Latest news with #RashidHamadAlBalushi
Times of Oman
5 days ago
- Politics
- Times of Oman
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.
Times of Oman
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Oman Human Rights Commission launches "Private Sector Workforce Rights Guide"
Muscat: Oman Human Rights Commission on Sunday launched the Private Sector Workforce Rights Guide in six languages, aimed at raising legal awareness among both workers and employers, promoting a culture of legal compliance, and fostering justice and respect in the workplace. The launch ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr. Mahad Said Ba'owain, Minister of Labour. This publication reinforces Oman's positive record in human rights and affirms its commitment to relevant international conventions, while establishing a work environment based on principles of justice, equality, and dignity. Dr. Rashid Hamad Al Balushi, Chairman of the Oman Human Rights Commission, stated that the launch of the Private Sector Workforce Rights Guide addresses a genuine need among labour stakeholders to understand the rights and obligations stipulated in Oman's labour law. He explained that the guide provides a comprehensive overview of key rights for private sector workers, including the requirement for a written employment contract (with a copy provided to the worker), the prohibition of employers retaining passports or personal documents without written consent, the ban on all forms of forced labour, and the guarantee of equality without discrimination based on gender, language, religion, color, or social status. It also outlines workers' rights to file complaints and grievances through approved channels. The guide details regulations on working hours, annual/sick leave, weekly rest periods, overtime, end-of-service benefits, termination certificates, and occupational health and safety provisions—including first aid, medical care, housing, transportation, and meals where applicable. Published in Arabic, English, Urdu, Hindi, Bangla, and Filipino, the guide ensures accessibility for expatriate and resident workers of diverse nationalities. It also lists official communication channels for workers and employers to engage with relevant authorities. The launch of the guide aligns with Articles 10 and 11 of the Commission's statute (promulgated by Royal Decree No. 57/2022) to advance human rights protection in Oman, while serving as a vital tool to enhance workplace efficiency and community engagement. The multilingual initiative reflects international standards such as Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (right to "just and favorable working conditions") and ILO Convention No. 111 on Discrimination in Respect of Employment and Occupation. Structured in three sections, the guide covers worker/employer rights, obligations, and prohibitions; General guidelines, and communication means with the Oman Human Rights Commission.
Times of Oman
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Oman Human Rights Commission launches 'Private Sector Workforce Rights Guide'
Muscat: Oman Human Rights Commission today launched the Private Sector Workforce Rights Guide in six languages, aimed at raising legal awareness among both workers and employers, promoting a culture of legal compliance, and fostering justice and respect in the workplace. The launch ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr. Mahad Said Ba'owain, Minister of Labour. This publication reinforces Oman's positive record in human rights and affirms its commitment to relevant international conventions, while establishing a work environment based on principles of justice, equality, and dignity. Dr. Rashid Hamad Al Balushi, Chairman of the Oman Human Rights Commission, stated that the launch of the Private Sector Workforce Rights Guide addresses a genuine need among labor stakeholders to understand the rights and obligations stipulated in Oman's labour law. He explained that the guide provides a comprehensive overview of key rights for private sector workers, including the requirement for a written employment contract (with a copy provided to the worker), the prohibition of employers retaining passports or personal documents without written consent, the ban on all forms of forced labour, and the guarantee of equality without discrimination based on gender, language, religion, color, or social status. It also outlines workers' rights to file complaints and grievances through approved channels. The guide details regulations on working hours, annual/sick leave, weekly rest periods, overtime, end-of-service benefits, termination certificates, and occupational health and safety provisions—including first aid, medical care, housing, transportation, and meals where applicable. Published in Arabic, English, Urdu, Hindi, Bangla, and Filipino, the guide ensures accessibility for expatriate and resident workers of diverse nationalities. It also lists official communication channels for workers and employers to engage with relevant authorities. The launch of the guide aligns with Articles 10 and 11 of the Commission's statute (promulgated by Royal Decree No. 57/2022) to advance human rights protection in Oman, while serving as a vital tool to enhance workplace efficiency and community engagement. The multilingual initiative reflects international standards such as Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (right to "just and favorable working conditions") and ILO Convention No. 111 on Discrimination in Respect of Employment and Occupation. Structured in three sections, the guide covers worker/employer rights, obligations, and prohibitions; General guidelines, and communication means with the Oman Human Rights Commission.
