Sida Faces Investigation Over Alleged Indirect Funding to Hamas via Human Rights Organization
Sweden's Sida denies funding terrorism amid allegations of indirect support to Hamas through a human rights organization, with ongoing investigations involving multiple donor countries.
- • Sida has provided 55 million kronor to ICHR since 2011 amid allegations of links to Hamas.
- • Sida's director denies financing terrorism and states rigorous funding reviews are in place.
- • A crisis meeting at the Foreign Ministry addressed concerns and the need for transparency.
- • An international investigation involving Denmark and others is underway to clarify aid usage.
Key details
Sweden's aid agency Sida is under scrutiny following accusations that funds may have indirectly supported Hamas through the Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR). Sida has disbursed 55 million kronor to the ICHR since 2011. The allegations claim some of this aid was funneled into police training programs controlled by Hamas in Gaza and involved individuals linked to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
In response, Sida's Director-General Jakob Granit vehemently denied financing terrorism. He stated that if Sida had been found to finance terrorism, funding would have been immediately suspended. Granit emphasized that Sida conducted extensive reviews and found no evidence linking their funds to terrorist activities. Sida has also not provided aid to Gaza since Hamas's attack in October 2023.
A crisis meeting took place at the Swedish Foreign Ministry (UD) where Minister for International Development Cooperation, Benjamin Dousa, confronted Granit with critical questions about the funding process, the delayed communication of risks, and future support to ICHR. Dousa highlighted the coexistence of maintaining humanitarian aid engagement while ensuring no support reaches Hamas. He also expressed continued confidence in Sida's leadership despite the allegations.
Dousa clarified the government's commitment to human rights and democracy, noting the delicate balance in operating within Hamas-controlled Gaza. He mentioned that an investigation—undertaken collaboratively with Denmark, Finland, Norway, Switzerland, and the Netherlands—is underway to uncover the nature and final usage of funds. Denmark, sharing the donor partnership with Sweden, is conducting particularly in-depth inquiries.
Should the investigation confirm the misappropriation of aid, Sida has pledged to inform the Swedish government and take appropriate action, including potential recovery of funds. The Independent Commission for Human Rights has denied all allegations, calling them baseless and damaging.
These developments follow reports received last week, with increased government attention to ensure transparency and strict oversight of Sweden's foreign aid programs. Aid to Gaza has been paused since the Hamas assault in October 2023 pending the investigation's outcome. Sida’s measures reflect an ongoing commitment to combating terrorism financing while supporting humanitarian goals in conflict regions.