| answer text |
<p>My Rt Hon Friend The Minister of State for the Middle East has raised these cases
with the Omani authorities, as has our Ambassador in Muscat. They have given us the
strongest assurances that the individuals concerned were given full legal assistance
and treated in accordance with Oman’s constitution and international laws and conventions.
There is no evidence of any discrimination against the Shihuh more generally, many
of whom occupy senior positions in the Omani state and wider society. Our current
assessment of the situation means that we see no merit in considering any action.</p><p>With
regard to the use of the powers under Section 1(2)(f) of the Sanctions and Anti-Money
Laundering Act, the government is actively considering establishing a human rights
sanctions regime to support the UK’s work in promoting and defending human rights
around the world. Any potential listings would need to be consistent with the purposes
of the regime and thresholds for evidence. As the sanctions regime is not yet established
we are not able to provide any comment on possible designations.</p>
|
|
