New Delhi, Apr. 14 : Government officials from South Asian countries, the European Union and the United States are participating in a conference this week in New Delhi on Countering Terrorist Financing in the Charitable Sector.

The conference, hosted by the U. S. Embassy and the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering, is promoting government action to prevent terrorist organizations from exploiting humanitarian or religious charities as a way to conceal the illegal international movement of funds.

Charities provide essential services, comfort, and hope to those in need around the world. However, international experience has shown that terrorists exploit the charitable sector to raise and move funds in support of terrorist organizations and operations. The international community has recognized the need to protect the charitable sector both to combat terrorism and to assure donor confidence in the integrity of charities.

During the Conference, technical experts will explore best practices and a wide range of options for cooperation to protect the charitable sector from this regional and global threat, under the Asia Pacific Group on money laundering. (ANI)