Urban planning standards in Oman will include signage for persons with disabilities: OHRC
During the meeting, Al Balushi said that to promote the rights of persons with disabilities, signage designated for the blind has been identified and studied, and this matter has been included in the standards for future urban planning.
Rights of persons with disabilities
"To enforce and implement the rights of persons with disabilities and to expand its role in protecting and promoting their rights, OHRC monitored and studied the signage for the blind in public places. The commission submitted the results of the study to Muscat Municipality and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, and received a response from Muscat Municipality stating that the study would be taken into account and included in future municipal projects. The commission also received a response from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning stating that special standards will be included within the national urban planning standards under the National Urban Development Strategy. The study will also be included in the construction requirements and specifications guide in the Sultanate of Oman."
He said that 1,006 issues were addressed in 2024, including 47 complaints and 22 monitored cases, and 937 instances of human rights support covering civil, political, economic, social, and environmental rights.
The Sultanate of Oman achieved an 18-rank improvement in press freedom for the year 2024, according to the report by "Reporters Without Borders," compared to 2023.
OHRC said it conducted regular field visits to prisons, health centers, and educational institutions to assess the conditions of inmates and the services provided, and to ensure respect for human rights in them.
A number of lectures and workshops were organized in schools, universities, and government institutions to promote awareness of human rights values and the importance of respecting them in daily life.
The total number of prisoners covered by the royal pardon was 704 during the year 2024.
As the committee deals with reports of human trafficking, it investigates with relevant authorities to ensure combating this phenomenon and protection victims under national and international legislation.
The "Developing a Human Rights Strategy" project is at the forefront of the Omani Human Rights Commission's mandate. It aims to establish a comprehensive framework that enhances the protection of human rights in the Sultanate of Oman, in line with the Basic Law of the State and international agreements.
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Observer
6 hours ago
- Observer
Urban planning standards in Oman will include signage for persons with disabilities: OHRC
Muscat: The Oman Human Rights Committee chaired its annual report on Monday, during an interactive meeting held in the presence of its chairman, Dr. Rashid bin Hamad al Balushi. During the meeting, Al Balushi said that to promote the rights of persons with disabilities, signage designated for the blind has been identified and studied, and this matter has been included in the standards for future urban planning. Rights of persons with disabilities "To enforce and implement the rights of persons with disabilities and to expand its role in protecting and promoting their rights, OHRC monitored and studied the signage for the blind in public places. The commission submitted the results of the study to Muscat Municipality and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, and received a response from Muscat Municipality stating that the study would be taken into account and included in future municipal projects. The commission also received a response from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning stating that special standards will be included within the national urban planning standards under the National Urban Development Strategy. The study will also be included in the construction requirements and specifications guide in the Sultanate of Oman." He said that 1,006 issues were addressed in 2024, including 47 complaints and 22 monitored cases, and 937 instances of human rights support covering civil, political, economic, social, and environmental rights. The Sultanate of Oman achieved an 18-rank improvement in press freedom for the year 2024, according to the report by "Reporters Without Borders," compared to 2023. OHRC said it conducted regular field visits to prisons, health centers, and educational institutions to assess the conditions of inmates and the services provided, and to ensure respect for human rights in them. A number of lectures and workshops were organized in schools, universities, and government institutions to promote awareness of human rights values and the importance of respecting them in daily life. The total number of prisoners covered by the royal pardon was 704 during the year 2024. As the committee deals with reports of human trafficking, it investigates with relevant authorities to ensure combating this phenomenon and protection victims under national and international legislation. The "Developing a Human Rights Strategy" project is at the forefront of the Omani Human Rights Commission's mandate. It aims to establish a comprehensive framework that enhances the protection of human rights in the Sultanate of Oman, in line with the Basic Law of the State and international agreements.
Times of Oman
6 hours ago
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Over 1,000 human rights cases documented in 2024: OHRC
Muscat: Oman Human Rights Commission (OHRC) received and documented a total of 1,006 cases in 2024, including 47 complaints and 22 reports, while 937 cases were provided with legal support. These cases spanned various civil, political, economic, social, cultural, environmental, and developmental rights, as well as the rights of vulnerable groups. This was unveiled during a press conference held today by Oman Human Rights Commission, which highlighted its key efforts in 2024, including monitoring and receiving complaints, responding to regional and international reports, and organizing internal and external activities. Dr. Rashid Hamad Al Balushi, Chairman of Oman Human Rights Commission, stated that the commission continues its national role in protecting and promoting human rights, guided by its mandate and the principles enshrined in the Basic Law of the State and international conventions to which Oman is a signatory. He affirmed the commission's commitment to enhancing its operational mechanisms and strengthening its role as an independent national institution dedicated to fostering a culture of human rights, citizenship, justice, and human dignity in Oman. Al Balushi explained that the commission's vision is to serve as an effective national platform supporting and protecting human rights across all segments of society and institutions. Its mission is to instill a human rights culture, promote its practice, and safeguard these rights in accordance with local and international laws and principles. He expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the Royal Oman Police in upholding human rights, particularly in services provided to inmates and detainees. During field visits to the central prison, the commission verified that health, educational, legal, sports, training, recreational, and hobby-related services met appropriate standards. He noted that press freedom is a cornerstone of freedom of expression, highlighting Oman's 18-place rise in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index issued by Reporters Without Borders compared to 2023. The index evaluates 180 countries annually based on five criteria: political context, legal framework, economic environment, sociocultural factors, and safety. Al-Balushi also revealed that the National Human Rights Strategy will be launched on 10 December, encompassing various aspects to strengthen and protect human rights in Oman in line with the Basic Law of the State and international conventions ratified by the Sultanate of Oman's. The commission, he added, provided legal support for 937 cases this year, assisting individuals in resolving their issues through proper legal channels, in accordance with national laws and international agreements. This support covered civil, political, economic, social, cultural, environmental, and developmental rights. In conclusion, Dr. Al Balushi stated that the commission responded to several international governmental and non-governmental reports, including Amnesty International's 2022/2023 Annual Report on human rights in Oman, the U.S. State Department's 2023 Annual Report on human rights in Oman, and its 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report, which assessed Oman's anti-trafficking efforts in 2022.
Muscat Daily
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New strategic plan to shape Dakhliyah's growth
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