THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION: TRANSFORMATIONAL

UNCLAS RABAT 001123

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/MAG, NEA/PI, DRL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PGOV MO
SUBJECT: THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION: TRANSFORMATIONAL
DIPLOMACY AT WORK

REF: A. 05 RABAT 01766

B. RABAT 00357

C. RABAT 00399

D. RABAT 00736


1. This cable is sensitive but unclassified. Please treat
accordingly.


2. (SBU) The American Bar Association (ABA, reftel A) is a
strong partner of the USG as it implements programs relating
to the rule of law in Morocco. Funded by both DRL and MEPI,
the ABA is effectively and inventively assisting in
implementing important aspects of the Mission's reform
strategy. The Human Rights Clinical Legal Education program
at the Law Faculty of Hassan II University in Mohammedia,
funded by DRL, is an excellent example of transformational
diplomacy in action. The Mission works closely with the ABA,
enabling mission officers to enhance their understanding of
rule of law issues (Reftel C),and increase their knowledge
of legal educational issues in Morocco (Reftels B and D).


3. (SBU) Because of the success of the legal education
program, the Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH),
one of Morocco's most prominent and largest human rights
organizations, approached the ABA to sign a "memorandum of
understanding" (MOU). This is unusual in that AMDH, unlike
most other Moroccan human rights organizations, has boycotted
embassy programs, activities, and contacts since the start of
the Iraq war. Knowing that the ABA is funded by the USG did
not stop AMDH from recognizing the importance of the legal
education clinic. The MOU between ABA and AMDH is an
important step in enhancing the Mission's partnerships with
Moroccan stakeholders.


4. (SBU) The MOU was signed by the ABA regional manager and
the president of AMDH, Abdelhamid Amine, and is effective
from June 1, 2006 through May 31, 2007. The purpose of the
MOU, as stated in the agreement, is:

"In pursuing their common objectives of promoting human
rights and strengthening the rule of law, the ABA and the
AMDH enter into this partnershp agreement in order to
cooperate in the implementation of their respective programs.
This agreement aims also at developing synergies among the
many civil society members who are partners of the ABA (NGOs,
universities, bar associations) and the AMDH."


5. (SBU) The MOU also identifies in which areas the ABA and
AMDH will cooperate; a detailed document will be developed
relating to the legal education program. They will:

--organize roundtables and workshops on approaches to human
rights issues;
--the ABA will provide technical and material assistance,
e.g., the facilities, for human rights training activities;
--share information on the development of respective
activities.


6. (SBU) Comment: The mission is pleased with this
development and hopes the ABA-AMDH partnership works to make
a difference in the lives of young Moroccan law students and
contributes further to our broader judicial reform goals.
The DCM will visit the law clinic in Mohammedia on June 14
and award certificates to the law students who have completed
the one-year clinical program.


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Riley