The Palestinian Prime Minister issued a decision to stop receiving applications for registration of charities and NGOs.
Accordingly on May 22nd 2005, Mr.
Amin Maqboul, Under- Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and National Security, issued decision No.
75 of the year 2006 to stop receiving new NGO registration applications.
The decisions by the PM and the Under- Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and National Security are inconsistent with the edited basic law, most notably Article 26 which emphasizes that "Palestinians, groups and individuals, have the right to participate in political life and should specifically enjoy the following rights: 1.
Establish and join political parties in accordance with the law.
2.
Establish organizations, syndicates, unions, associations, clubs, and public institutions in accordance with the law.
3.
Elect and nominate representatives among themselves through general elections in accordance with the law.
4.
Assume general posts_en and positions on the basis of equal opportunities.
5.
Conduct private meetings without the presence of Police officials, and conduct meetings and assemblies in accordance with the law.
" Further, the above- mentioned decisions contradict the text and essence of the Law for NGOs and Charities, notably articles of the second section of the Law where Article No.
1 states " Palestinians have the right to practice social, cultural, professional and scientific activities freely including their right to form and run NGOs in accordance with the law.
" Al Mezan Center for Human Rights is highly concerned with the infringement of these rights; it believes the implementation of both decisions constitutes grave violation of basic human rights.
Thus, Al Mezan Center calls upon the Prime Minister and the Under- Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and National Security to annul them.