A United States national security regulation that bans government funding recipients from using Chinese telecom providers is creating chaos for international NGOs and costing the sector millions of dollars, according to a senior NGO adviser.
Some government agencies, including the U.S. Agency for International Development, have secured waivers that protect some of their partners from the requirements. But Cynthia Smith, director of government affairs and advocacy at Humentum, a body that helps NGOs address legal and financial issues, said the waivers are limited and complex to navigate.
She urged the government to simplify the system and help NGOs understand what they need to do to comply.