EMBASSY CONTACT ASSERTS OMAN DETERMINED TO IMPROVE

C O N F I D E N T I A L MUSCAT 000634

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/ARP, NEA/RA,DRL AND G/TIP

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/01/2018
TAGS: PHUM KCRM KWMN SMIG ELAB MU
SUBJECT: EMBASSY CONTACT ASSERTS OMAN DETERMINED TO IMPROVE
TIP TIER RANKING

Classified By: DCM Victor Hurtado for Reasons 1.4 (b,d)


1. (C) Sultan Qaboos has made it clear that he intends to
strengthen Oman's efforts to combat trafficking in persons
(TIP) over the next year in order to improve Oman's tier
ranking on the USG TIP report, according to Ahmad
al-Mukhaini, Assistant Secretary General for the Majlis
al-Shura Secretariat. In an August 26 meeting with poloff,
Mukhaini explained that although the Sultan was very upset
about the report, Qaboos was more concerned about the
international image of his country. Mukhaini added that the
Sultan has plans to establish a Human Rights Committee in the
next few months. Mukhaini also claimed that he had learned
that there is currently a small shelter for victims of TIP,
although, its existence and location are secret, in order to
protect the victims. He said that the GOO plans to create a
larger and more easily accessible shelter.


2. (C) Comment: Mukhaini chose not to divulge the source of
his information, but he is well-connected and normally a
trustworthy source. End Comment.
GRAPPO