EFFORT TO LAUNCH OMAN'S FIRST HUMAN RIGHTS CENTER

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 MUSCAT 002079

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

NEA/ARPI, NEA/PI, DRL/CRA (DDOLAN)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PGOV EAID SOCI MU
SUBJECT: EFFORT TO LAUNCH OMAN'S FIRST HUMAN RIGHTS CENTER

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SUMMARY
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1. (SBU) An aspiring activist intent on establishing Oman's
first human rights center has been invited to discuss his
proposal with the Ministry of Social Development. In an
effort to obtain government registration, Abdullah bin Salem
al-Barami solicited the Embassy for support, saying that the
public's lack of awareness and understanding of their civil
rights demands the establishment of such an organization.
End Summary.

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CAN WE TALK?
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2. (SBU) An aspiring human rights activist, Mr. Abdullah bin
Salem al-Barami, wrote an impassioned letter to the
Ambassador requesting assistance in establishing a human
rights center in Oman. Al-Barami, a businessman and military
veteran who hails from Oman's southern Dhofar region, said
that "as the one who saved Europe from the barbarism of the
Nazis and Fascists," America needs to present its "beautiful"
image to the Arab and Muslim world. Furthermore, al-Barami
said that assisting Oman in establishing a human rights
center would be serving mutual interests and strengthening
friendly ties between the two countries. While al-Barami is
currently on the board of directors of his family's
successful business venture, Al-Barami Group of Companies, he
appears serious in taking on this additional mantle.

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OUTLINING HR CONCERNS
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3. (SBU) Emboffs met with al-Barami October 23 to discuss his
proposal for establishing a human rights center in Oman. He
spoke about the many injustices he perceives in Omani society
and the public's lack of awareness of their civil rights.
His criticisms included the "just for show" Majlis al-Shura
(Consultative Council),discrimination in the workforce,
restricted civil rights (example of government approval for
Omanis to marry non-Omani citizens),controlled press (no
critical reporting and limited newspaper selection),the
problem of elitism (according to al-Barami 50 families
monopolize the Omani economy),and the overcrowded
universities.


4. (SBU) On the subject of universities, al-Barami appeared
personally offended by the USD20 million pricetag for the
construction of Sultan Qaboos University, a school that
accommodates only 2000 students per year. He also criticized
the cost of Dhofar University (DU). The only university in
the region, DU barely accommodates 1000 students and charges
over USD7500 per year. (Note: The average cost of tuition
in Oman is USD7500 for most private schools. End Note.)
Al-Barami said that 40,000 to 50,000 students graduate
secondary school each year with ambitions of furthering their
education. He asked, "How can we expect families to afford
sending even one kid to university?" More importantly,
al-Barami said that the fundamental lack of access to higher
education paves the way for terrorism. Young students will
be listening to "fundamentalist" rhetoric instead of
university lectures.

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MINISTRY WILLING TO DISCUSS
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5. (SBU) Al-Barami seemed convinced that without vocal
support from the United States, the Ministry of Social
Development will deny registration to a human rights
organization. Emboffs reminded al-Barami that it is usually
a lengthy and tedious process for any non-governmental
organization (NGO) to become registered in Oman. While the
U.S. clearly supports human rights efforts, al-Barami he may
find it difficult to garner material support for an
organization that does not formally exist. Emboffs also
offered suggestions to assist al-Barami in pursuing his
ambition, including visiting successful local NGOs, reaching
out to other embassies that also support human rights,
contacting international organizations, and, most
importantly, applying for registration with the Ministry of
Social Development. Many NGOs in the process of seeking
registration are still able to carry out substantial work in
their fields.


6. (SBU) Al-Barami notified us November 28 that, in response
to his letter, the Ministry of Social Development has invited
al-Barami to Muscat to discuss his proposal. Poloff will
meet again with al-Barami and facilitate meetings with local
NGOs who have been through the lengthy registration process.

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Comment
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7. (SBU) Al-Barami is a serious and determined individual who
is articulating some commonly heard complaints. Apparently
around 50 years old, he is a veteran of the provincial guard
forces the Sultan created to battle the communist-backed
Dhofar rebellion in the 1970's, as well as of the Royal Air
Force of Oman. He indicated that he was presenting his
proposal to us on behalf of like-minded colleagues in Dhofar
and elsewhere in the Sultanate, primarily composed of former
military and professional people (doctors, engineers,
educators and business people). His ambition to create a
human rights center strikes us as sincere, and we will
closely monitor further developments and, where appropriate,
provide advice and assistance.
BALTIMORE