The Center for Democracy and Human Rights in Saudi Arabia

November 29, 2007

CDHR Appeal Message

By Dr. Ali Alyami

The staff of the Center for Democracy and Human Rights in Saudi Arabia

wants to wish you and your loved ones a very happy, safe and contemplative holiday season. We are writing to ask for your financial support, without which our important work would not be possible. Whatever you are able to contribute will help CDHR continue to address the critical and intolerant Saudi government’s policies. Its oppressive systems affect the Saudi people, Muslims worldwide and the international community at large, especially democratic nations. Your contributions in the past have enabled CDHR to make a difference and accomplish inspiring projects in 2007.

CDHR recently completed a policy statement that U.S. officials and all promoters of democracy and human rights can use in order to press the Saudi autocratic regime to embark on quantifiable, transparent, and timely democratic reforms. This process will free the Saudi people from religious and political authoritarianism, and empower them to determine their future and the fate of their important country. The completion of the 65 page statement was announced at an impressive reception on October 3rd, at the Congressional Rayburn Office Building. Speakers at the event included three members of Congress, the executive director of Freedom House, representatives from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, members of religious communities and other human rights groups, and representatives of embassies and media organizations.

CDHR hosted two presentations during the year as well. The first presentation was made by Mohammed Al-Mugataib, the director of the only Saudi independent human rights organization, which is not registered with the Saudi government. The other was delivered by a prominent author and internationally well known Arab businessman, scholar and democracy promoter, Dr. Tarek Heggy.

CDHR also held a conference in Congress last May to discuss the policies of the Saudi government and the necessity of transforming all Saudi institutions. In addition, the director of CDHR participated in and gave presentations at conferences in Washington and elsewhere. He also wrote many analytical articles which were featured on CDHR’s website and distributed to key officials, media and organizations. He appeared several times on Arabic satellite channels, which most Saudis and other Arabs watch. CDHR produces current news and analysis about Saudi Arabia twice a month and features Saudi writers, placing particular emphasis on articles involving the topic of women. CDHR is always a leader in alerting officials, media and human rights organizations in the US and abroad about political arrests, oppression of minorities, violations against women and maltreatment of expatriate laborers and non-Muslims.

Major Projects and Activities for 2008:

CDHR, in consultation and cooperation with many groups and individuals, is in the preliminary stages of writing a proposal which will facilitate the establishment of an international representative Muslim Council to manage the Islamic holy shrines in Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia. The objective of this major and necessary undertaking is to give Muslims around the globe a voice in revisiting and reinterpreting the Quran to meet the modern needs of their peoples. The establishment of this international representative Muslim Council will also assist in integrating Muslim enclaves into their larger communities, and will enhance global cooperation between Muslims and non-Muslims. More details will be forthcoming.

CDHR is also planning a major conference with the Henry Jackson Society in London, which was intended to be held earlier in 2007, but was postponed due to lack of funding. The director is already booked for three major presentations, two in Virginia and one in California. In addition, we plan to refine and translate our policy statement into Arabic, which will be featured on our website: www.cdhr.info. We plan to print two to three thousand copies of the statement and distribute them to all members of Congress and various non-profit organizations, foundations, businesses, educators, and media outlets in the United States and Europe. We look forward to completing all of our exciting new projects, and are thankful for your continued support of our important work. To help us continue, please donate to CDHR, a (501) (c) (3) tax exempt non-profit organization. You can do so by going to our website at http://www.cdhr.info and clicking on the PayPal icon on the left toolbar. You ca n also send checks, stocks or money orders. Please make your donation payable to the order of CDHR and send to the following address:

The Center for Democracy and Human Rights in Saudi Arabia

1050 17th St NW, Suite 1000

Washington, D.C. 20036

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