Rights Center Criticizes Shabwa Authorities' Actions Against Dameer Organization for Rights and Freedoms
The American Center for Justice (ACJ) stated that the Shabwa authorities' prevention of the Dameer Organization for Rights and Freedoms from holding a training workshop to discuss support for girls' university education, along with the subsequent security requirements and the intervention of the Office of Social Affairs and Labor demanding a change in the organization's management, constitutes a violation of the sound administrative frameworks stipulated in the Law on Associations and Non-Governmental Organizations No. (1) of 2001. This law governs the work of organizations and grants them clear space for independent activity without interference in their internal affairs or the imposition of restrictions outside the provisions of the law.
The Center added that this incident reflects a growing trend among some local authorities in Yemen to restrict the activities of associations and impose illegal standards on their developmental and human rights work. It pointed out that the continuation of these practices disrupts the work of local organizations, affects their ability to implement service and community projects that benefit the local community, and casts a negative shadow on coordination with partners and donors.
Lawyer Abdulrahman Barman, Executive Director of the American Center for Justice (ACJ), said: "Interfering in the internal work of a civil society organization or linking its activities to personal stances violates the spirit of the law and the guarantees it provides for civic action.
He added: "It is important for the authorities in Shabwa governorate to treat civil society organizations as local partners contributing to community service. We hope they will review the decision against the 'Dameer' organization and facilitate the implementation of its approved programs and activities."
The American Center for Justice called on the leadership of the local authority and the Office of Social Affairs in Shabwa governorate to review these measures and enable the "Dameer" organization to carry out its activities in accordance with the law. It also calls on the relevant official bodies to provide a stable work environment that protects the independence of organizations and ensures the continuation of their community initiatives.
المصدر: American Center for Justice
