on humanitarian and civic space and risk setting a dangerous precedent. Under the new provisions, INGOs already registered in Israel may face de-registration, while new applicants risk rejection based on arbitrary, politicised allegations, such as 'delegitimising Israel' or expressing support for accountability for Israeli violations of international law. Other disqualifiers include public support for a boycott of Israel within the past seven years (by staff, a partner, board member, or founder) or failure to meet exhaustive reporting requirements. By framing humanitarian and human rights advocacy as a threat to the state, Israeli authorities can shut out organisations merely for speaking out about conditions they witness on the ground, forcing INGOs to choose between delivering aid and promoting respect for the protections owed to affected people. INGOs are further required to submit complete staff lists and other sensitive information about staff and their families to Israel when applying for registration. In a context where humanitarian and healthcare workers are routinely subject to harassment, detention, and direct attacks, this raises serious protection concerns. These new rules are part of a broader, long-term crackdown on humanitarian and civic space, marked by heightened surveillance and attacks, and a series of actions that restrict humanitarian access, compromise staff safety, and undermine core principles of humanitarian action. They are not isolated but part of a wider pattern that includes: Blocking or delaying aid through arbitrary bureaucratic restrictions, logistical obstacles, and complete sieges, denying essential lifesaving supplies to Palestinians. Killing more than 400 humanitarian workers in Gaza, injuring and detaining countless others, and repeatedly attacking marked and notified humanitarian premises, facilities or convoys. Passing legislation aimed at curtailing the operations of UNRWA, the largest provider of essential services for Palestinians. Advancing legislation to impose a tax of up to 80 per cent on foreign government funding to Israeli NGOs, while barring them from seeking recourse through the Israeli court system – including organisations that serve as partners for INGOs to deliver assistance and uphold protections in communities facing displacement, demolitions, or settler violence. Suspending work visas for international staff and revoking permits for Palestinians residing in the West Bank to access Jerusalem, severely disrupting operations. And now, making INGO registration conditional on political and ideological alignment, undermining the neutrality, impartiality and independence of humanitarian actors. Under international humanitarian law, occupying powers are obligated to facilitate impartial humanitarian assistance and ensure the welfare of the protected population. Any attempt to condition humanitarian access on political alignment or penalise organisations for fulfilling their mandate risks breaching this framework. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to allow unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza in three legally binding provisional measures orders in 2024. Yet, these new rules expand and institutionalise existing barriers to aid. We call on States, donors, and the international community to: Use all possible means to protect humanitarian operations from measures that compromise neutrality, independence, and access – including staff list requirements, political vetting, and vague revocation clauses. Take concrete political and diplomatic action beyond statements of concern to ensure unhindered humanitarian access and prevent the erosion of principled aid delivery. Support INGOs and Palestinian and Israeli civil society organisations through legal assistance, diplomatic support, and flexible funding to help mitigate legal, financial, and reputational risks. Donors must defend principled humanitarian and human rights work. The undersigned 55 organisations stress that engagement with the registration process to preserve critical humanitarian operations should not be misinterpreted as endorsement of these measures. These 55 organisations remain committed to the delivery of humanitarian aid, along with development and peacebuilding services and activities that are independent, impartial, and based on need, in full accordance with international law and the humanitarian principles derived from it. INGOs stand ready to engage with Israeli authorities in good faith on administrative processes but cannot accept measures that penalise principled humanitarian work or expose staff to retaliation. These measures not only undermine assistance in the oPt but also set a dangerous precedent for humanitarian operations globally. Signatories Act Church of Sweden ActionAid Alianza / ActionAid Spain (ApS/AAS) American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) Anera Asamblea de Cooperación Por la Paz (ACPP) Asociación Paz con Dignidad CARE International CESVI Children Not Numbers Christian Aid CIDSE – International family of Catholic social justice organisations Cooperazione Internazionale Sud Sud (CISS) COSPE DanChurchAid (DCA) Danish House in Palestine Diakonia Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe forumZFD Global Communities HEKS/EPER Humanity First UK Humanity & Inclusion – Handicap International IM Swedish Development Partner International Media Support (IMS) Islamic Relief Worldwide Japan International Volunteer Center (JVC) KURVE Wustrow MedGlobal Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Médecins du Monde (MdM) France Médecins du Monde (MdM) Spain Médecins du Monde (MdM) Switzerland Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) medico international Middle East Children's Alliance (MECA) Movement for Peace (MPDL) Muslim Aid Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) Norwegian People's Aid (NPA) Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Oxfam Pax Christi International Plan International Polish Medical Mission Association (PMM) Première Urgence Internationale (PUI) Relief International (RI) Save the Children International (SCI) Secours Islamique France (SIF) Terre des Hommes (Tdh) Italia Terre des Hommes (Tdh) Lausanne The Center for Mind-Body Medicine War Child Weltfriedensdienst e.V. (world peace service) West Bank Protection Consortium (WBPC)
Scoop
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Israel's New INGO Registration Measures Are A Grave Threat To Humanitarian Operations & International Law
The undersigned 55 organisations operating in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) call for urgent action from the international community against new Israeli registration rules for international NGOs. Based on vague, broad, politicised, and open-ended criteria, these rules appear designed to assert control over independent humanitarian, development and peacebuilding operations, silence advocacy grounded in international humanitarian and human rights law, and further entrench Israeli control and de facto annexation of the occupied Palestinian territory. For over a year and a half, humanitarian organisations have continued operating despite unprecedented constraints. In 2024, they reached millions of people across the oPt with essential services – from food and water to mobile clinics, legal aid, and education. The new registration rules now threaten to shut this work down. These measures go beyond routine policy. They mark a serious escalation in restrictions on humanitarian and civic space and risk setting a dangerous precedent. Under the new provisions, INGOs already registered in Israel may face de-registration, while new applicants risk rejection based on arbitrary, politicised allegations, such as 'delegitimising Israel' or expressing support for accountability for Israeli violations of international law. Other disqualifiers include public support for a boycott of Israel within the past seven years (by staff, a partner, board member, or founder) or failure to meet exhaustive reporting requirements. By framing humanitarian and human rights advocacy as a threat to the state, Israeli authorities can shut out organisations merely for speaking out about conditions they witness on the ground, forcing INGOs to choose between delivering aid and promoting respect for the protections owed to affected people. Advertisement - scroll to continue reading INGOs are further required to submit complete staff lists and other sensitive information about staff and their families to Israel when applying for registration. In a context where humanitarian and healthcare workers are routinely subject to harassment, detention, and direct attacks, this raises serious protection concerns. These new rules are part of a broader, long-term crackdown on humanitarian and civic space, marked by heightened surveillance and attacks, and a series of actions that restrict humanitarian access, compromise staff safety, and undermine core principles of humanitarian action. They are not isolated but part of a wider pattern that includes: Blocking or delaying aid through arbitrary bureaucratic restrictions, logistical obstacles, and complete sieges, denying essential lifesaving supplies to Palestinians. Killing more than 400 humanitarian workers in Gaza, injuring and detaining countless others, and repeatedly attacking marked and notified humanitarian premises, facilities or convoys. Passing legislation aimed at curtailing the operations of UNRWA, the largest provider of essential services for Palestinians. Advancing legislation to impose a tax of up to 80 per cent on foreign government funding to Israeli NGOs, while barring them from seeking recourse through the Israeli court system – including organisations that serve as partners for INGOs to deliver assistance and uphold protections in communities facing displacement, demolitions, or settler violence. Suspending work visas for international staff and revoking permits for Palestinians residing in the West Bank to access Jerusalem, severely disrupting operations. And now, making INGO registration conditional on political and ideological alignment, undermining the neutrality, impartiality and independence of humanitarian actors. Under international humanitarian law, occupying powers are obligated to facilitate impartial humanitarian assistance and ensure the welfare of the protected population. Any attempt to condition humanitarian access on political alignment or penalise organisations for fulfilling their mandate risks breaching this framework. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to allow unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza in three legally binding provisional measures orders in 2024. Yet, these new rules expand and institutionalise existing barriers to aid. We call on States, donors, and the international community to: Use all possible means to protect humanitarian operations from measures that compromise neutrality, independence, and access – including staff list requirements, political vetting, and vague revocation clauses. Take concrete political and diplomatic action beyond statements of concern to ensure unhindered humanitarian access and prevent the erosion of principled aid delivery. Support INGOs and Palestinian and Israeli civil society organisations through legal assistance, diplomatic support, and flexible funding to help mitigate legal, financial, and reputational risks. Donors must defend principled humanitarian and human rights work. The undersigned 55 organisations stress that engagement with the registration process to preserve critical humanitarian operations should not be misinterpreted as endorsement of these measures. These 55 organisations remain committed to the delivery of humanitarian aid, along with development and peacebuilding services and activities that are independent, impartial, and based on need, in full accordance with international law and the humanitarian principles derived from it. INGOs stand ready to engage with Israeli authorities in good faith on administrative processes but cannot accept measures that penalise principled humanitarian work or expose staff to retaliation. These measures not only undermine assistance in the oPt but also set a dangerous precedent for humanitarian operations globally. Signatories Act Church of Sweden ActionAid Alianza / ActionAid Spain (ApS/AAS) American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) Anera Asamblea de Cooperación Por la Paz (ACPP) Asociación Paz con Dignidad CARE International CESVI Children Not Numbers Christian Aid CIDSE – International family of Catholic social justice organisations Cooperazione Internazionale Sud Sud (CISS) COSPE DanChurchAid (DCA) Danish House in Palestine Diakonia Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe forumZFD Global Communities HEKS/EPER Humanity First UK Humanity & Inclusion – Handicap International IM Swedish Development Partner International Media Support (IMS) Islamic Relief Worldwide Japan International Volunteer Center (JVC) KURVE Wustrow MedGlobal Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Médecins du Monde (MdM) France Médecins du Monde (MdM) Spain Médecins du Monde (MdM) Switzerland Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) medico international Middle East Children's Alliance (MECA) Movement for Peace (MPDL) Muslim Aid Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) Norwegian People's Aid (NPA) Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Oxfam Pax Christi International Plan International Polish Medical Mission Association (PMM) Première Urgence Internationale (PUI) Relief International (RI) Save the Children International (SCI) Secours Islamique France (SIF) Terre des Hommes (Tdh) Italia Terre des Hommes (Tdh) Lausanne The Center for Mind-Body Medicine War Child Weltfriedensdienst e.V. (world peace service)
