Geneva: Oman at Review of Human Rights

The Sultanate of Oman took part in the Universal Periodic Review of human rights, held in Geneva, Switzerland.

Oman’s delegation was headed by Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Saeedi, Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs.

In his address, Dr Abdullah said that all citizens and residents in the Sultanate of Oman enjoy a wide range of rights and freedoms. These rights are guaranteed by the Basic Statute of the State, national legislation, international agreements and treaties to which Oman has acceded, he added.

He also noted that Oman stands with just and humanitarian causes and supports affected peoples. He added that strengthening international peace and security lies at the heart of Oman’s approach in building an international community based on goodwill and harmony among its peoples.

He pointed out that Oman has officially put itself forward, for the first time, for membership of the Human Rights Council for the 2028–2030 term. This reflects Oman’s firm commitment to promoting human rights and builds on its positive cooperation with various international human rights mechanisms.

During the review session held at the United Nations Office in Geneva, Oman’s delegation delivered a number of interventions. These covered freedom of opinion and expression and freedom of the press and publication in line with the Basic Law of the State and the Media Law.

The delegation also addressed the right to school, higher and vocational education in accordance with relevant legislation, noting that Oman is preparing to accede to the Convention against Discrimination in Education.

The delegation also made interventions on the rights of workers and employers following the issue of the Labour Law. It covers the rights of women, children, persons with disabilities and the elderly under the Social Protection Law and its executive regulations. It also highlighted the restructuring of the Ministry of Social Development through the establishment of a dedicated sector for persons with disabilities.

The delegation reviewed progress towards issuing a new law for civil society institutions and voluntary work in the Oman. It also addressed Oman's efforts to combat human trafficking and Oman’s legislative and practical measures in this regard, while highlighting the importance of international cooperation to eliminate this crime.