Latest news with #RoyalDecreeNo57
Muscat Daily
11-08-2025
- 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.
Muscat Daily
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
Oman Human Rights body begins work on first national strategy
Muscat – The Oman Human Rights Commission (OHRC) will launch a series of workshops on Sunday to support the development of the sultanate's first National Human Rights Strategy. The opening session will be held under the patronage of H E Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed al Saidi, Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, and will bring together senior officials, legal experts and representatives from more than 55 government bodies, private sector institutions and civil society organisations. Organised in line with Article (11) of OHRC's framework, issued under Royal Decree No 57/2022, the workshops form a key phase in designing a strategy that accurately assesses the human rights situation in Oman and sets clear priorities. Scheduled to run from June 15 to July 3, the sessions will examine the legal and procedural landscape related to human rights and outline challenges and areas for improvement. The goal is to set practical objectives to be achieved over the short and long term. Participants will work in four groups covering civil and political rights; economic and social rights; environmental and cultural rights; and participation in public life. A separate theme will address the rights and needs of priority groups, including women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities. OHRC stressed the importance of involving all key stakeholders to ensure the strategy reflects diverse perspectives and real conditions on the ground. A structured approach will be used to assess the current situation and develop clear, measurable goals with supporting data. The project aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and will be coordinated with the Vision Implementation Follow-Up Unit to ensure consistency with broader national development plans. It will also reflect the principles of the Basic Statute of the State and international conventions to which Oman is a party.
