A new policy paper by ECNL finds that CSOs and human rights defenders forced into exile face serious barriers to accessing banking services in EU countries. Based on a global survey, many organisations struggle to open accounts, transfer funds, or maintain banking relationships, often due to visa status, lack of long-term residency, or links to “high-risk” countries. More than half reported problems with traditional banks, pushing many to rely on alternative financial tools. The report links these challenges to broader financial exclusion driven by anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorism rules, which banks often apply in a risk-averse way, leading to “de-risking” practices such as account closures. ECNL warns that restricted financial access undermines the ability of exiled civil society actors to operate and defend human rights, calling for EU-level reforms to ensure inclusive access to basic banking services. Read more here.
Source: ECNL