Ref: 61/2008

Date: 14 July 2008

Time: 10:00 GMT

PCHR Condemns Interference of the Ministry of Interior and Security Forces in Election Affairs of the Women’s Arab Union in Nablus

PCHR strongly condemns the interference by the Palestinian Ministry of Interior and security forces in the upcoming elections of the Arab Women’s Union Association in Nablus. The Centre calls upon the Ministry of Interior and security forces to cease interference in the affairs of civil society organizations, and to respect the right of Palestinians to form associations as guaranteed by the Basic Law and international human rights standards.

On Sunday, 13 July, PCHR received a complaint from a candidate in the elections for the Administrative Board of the Arab Women’s Union Association. The complaint stated that the Ministry of Interior had banned her and four other candidates from their right to nomination; despite the fact they had fulfilled the necessary requirements for nomination, including payment of dues and adherence to the bylaws of the Association.

According to the complainant, the elections for the Administrative Board of the Arab Women’s Union Association were planned over the past few days, and were based on a previous arrangement with the Ministry of Social Affairs. Preparations for the elections started, including the holding of a General Assembly meeting. The first General Assembly meeting was not official due to the absence of the minimum number of delegates. A second meeting, held on 2 July was official as the required number of delegates attended. During this second meeting, the incumbent Administrative Board submitted its resignation, and dates for nominations and new elections were set. On 5 July, sixteen women nominated themselves for election. They included members of the resigned Administrative Board. The list of nominees was sent to the Ministry of Interior, upon its request, 72 hours before the elections.

On 8 July, the Director-General of the Interior Ministry in Nablus sent a letter to the President of the Arab Women’s Union Association. The letter stated that a joint committee headed by the Ministry of Interior and with membership of the Preventive Security Service and General Intelligence Service approved 11 of the 16 nominations. Five nominees had been removed, meaning that the remaining nominees won by default without free and fair elections.

PCHR notes that the Arab Women’s Union Association is one of the most respected organizations in Palestine. Since its establishment in 1921 by a group of pioneering women, it has served Palestinian women. The Association started out as an orphanage after WWI. It was developed into a hospital project in 1952 as a result of the harsh humanitarian situation arising from the Nakba of 1948. It then became known as the Women’s Union Hospital. Over the course of its history, the Association has developed to include an orphanage, hospital, a Nursing and Midwifery School, a House for Visually Impaired Females, and a kindergarten.  

In light of these developments, PCHR:

·        Affirms that the right to form associations is protected by the Basic Law and relevant international standards.

·        Strongly condemns the interference of security forces in the affairs of civil society organizations, including influencing their elections. This interference is a continuation of undermining civil society and a continuation of the control of security forces over civil society.

·        Affirms that the flagrant interference by security forces in civil society affairs is a violation of the Benevolent Associations and Civil Society Organizations Law No. 1 for the Year 2000 and its Executive Bill.