MINISTRY CONSIDERS HUMAN RIGHTS NGO

UNCLAS MUSCAT 002231

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

DEPT FOR NEA/ARPI, DRL/DAN DOLAN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM EAID SOCI MU
SUBJECT: MINISTRY CONSIDERS HUMAN RIGHTS NGO

REF: MUSCAT 02079


1. (SBU) The Ministry of Social Development is considering
the proposed establishment of a human rights center in Oman.
In response to a letter from activist Abdullah al-Barami
(reftel) (protect),the Ministry met with him December 6 to
discuss the idea. The Director of Charitable Associations
and Funds requested al-Barami to provide a written disclosure
to the Ministry on numerous details, including:

-- Al-Barami's background;
-- if al-Barami believes the general populace shares his
interest;
-- if al-Barami believes the Sultanate is in need of a human
rights center and why;
-- what is his goal behind establishing a center;
-- his specific qualifications to run such a center; and
-- a list of parties he has contacted in an "official"
capacity for the center.


2. (SBU) On the latter issue, the Ministry strongly reminded
al-Barami that the Private Associations Law prohibits him
from acting on behalf of an establishment that has not been
announced. (Note: Al-Barami signed his original letter to
the Ministry using the title "Director of the Human Rights
Center," a presumption that evidently irked the bureaucrats.
End note.) In addition, the Ministry suggested to al-Barami
that the establishment of a human rights center would be on
the principles of an "association" and subject to the Private
Associations Law, which requires a founding committee of not
less than twenty members.


3. (SBU) Al-Barami responded promptly on December 8 to the
Ministry's request for more information. He provided details
on his background, including his study of international
relations at the University of Brussels in Cairo, that would
qualify him as the center's principal founder. In a petulant
manner, however, he suggested that the Ministry conduct a
public survey of its own to gauge the popularity of
establishing a human rights center. In another brusque
statement, al-Barami reminded the Ministry that Oman is not a
"police country" that prohibits him from speaking with other
embassies and contacts friendly to the Sultanate. Al-Barami
provided copies of letters he sent to the U.S., British, and
Dutch Embassies. He marketed the establishment of a human
rights center as a foreign policy achievement for Oman,
saying it would serve to increase the popularity and
credibility of the Sultanate both regionally and
internationally.


4. (SBU) COMMENT: Al-Barami's barbed response to the
Ministry may not help advance his cause. Moreover, the
Private Associations Law prohibits associations from engaging
in politics or matters outside social, cultural or charitable
activities -- a gray area for most human rights NGOs. In
light of this, and the considerably lengthy registration
process, it is unlikely that a human rights "association"
would be approved very quickly. We are nevertheless
encouraged that the Ministry did not seek to reject the
proposal outright. The Embassy will continue to monitor
further developments and, where appropriate, provide advice
and assistance.
BALTIMORE