Latest news with #AbdullahbinMohammedalSaeedi
Observer
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Workshops kick off for Human Rights Strategy
Muscat, June 15 Under the auspices of Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed al Saeedi, Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, the Oman Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has launched a series of workshops aimed at preparing Oman's first comprehensive National Human Rights Strategy. More than 55 representatives from government bodies, private sector organisations and civil society institutions are participating in the initiative. The workshops aim to assess the current legal, regulatory and procedural landscape across key human rights areas, identify major challenges and explore opportunities. They seek to develop strategic objectives that are both implementable and measurable, with a clear short- and long-term vision. This effort is being carried out in accordance with Article (11) of the OHRC Statute, issued by Royal Decree No (57/2022), which mandates the Commission to formulate and monitor the strategy in coordination with relevant entities. It marks a pivotal step towards creating a national policy document grounded in a realistic understanding of the human rights situation in Oman. Dr Rashid bin Hamad al Balushi, Chairman of the OHRC, emphasised that the strategy reflects Oman's openness to the international human rights system and reaffirms its commitment to voluntary international obligations - while remaining rooted in national values, cultural identity and humanitarian principles. Utilising a SWOT analysis framework, the workshops are designed to assess strengths and weaknesses, evaluate risks and define strategic objectives backed by solid indicators and a clear baseline for future monitoring. The formal announcement of the National Human Rights Strategy is scheduled for December 10, 2025, to coincide with International Human Rights Day, ushering in a new era of institutional human rights work in Oman. Running from June 15 to July 3, 2025, the workshops are divided into four working groups and covers: Civil and political rights, economic and social rights, environmental and cultural rights and freedom to participate in public life with particular attention to vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities. Dr Jamal bin Eid al Khadouri, OHRC member, remarked that the strategy will reinforce Oman's human rights framework, elevate its global standing and align with Oman Vision 2040, as well as international agreements and national laws. Inclusion has been a cornerstone of the planning process, with OHRC ensuring participation from academic institutions, civil society organisations, and the private sector - acknowledging that a collaborative approach is essential. Participant Hamad bint Mohammed al Abri, Head of the Security and Safety Statistics Department at the National Centre for Statistics and Information, said: 'Through our contribution of data and indicators across 15 axes, we help strengthen Oman's position globally by identifying and addressing existing gaps in human rights performance.' Meanwhile, Abdulaziz bin Ali al Saadi, Director of Legal Affairs at OHRC and a member of the strategy's executive team, highlighted the extensive groundwork, including several consultative meetings to ensure that the strategy is both inclusive and data-driven. The Commission is working closely with the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit and the Ministry of Economy to ensure full alignment with national development plans and the Basic Law, as well as with the international conventions Oman has endorsed.
Observer
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Media's role in shaping national identity highlighted
MUSCAT: The Oman Journalists Association (OJA) organised a symposium on media and national identity under the auspices of Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed al Saeedi, Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, bringing together a distinguished group of academics, researchers and specialists. The event aimed to develop recommendations for consolidating national identity and promoting values in the context of contemporary challenges. Discussions at the symposium focused on the role of media in reinforcing Omani national identity and explored ways to leverage media platforms to document and safeguard the authentic values that form the foundation of Omani society. Participants emphasised that media remains one of the most vital tools for promoting traditional values, strengthening ties between generations, and balancing the preservation of heritage with engagement in modern advancements. Dr Mohammed bin Mubarak al Araimi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of OJA, underlined the need to preserve national identity as a shared consciousness. He warned of increasing external influences seeking to reshape cultural beliefs and called for the strengthening of national belonging among future generations. Dr Al Araimi stressed the importance of building a resilient national media capable of facing challenges, offering meaningful content and reinforcing societal values to make future generations more aware of the risks of cultural alienation. He further noted that globalisation, despite its advantages in communication and openness, poses serious challenges to national identity, especially through Western media and digital platforms that promote lifestyles and concepts inconsistent with Omani heritage and values. Throughout the sessions, participants presented working papers, sharing insights and experiences on preserving national identity amid global changes. The symposium concluded with comprehensive recommendations emphasising the need to fortify national media, nurture Omani family values, integrate identity-based elements into education, promote Omani identity both locally and internationally, enhance cognitive awareness among citizens, advance the local content industry, enact balanced legislation between conservatism and openness, teach Omani identity through creative digital means, and involve youth in achieving the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. Dr Khalid al Adawi, Head of the symposium's technical and scientific team, emphasised that the recommendations form a roadmap for continued collaboration and joint action to protect and promote national identity. He noted that the media's role in this regard is critical and must be strengthened across all channels. Salem bin Hamad al Jahwari, Vice-President of the OJA, expressed hope that the symposium's recommendations would be effectively implemented, describing them as an important strategic framework for fostering a strong sense of identity and cultural pride among Omanis. Dr Zakaria al Mahrami, a physician at Sultan Qaboos University and writer, highlighted that the fragmentation of national identities worldwide due to globalisation necessitates initiatives like this symposium. He emphasised the urgent need for Oman to define and develop a clear national strategy that preserves its authentic identity while remaining open to global engagement. The symposium was accompanied by a photo exhibition showcasing Omani national identity. The exhibition featured a rich collection of photographs that captured significant milestones in Oman's history, from the Islamic era to modern times, underscoring the depth and continuity of the nation's cultural heritage.
