Saudi authorities reject an application to establish a rights organization
Cairo, 28 January 2012
ANHRI condemns Saudi Arabia’s insistence on confiscation of basic rights and freedoms of its citizens. The Saudi authorities rejected an application submitted by rights activists to establish a Human Rights organization, claiming that their objectives are incompatible with the enforced statute of associations and charities.
A group of activists had submitted an application last December to the Minister of Social Affairs, requesting an official license to establish the Justice Center for Human Rights. However, the Director General of Social Affairs in the Eastern Province issued a formal response rejecting to provide a license due to alleged incompatibility with the associations statute. The activists have refused this justification and submitted a grievance stating that the Center’s objectives are consistent with article II of the statute. They have also called on the Minister of Social Affairs to cancel the rejection and approve to grant them a license.
“The Saudi government insists on confiscation of basic rights and freedoms, especially freedom of expression. It vehemently seeks to gag activists and restrict civil society. By rejecting the application submitted by the Justice Center for Human Rights, the Saudi government denies the activists’ right to organization and peaceful expression of opinion in a lawful framework” said ANHRI.
“The Saudi government has to put an end for its intransigence and disrespect for laws. It has to allow its citizens to exercise their legitimate rights, consider the grievance of the Justice Center for Human Rights, and provide the license required for it to operate. It is time for the Kingdom to stop its ongoing hostility against human rights and freedoms” added ANHRI.