Latest news with #OmanHumanRightsCommission
Observer
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Observer
Over 1,000 human rights cases received in 2024
MUSCAT, AUG 11 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 revealed during a press conference held on Monday by Oman Human Rights Commission, which highlighted its key efforts in 2024, including monitoring and receiving complaints, responding to regional and international reports, and organising internal and external activities. Addressing the media on Monday, Dr Rashid bin Hamad al Balushi, Chairman of Oman Human Rights Commission, said 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. Dr Al Balushi said 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 instil 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. During the media conference, he discussed the National Human Rights Strategy and monitoring its implementation with all relevant human rights bodies. Developing the strategy requires establishing a comprehensive framework that promotes and protects human rights in the Sultanate of Oman, in accordance with the provisions of the Basic Law of the State, the international conventions and agreements to which Oman has acceded, and applicable laws, as this is the ultimate goal of the Omani Human Rights Commission. During the current year, the committee, as part of the strategy project, organised workshops to analyse the current status of the strategy. These workshops covered a range of fundamental rights, including civil and political rights, economic and social rights, environmental and cultural rights and the freedom to participate in public life. They also focused on vulnerable groups, such as women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities. The strategy project aligns with the national directives of Oman Vision 2040. Direct coordination was undertaken with the Vision Implementation Follow-up Unit and the Ministry of Economy to ensure the alignment of the strategy with comprehensive development plans. The chairman confirmed that the committee is studying reports and communicating with relevant authorities to address them according to mechanisms that ensure an effective and rapid response. The committee also held a celebration on the occasion of International Human Rights Day under the theme "Pillar of the Nation: Sustainable Steps to Protect and Promote the Rights of Older Persons." The celebration focused on appreciating the role of older persons and their contributions to building society, highlighting Oman's efforts to protect their rights, ensuring their access to necessary services, and enhancing their social standing through legislation and laws that protect them from neglect or abuse. The celebration also aimed to raise community awareness about the rights of older persons and ensure their active participation in various aspects of life. In a statement to the Observer on the progress made by the committee in caring for the elderly in foster families, Dr Rashid said: "Regarding the rights of the elderly in the Sultanate of Oman, the committee visited the elderly centre in the Wilayat of Al Rustaq and organised a special symposium on the services provided to the elderly in which issued a set of recommendations. Oman is distinguished by its policies that preserve the social fabric, and fostering families are one of the measures that preserve society's cohesion and social integrity." Furthermore, the committee conducted a number of field visits to the Central Prison and the detention departments of the Royal Oman Police to assess the services provided to inmates and detainees and ensure that they are provided in accordance with a level befitting human dignity. Within the framework of the 2024 amnesty for inmates, a number of Royal orders were issued ordering the release of a group of inmates from the Central Prison convicted in various cases. The total number of inmates included in the Royal amnesty reached approximately 704 inmates, both citizens and residents. In the area of freedom of expression, the committee noted that Oman has advanced 18 places in the 2024 Press Freedom Index, issued by Reporters Without Borders, compared to 2023. This index assesses 180 countries annually and uses five criteria to assess press freedom, including the political context, the legal framework, the economic context, the social and cultural context and safety. While for the healthcare field, the committee also held several field meetings with institutions working in the field of the right to healthcare, including the Royal Hospital and Khoula Hospital, to discuss challenges and opportunities in improving the quality of services and ensuring accessibility for all, especially persons with disabilities. It also conducted a field visit to the Duqm Industrial Zone, examining the services and labour care provided to workers in the Duqm Special Economic Zone. It examined adherence to protection standards and a suitable work environment, and the general compliance of the facilities used with occupational safety and health measures and international standards for workers' housing. The committee fulfilled its role in protecting and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities. It monitored and studied warning signs for the blind in public places. The committee 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 the municipality's future projects. The committee also received a response from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning stating that special standards would be included within the national urban planning standards contained in the outcomes of the National Urban Development Strategy. The study will also be included in the building requirements and specifications guide in the Sultanate of Oman. In the international area, OHRC expressed its observations on the US annual report on the human rights situation in the Sultanate of Oman for 2023. The report addressed a number of issues. The report aimed to verify the topics and reports received and provide the commission's observations on them in accordance with the laws and regulations in force in the Sultanate of Oman, as well as the mechanisms and methods followed by the commission in this regard. Also, it responded to a newspaper article in BBC Africa Eye titled "How a Malawian WhatsApp group helped rescue women trafficked to Oman." The report included cases of more than 50 Malawian women who were trafficked to the Sultanate of Oman to work under conditions resembling slavery. 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 US 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. The OHRC is committed to preparing a parallel report submitted to the Arab Charter on Human Rights Committee, following the methodology followed in preparing reports for both the Omani Human Rights Commission and the Arab Charter on Human Rights Committee. In preparing this report, a consultative approach was followed with relevant civil society institutions, stakeholders and partner organisations. During the months of October and November 2024, the Committee met with five civil society institutions related to the topics of the report, namely: the Omani Women's Association, Muscat, the Omani Journalists Association, the General Federation of Oman Workers, the Children First Association, and the Omani Association for Persons with Disabilities.
Muscat Daily
a day 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.
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Over 1,000 human rights-related issues monitored in Oman during the past year
Muscat: The number of issues and reports received and monitored by the Oman Human Rights Commission during 2024 amounted to (1,006), including (47) complaints and (22) cases. (937) cases were monitored and human rights support was provided, covering various civil, political, economic, social, cultural, environmental, and developmental rights, in addition to the rights of vulnerable groups. This came during a press conference held today by the Oman Human Rights Commission, in which it reviewed its most prominent efforts during 2024, its role in monitoring and receiving complaints, responding to regional and international reports, and its internal and external activities and events. Dr. Rashid bin Hamad Al Balushi, Chairman of the Oman Human Rights Commission, said that the Commission continues its national role in protecting and promoting human rights, based on its mandate and the values and principles emphasized by the Basic Law of the State and the international conventions to which the Sultanate of Oman has acceded. He emphasized the Committee's commitment to continuing to develop its working mechanisms and strengthening its role as an independent national institution seeking to disseminate a culture of human rights and consolidate the values of citizenship, justice, and human dignity in the Sultanate of Oman. Al Balushi explained that the Committee's vision is to be an effective national platform for supporting, promoting, and protecting human rights among all segments of society and its institutions. Its mission is to instill a culture of human rights among individuals and institutions in society, promote its practice, and work to protect it in accordance with local and international principles and legislation. The Commission Chairman expressed his satisfaction with the progress made by the Royal Oman Police in its commitment to promoting and protecting human rights, and in the services provided to inmates and detainees during field visits to the Central Prison to ensure that these services are provided to an appropriate standard. These services include health, education, legal, sports, training, entertainment, and hobbies. He pointed out that press freedom is one of the fundamental pillars of freedom of expression. In this context, the commission noted that the Sultanate of Oman has advanced 18 places in the 2024 Press Freedom Index, issued by Reporters Without Borders, compared to 2023. The index assesses 180 countries annually and uses (5) criteria to assess press freedom, including the political context, the legal framework, the economic context, the social and cultural context, and safety. Al Balushi explained that the "National Human Rights Strategy" project will be launched on December 10th. It covers various aspects and seeks to promote and protect human rights in the Sultanate of Oman, in accordance with the provisions of the Basic Law of the State, the international conventions and agreements to which the Sultanate of Oman has acceded, and applicable laws. He pointed out that the Commission contributed to providing legal support for (937) cases it received during this year, assisting their owners in settling their cases in accordance with the correct legal frameworks, utilizing the procedures, measures, and regulations contained in applicable laws and international agreements that the Sultanate of Oman has acceded to or ratified. This support covered civil and political rights, economic, social, cultural, environmental, and development rights. Dr. Rashid bin Hamad Al Balushi, Chairman of the Oman Human Rights Commission, concluded his remarks by saying that the Committee responded to a number of international governmental and non-governmental reports, in addition to questionnaires, including Amnesty International's annual report on the human rights situation in the Sultanate of Oman for the year 2022/2023, the US annual report on the human rights situation in the Sultanate of Oman for the year 2023, and the report issued by the US Department of State on combating human trafficking in the Sultanate of Oman for the year 2023, which addressed the status of combating human trafficking in 2022.
Observer
09-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Forum calls for stronger human rights at work
MUSCAT: The Business and Human Rights Forum, organised by the Oman Human Rights Commission, concluded its second day with a set of recommendations aimed at embedding fairness, transparency and a culture of human rights within business practices and policies. Held from July 8 to 9, in cooperation with the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights, the forum aligns with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights; and Oman Vision 2040, which emphasises a sustainable economy built on empowerment, participation and accountability. The forum brought together representatives from government agencies, private sector institutions, civil society organisations, UN offices in Oman, academic institutions and experts in human rights and corporate governance. Over two days, participants engaged in five main sessions featuring 16 working papers on human rights issues in the business sector. Key recommendations included integrating human rights in business-related curricula at private universities and colleges, developing ethical codes within private companies to empower employees in promoting and protecting human rights; and adopting the UN Principles on Business and Human Rights in corporate policies along with monitoring mechanisms. Further recommendations called for sharing best practices among entities applying human rights standards, particularly in supply chains, publishing related reports to enhance transparency and raising community awareness on respecting human rights and sustainable development in the workplace. Additional points focused on encouraging private companies to launch human rights initiatives, promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the labour market and fostering a culture of human rights among law enforcement agencies in commercial judicial processes. The forum also urged greater private sector participation in future events to share experiences and address challenges. It concluded with a call to continue holding the forum regularly and to develop an executive plan with dedicated programmes to make business and human rights an integral part of the workplace.
Observer
08-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Forum highlights equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities
Muscat: Under the auspice of Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, the Oman Human Rights Commission, in cooperation with the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights, on Tuesday kicked off the Business and Human Rights Forum from July 8 to 9 seeking to enable persons with disabilities to access employment opportunities in private sector institutions and to establish the principle of equal opportunity and non-discrimination in employment. The initiative also seeks to link the forum's outcomes to practical approaches that contribute to supporting the rights of persons with disabilities within the labour market and help achieve the national target for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in employment. The forum was organised as part of national efforts to consolidate the principles of justice and transparency in the workplace and promote a culture of human rights within business policies and practices. This is in line with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and is consistent with the Oman Vision 2040, which places increasing importance on building a sustainable economy based on empowerment, participation and responsibility. Dr Rashid bin Hamad al Balushi, Chairman of the Oman Human Rights Commission, said, "Holding such forum is a practical translation of the Oman Human Rights Commission's mandate to raise awareness, educate, provide advice and monitor the implementation of relevant international agreements. It also falls within the framework of consolidating a culture of human rights in the business environment and opening windows for constructive dialogue between the public and private sectors, civil society institutions, academic institutions and international organisations." The forum's objectives included promoting multilateral dialogue among stakeholders in the business environment, expanding awareness of international human rights principles, and sharing national and regional best practices in this field. It also aimed to discuss emerging challenges facing the integration of human rights into business policies. Successful institutional experiences were also reviewed, and effective ways to address challenges and align local legislation with international standards were proposed. This was in addition to highlighting the role of judicial institutions, legislative initiatives and civil society initiatives in supporting this trend. Eng Faisal bin Abdulaziz al Shanfari, a member of the Labour Market Committee, stated that the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry seeks to align with Oman's long-term approach to cooperating with regional and international partners to protect and promote human rights in line with international obligations. In a statement to the Observer, Dr Jamal bin Eid al Khadouri, a member of the Oman Human Rights Commission and representative of the Ministry of Health, said: "The forum is an important initiative to focus on business and human rights in various institutions, with regard to preserving the rights of companies, individuals, society and the environment. The importance of the forum reflects Oman's interest in individuals, especially people with disabilities, in the workplace. Damilola Olawuyi on behalf of the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights, stated: 'We are pleased to see that through this forum, Oman is starting an important conversation in this regard. Given Oman's climate leadership and prominence as one of the first countries in the Arab region to ratify the Paris Agreement; one of the first to adopt a Net-Zero Strategy; and a strategic hub for entrepreneurship, technology and innovation, we are convinced that if Oman leads in this area, other countries in the region and beyond will draw lessons and follow suit.' The forum's activities are divided into five main sessions held over two days, during which sixteen scientific papers will be presented, covering various topics, including national legislation, the role of the judiciary, business policies, and field experiences from a number of companies and academic institutions.
