Latest news with #ArabHumanRightsDay
Observer
16-03-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Oman committed to provide food at affordable prices
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman on Sunday organised a symposium themed 'The Right to Food' to mark the Arab Human Rights Day, which falls on March 16 every year. The symposium, held at the Diplomatic Club, was aimed to raise public awareness about the importance of advancing human rights in accordance with international and regional conventions. It also focused on the Sultanate of Oman's efforts to enhance food security and related national policies. The symposium was held under the auspices of Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali al Harthy, Under-Secretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs. It was organised by Oman Human Rights Commission in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry. The event highlighted national and regional legislation on ensuring the right to food security. It underlined the Sultanate of Oman's role in supporting humanitarian issues, notably the rights of Palestinian people. In a speech at the symposium, Saleh bin Yahya al Maskari, Head of the Global Affairs Department at the Foreign Ministry, said that the right to food is not only related to the availability of food but also to the diversity, affordability and accessibility to food. 'The worsening of the food crisis in the Gaza Strip due to Israel's closure of crossings and the occupation state's prevention of the entry of humanitarian aid to more than two million Palestinians in Gaza constitutes a flagrant violation of international conventions and treaties, as well as international humanitarian law which underscores the need to provide basic livelihood needs to civilians without obstacles,' Al Maskeri added. He emphasised that the Sultanate of Oman pays great attention to food security, and is constantly working to strengthen food security system and accelerate the transition towards efficient agricultural food systems capable of withstanding global challenges within the framework of Oman Vision 2040, which emphasises the importance of food security as one of the pillars of sustainable development and economic diversification programmes, including the agricultural, fisheries, and water resources sectors. For his part, Dr Rashid bin Hamad al Balushi, Chairman of Oman Human Rights Commission, said that the celebration of the event affirms Arab countries' commitment to the protection of human rights in line with regional and international conventions. Dr Al Balushi said: "Choosing the right to food as a slogan to commemorate this year's Arab Human Rights Day, is an affirmation of one of the most important fundamental human rights. Food is a fundamental right guaranteed by international agreements and treaties, and is an integral part of the human right to a dignified life and sustainable development." Achieving the right to food requires cooperation between governments, international organisations, and civil society to ensure food availability for all and promote sustainable development to meet the needs of present and future generations, he said. The symposium is aimed at raising awareness of the importance of the right to food as a fundamental right under international and regional human rights conventions, discuss the Sultanate of Oman's efforts to promote food security and related national policies, highlight the humanitarian efforts undertaken by Oman, and highlight its role in supporting humanitarian issues, especially with regard to the Palestinian people. The celebration of Arab Human Rights Day affirms Arab countries' commitment to international and regional human rights conventions and agreements, particularly the Arab Charter on Human Rights. It represents an opportunity to review and evaluate human rights achievements and challenges in the Arab world, and to promote dialogue with the aim of developing policies and legislation that guarantee human rights in Arab countries. The symposium included working papers in which the first working paper, presented by Dr Saleh bin Hamad al Barashdi, Chairman of the Monitoring and Complaints Committee, addressed international and regional conventions related to the right to food. He reviewed the most prominent agreements and treaties that promote this right as a fundamental human right. Al Barashdi stressed the importance of providing adequate food as part of the right to an adequate standard of living. He also addressed the Arab Charter on Human Rights, explaining the role of these conventions in promoting food security and ensuring individuals' access to healthy food. He stressed that achieving this right requires effective national policies and international cooperation to ensure food security and sustainable development. In the second working paper, Eng Abdulaziz bin Mohammed al Shakil, Director of the Investment Department at the Directorate-General of Agricultural and Fisheries Marketing at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, discussed food security in the Sultanate of Oman, the concept of food security and the link between Oman Vision 2040 and the ministry's strategies, the components of the food production sector, and performance indicators for the agricultural and fisheries sector. He also addressed the challenges facing the food security system, proposed solutions, the food security investment programme, future outlook and the investment portfolio of the Oman Food Investment Company. He stated that the Sultanate of Oman ranked third among 113 countries according to the 2022 Global Food Security Index, ranking third in the Arab world and 35th globally. For his part, Mohammed bin Ali al Musafir, CEO of Al Rahma Association, spoke in the third working paper about Al Rahma Association's efforts to provide basic needs for individuals and families, empower individuals and families to be productive and active members of society, strive to achieve financial sustainability, implement governance and the best policies and procedures, and the association's efforts in cooperation with the Oman Charitable Organisation for Gaza Relief. He also highlighted the association's role in social care, family and psychological counselling and research and studies. Arab Human Rights Day is an occasion aimed at raising awareness of human rights in Arab countries and highlighting efforts to consolidate the principles of justice and equality. This day was specifically chosen to coincide with the date of the entry into force of the Arab Charter on Human Rights on March 16, 2008. This charter was adopted by the League of Arab States as a regional framework that promotes human rights in accordance with the cultural and social specificities of Arab countries while adhering to international principles in this field.
Muscat Daily
16-03-2025
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
Arab Human Rights Day focuses on ‘Right to Food'
Muscat – The Omani Human Rights Commission (OHRC), in collaboration with the Foreign Ministry, marked Arab Human Rights Day on Sunday with a symposium held at the Diplomatic Club in Muscat. The event, held under the patronage of H E Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali al Harthy, Undersecretary for Political Affairs at the Foreign Ministry, was centred around the theme 'The Right to Food'. The symposium aimed to raise awareness of the right to food as a fundamental human right, in accordance with international and regional human rights conventions. It also highlighted Oman's efforts to promote food security through national policies and its humanitarian contributions, especially in relation to the Palestinian people. Saleh Yahya al Maskari, head of the Department of Global Affairs at the Foreign Ministry, stressed that the right to food is not only about food availability but also about its diversity, affordability, and accessibility. 'The worsening food crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by the closure of crossings and the denial of humanitarian aid, represents a clear violation of international conventions and humanitarian law, which mandates that basic needs be provided to civilians without obstruction,' he said. He added that Oman continues to prioritise food security and is advancing efforts to strengthen the system in line with Oman Vision 2040, focusing on resilient agri-food systems capable of meeting global challenges. Dr Rashid bin Hamad al Balushi, Chairman of OHRC, noted that the observance of Arab Human Rights Day reaffirms Arab nations' commitment to upholding human rights principles.
See - Sada Elbalad
16-03-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Arab League: The Palestinian People's Suffering Must End
The General Secretariat of the League of Arab States called on the international community to end the suffering of the Palestinian people due to the violation of their legitimate rights by Israel, the occupying power. It called on the international community to take the necessary steps to respect and protect the right to food, facilitate access to food, provide the necessary assistance, and prevent the use of food as a tool for political and economic pressure. This came in a statement issued by the General Secretariat on Sunday on the occasion of the Arab Human Rights Day, which is being commemorated this year (2025) under the theme "The Right to Food," as a fundamental human right, a necessity for a decent life, and an essential element of human dignity.
Times of Oman
16-03-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Oman marks Arab Human Rights Day
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman today organized a symposium themed "The Right to Food" to mark the Arab Human Rights Day, which falls on 16 March every year. The symposium, held at the Diplomatic Club, was aimed to raise public awareness about the importance of advancing human rights in accordance with international and regional conventions. It also focused on the Sultanate of Oman's efforts to enhance food security and related national policies. The symposium was held under the auspices of Sheikh Khalifa Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs. It was organised by Oman Human Rights Commission in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry. The event highlighted national and regional legislation on ensuring the right to food security. It underlined the Sultanate of Oman's role in supporting humanitarian issues, notably the rights of Palestinian people. In a speech at the symposium, Saleh Yahya Al Maskari, Head of the Global Affairs Department at the Foreign Ministry, said that the right to food is not only related to the availability of food, but also to the diversity, affordability and accessibility to food. 'The worsening of the food crisis in the Gaza Strip due to Israel's closure of crossings and the occupation state's prevention of the entry of humanitarian aid to more than two million Palestinians in Gaza constitutes a flagrant violation of international conventions and treaties, as well as international humanitarian law which underscores the need to provide basic livelihood needs to civilians without obstacles,' Al Maskeri added. Al Maskari stressed that 'Oman accords great attention to food security and food supply to all. It continues working to consolidate the food security system.'
Times of Oman
08-02-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Oman Human Rights Commission takes part in Arab Human Rights Session in Kuwait
Muscat: The Oman Human Rights Commission participated as an observer in the 55th session of the Arab Permanent Human Rights Committee, held in the State of Kuwait. The official delegation was led by Professor Dr Rashid bin Hamad Al Balushi, Chairman of the Commission. The session addressed several pressing human rights concerns in the Arab world, including the serious violations occurring in the occupied Palestinian territories and their humanitarian impact. Discussions also focused on strengthening cooperation among member states to implement recommendations from the Arab Charter on Human Rights Committee and tackling emerging human rights challenges, particularly those related to technology and artificial intelligence. Another key area of discussion was the protection of vulnerable groups, with a particular focus on safeguarding the rights of families and children. The meeting concluded with a series of recommendations, emphasising the need for enhanced joint Arab efforts to develop human rights policies, promote regional solidarity in support of Arab causes on the international stage, and encourage dialogue and cooperation among member states to establish effective mechanisms for implementing international agreements. It was also agreed to launch a media campaign for Arab Human Rights Day on 16 March 2025, under the theme "The Right to Food for the Palestinian People." Additionally, the session approved the guiding implementation plan for the Arab Human Rights Strategy. The Omani delegation included Mr Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Saadi, a member of the Commission, and Mr Salim bin Khalfan Al Roushdi, Head of the Media Department at Oman Human Rights Commission.
