Mercy Corps Applauds Introduction Of Humanitarian Assistance Facilitation Act Of 2013

Global humanitarian organization calls for speedy consideration and passage of bill

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mercy Corps urges Congress to quickly consider and pass the Humanitarian Assistance Facilitation Act of 2013 (HAFA/H.R. 3526), introduced this week by Representatives Chris Smith (R-NJ), Jim McGovern (D-MA) and Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE).  The bill aims to remove legal roadblocks that have stalled and sometimes obstructed U.S. non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working to deliver lifesaving aid to vulnerable people who have the misfortune of living in communities controlled by sanctioned governments or terrorist groups. 

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"Under current U.S. law, NGOs working in the world's toughest places are sometimes forced to choose between saving lives and breaking the law," says Neal Keny-Guyer, chief executive officer of Mercy Corps.  "We believe Congress did not intend to slow down or prevent the delivery of food, water and other lifesaving assistance in humanitarian emergencies, but that has been the unintended consequence of current laws.  Through the speedy passage of HAFA, Congress can help ensure the efficient and timely delivery of responsible humanitarian aid to vulnerable men, women and children in their hour of need."

The Humanitarian Assistance Facilitation Act streamlines and makes government decision-making processes more transparent thus expediting the approval process needed for NGOs working in communities where access to civilian populations is controlled by sanctioned entities.  HAFA provides for multiple safeguards to ensure humanitarian assistance reaches the most vulnerable people, including:

1. Prohibiting aid to or through a person or organization subject to sanctions or engaged in terrorist activity;

2. Ensuring humanitarian organizations implement the necessary protections to minimize incidental 'aid leakage;'

3. Allowing appropriate interventions from the U.S. government when national security may be at risk.

"Mercy Corps delivers lifesaving assistance and innovative programs transforming lives around the world.  We are committed to delivering humanitarian assistance impartially, without furthering the objectives of any armed group or party to a conflict," says Keny-Guyer.  "With HAFA, we in the humanitarian community can fulfill our mission to provide lifesaving assistance and help the most vulnerable people overcome adversity, no matter where in the world they live."

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global humanitarian agency saving and improving lives in the world's toughest places. www.mercycorps.org.

SOURCE Mercy Corps