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Muscat Daily
6 days ago
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
Over 1,000 human rights cases handled in Oman in 2024: OHRC
Muscat – Oman Human Rights Commission received and handled 1,006 human rights cases in 2024, covering civil, political, economic, social, cultural and developmental rights, according to Rashid bin Hamad al Balushi, Chairman of OHRC. Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, Balushi said the commission's mandate under Royal Decree No 57/2022 is to protect and promote human rights in line with Oman's Basic Statute and international treaties. 'OHRC continues its national role by receiving complaints, conducting field visits, organising awareness lectures and engaging with international reports on Oman's human rights situation,' he said. OHRC reviewed 47 complaints and monitored 22 cases while providing legal support in 937 cases. It conducted field visits to the central prison and detention centres to assess inmates' conditions and ensure compliance with national and international standards. Visits also covered social, health and educational institutions. Balushi noted the commission's satisfaction with Royal Oman Police's efforts to respect human dignity in prisons, citing improvements in healthcare, education, legal aid, sports and recreation for inmates. Rashid bin Hamad al Balushi, Chairman of Oman Human Rights Commission In the context of freedom of expression, Oman advanced 18 places in the 2024 Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, which assesses political, legal, economic, socio-cultural and safety factors in 180 countries. The commission has actively promoted awareness through lectures targeting schools, universities, public and private employees, and security personnel. Topics covered included children's rights, women's rights, workers' rights, freedom of expression and complaint mechanisms. Balushi stressed the importance of aligning these efforts with Oman Vision 2040 to foster citizenship and respect for rights within society. On disability rights, the commission conducted a studied 'Warning signs for the Blind in Public Places' and submitted findings to Muscat Municipality and Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning. Both committed to incorporating standards in urban development plans and building codes. A major ongoing project is the development of National Human Rights Strategy in coordination with Oman Vision 2040 authorities. The strategy includes legislative reforms, awareness campaigns, partnerships, protection mechanisms and use of technology. Workshops involving local and international experts are reviewing various rights and priority groups, such as women, children, elderly and persons with disabilities. OHRC also responded to rights reports from Amnesty International, the US State Department and Special Rapporteurs. Balushi said the commission verified observations and provided responses based on Oman's laws and international standards.
Observer
20-05-2025
- Observer
Workshop highlights human trafficking indicators
Muscat, May 20 A workshop was held on Tuesday titled "Indicators of Human Trafficking, Raising Awareness of Its Dangers, and the Importance of Reporting It". The event aimed to enhance public awareness of the signs of human trafficking, mechanisms for handling victims, fostering a culture of reporting among individuals, and strengthening community partnerships to combat this phenomenon. Marwa al Balushi, a legal researcher at the Family Protection Department, Ministry of Social Development, stated, "The Ministry of Social Development contributes to raising community awareness of the harms of abuse, violence, and encouraging families to report. The beneficiaries of the protection house services include victims of human trafficking, women at risk of abuse and children at risk. The Sultanate of Oman also continues its tireless and ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking in line with the Basic Law, which guarantees justice and equality for all segments of society. It is important to involve all governmental and non-governmental entities in providing protection to victims of human trafficking. Cooperation is ongoing with private sector institutions and civil society to support victims of human trafficking." The workshop, organised by the Ministry of Social Development in collaboration with the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, saw the participation of several child protection delegates, supervisors from the Protection House, and representatives from the Royal Oman Police working on human trafficking crime indicators. The workshop featured four working papers. The first, presented by the Royal Oman Police, explored "Indicators of Human Trafficking Crimes". The second working paper, titled "The National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking and International Reports", highlighted the committee's responsibilities, as outlined by the Foreign Ministry. The Ministry of Labour presented its role in human trafficking cases, defining forced labour as any work or service exacted under the threat of punishment, which the person did not voluntarily agree to perform. Indicators include non-payment of wages, confiscation of passports, excessive working hours without compensation, threats of termination or deportation, verbal or physical abuse, restricted freedom of movement and the illegal employment of minors. The workshop concluded with a review of "The Legal Framework for Human Trafficking Crimes in the Sultanate of Oman". The paper examined legal provisions under the State's Basic Statute, issued by Royal Decree No 6/2021. Additionally, the workshop reviewed provisions of international conventions related to human trafficking.
