Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Department of State.
Notice of request for Emergency OMB approval.
The Department of State has submitted the following new information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the emergency review procedures of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
The proposed information collection is published to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies. Emergency review and approval of this collection has been requested from OMB by August 18, 2006. If granted, the emergency approval is only valid for 180 days. During this 180-day period, we will publish a separate
Comments should be directed to Katherine Astrich, State Department Desk Officer, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Washington, DC 20530, who may be reached on 202–395–4718.
The President has asked the interagency community to use the temporary transfer of power from Fidel Castro to his brother Raul Castro in August 2006 as an historic moment to work to encourage a democratic transition in Cuba. In keeping with the recommendations of the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba report, the State Department will seek information from the public about human rights abuses committed by Cuban authorities, including the military and members of the security forces. The information is sought in accordance with, inter alia, 22 U.S.C. 2656 and 2304(a)(1). The principal purpose for collecting the information is to prepare and maintain a database of human rights abusers in Cuba. The Department may use this information in connection with its responsibilities for the protection and promotion of human rights and for the conduct of foreign affairs, as well as for other appropriate purposes as a routine part of the Department's activities.