"Carrying cash should be an exceptional activity", says the Charity Commission in published advice for charities working in Syria.
The guidance, published on its website yesterday warns charities to "assess the risks to any staff and volunteers before deciding whether they travel to Syria to provide humanitarian aid or support", and reminds charities supporting humanitarian organisations in Syria to undertake due diligence checks on individuals and organisations they wish to support.
The guidance comes ahead of an as yet unscheduled event where charities working in or sending money to Syria will be able to discuss issues raised by the guidance.
Acknowledging that financial sanctions have been placed against a number of Syrian institutions including banks, the Commission said that carrying large amounts of cash should only occur "when formal banking or regulated transfer arrangements are not feasible".
The guidance further warns charities that carrying cash over 10,000 Euros out of the UK are legally required to inform HMRC and if they do not, could have the money seized at the port or airport.
Terrorist attacks and kidnapping
The Commission reiterates the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's advice against travelling to the Syrian Arab Republic and warns of the potential for terrorist attacks and kidnapping.
"There is also a risk that UK nationals who set out to travel for humanitarian reasons will come into contact with groups who are in Syria to promote violence and extremism, and it might be very difficult to avoid involvement in their agendas," adds the regulator.
Advice is also provided for the public: "It is vital for people to be able to support charities' humanitarian work for conflict affected Syrians. Given the complexities, our advice for the public and for charities and others raising funds is to give to well established charities which have experience of providing humanitarian assistance in high risk, insecure and dangerous environments and which have ongoing relief operations in Syria and/or surrounding countries," advises the Commission
Click here to go to the full guidance.
