Notes

C&SN and NPO Experts on FATF Recommendations
In this article we review the latest activities of C&SN, the NPO network of Greece. In particular, we cover their briefing with NPO experts, the list of recommendations to the UN Human Rights Commission, and the Workshop on plastics and water co-organized with Nestle Hellas. Moreover, we review the major achievements of C&SN since 2011.

C&SN hosted a briefing featuring NPO experts

This past July, C&SN hosted a briefing on Capitol Hill with expert panelists on the report's recommendations. The briefing highlighted examples from the report and was followed by questions and answers from the audience. The briefing included members from both sides of the aisle. C&SN is particularly proud of its role as a leader in the field, and is committed to working with regulators to make it more effective.

In addition to the Know Your Rights Campaign, C&SN has also launched a new website that features information about important issues for nonprofit organizations. The Know Your Rights Campaign addresses issues that are important to NPOs, including government investigations, derisking, and Islamophobia. Experts at the briefing discussed how these issues affect the organization's ability to deliver essential services. And they shared practical strategies for protecting the organization's reputation.

C&SN submitted written comments to FATF

The Transnational NPO Working Group on FATF was established in 2012 to provide input to the committee, and also to provide guidance to national institutions in raising their voice. In addition to submitting written comments, the group provided advice on how to implement FATF recommendations in countries that face higher risks. For example, it is important that countries assessing terrorist financing and money laundering risks adopt enhanced measures. NPO Experts may vary widely depending on the level of risk.

In June 2015, the FATF published an updated version of its Best Practices Paper, which incorporated the changes requested by the nonprofit sector. The updated version also stresses a risk-based approach to CTF regulation and mentions freedom of association, assembly, and expression. In addition to highlighting the importance of these issues, C&SN submitted written comments to FATF urging it to adopt the FATF recommendations.

C&SN's list of recommendations to the UN Human Rights Commission

As part of its work to promote human rights, the UN Human Rights Commission is reviewing the countries that have consistently violated the basic principles of human dignity. UN resolutions have ended the death penalty, protected civilians in crisis situations, and addressed forced disappearances, human rights defenders, and human rights education. Among the recommendations to the UNHRC are:

In the wake of the United States' withdrawal from the Human Rights Council, C&SN submitted a list of recommendations to the UN Human Rights Commission. The recommendations were largely in support of the United States' withdrawal from the body. The State Department announced on 31 March 2009 that it would not seek a seat on the Human Rights Council, and New Zealand indicated that it would not seek election. However, the United States continues to shine a spotlight on human rights issues.

Workshop on plastics and water co-organized with Nestle Hellas

During the workshop on plastics and water co-organized with the Natural Resources Council of Greece, employees learned about environmental issues and developed strategies to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment. The employees also met with NPOs to understand how they can get involved in the fight against plastic pollution. As a result, the workshop will be a useful learning experience for both Nestle and the NPOs.

The workshop was also an opportunity for the activists to meet with the company's executives and ask them about their environmental efforts. Recently, Greenpeace activists delivered a 20-meter long plastic monster to Nestle's global headquarters in Ljubljana, Slovenia. They also visited the company's offices in Mexico and Switzerland. They presented them with the "invoice of the Filipino people" and called on Nestle to take meaningful steps towards their target of reducing plastic waste in the world.

Active Listening allows NPO experts to identify the main needs of their interlocutors

Active listening is an essential skill in any conversation. When it comes to addressing the main needs of a partner, it is important to understand the interlocutor's needs. This skill is often overlooked, but can make all the difference. Active listening allows the "listener" to learn about his or her own mistakes. Identifying what is wrong or not working can help the listener improve the way he or she communicates with others.

The practice of active listening requires being present in the conversation without assuming that the other person is talking down to you. It also involves being patient during pauses and short silences, giving the other person the space to explore their own ideas and concerns. Active listening also requires displaying non-verbal signs that you are truly interested in the other person's words and feelings.
Homepage: http://www.drugoffice.gov.hk/gb/unigb/npo-expert.com/