Workshops kick off for Human Rights Strategy
Under the auspices of Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed al Saeedi, Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, the Oman Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has launched a series of workshops aimed at preparing Oman's first comprehensive National Human Rights Strategy. More than 55 representatives from government bodies, private sector organisations and civil society institutions are participating in the initiative.
The workshops aim to assess the current legal, regulatory and procedural landscape across key human rights areas, identify major challenges and explore opportunities. They seek to develop strategic objectives that are both implementable and measurable, with a clear short- and long-term vision.
This effort is being carried out in accordance with Article (11) of the OHRC Statute, issued by Royal Decree No (57/2022), which mandates the Commission to formulate and monitor the strategy in coordination with relevant entities. It marks a pivotal step towards creating a national policy document grounded in a realistic understanding of the human rights situation in Oman.
Dr Rashid bin Hamad al Balushi, Chairman of the OHRC, emphasised that the strategy reflects Oman's openness to the international human rights system and reaffirms its commitment to voluntary international obligations - while remaining rooted in national values, cultural identity and humanitarian principles.
Utilising a SWOT analysis framework, the workshops are designed to assess strengths and weaknesses, evaluate risks and define strategic objectives backed by solid indicators and a clear baseline for future monitoring. The formal announcement of the National Human Rights Strategy is scheduled for December 10, 2025, to coincide with International Human Rights Day, ushering in a new era of institutional human rights work in Oman.
Running from June 15 to July 3, 2025, the workshops are divided into four working groups and covers: Civil and political rights, economic and social rights, environmental and cultural rights and freedom to participate in public life with particular attention to vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities.
Dr Jamal bin Eid al Khadouri, OHRC member, remarked that the strategy will reinforce Oman's human rights framework, elevate its global standing and align with Oman Vision 2040, as well as international agreements and national laws.
Inclusion has been a cornerstone of the planning process, with OHRC ensuring participation from academic institutions, civil society organisations, and the private sector - acknowledging that a collaborative approach is essential.
Participant Hamad bint Mohammed al Abri, Head of the Security and Safety Statistics Department at the National Centre for Statistics and Information, said: 'Through our contribution of data and indicators across 15 axes, we help strengthen Oman's position globally by identifying and addressing existing gaps in human rights performance.'
Meanwhile, Abdulaziz bin Ali al Saadi, Director of Legal Affairs at OHRC and a member of the strategy's executive team, highlighted the extensive groundwork, including several consultative meetings to ensure that the strategy is both inclusive and data-driven.
The Commission is working closely with the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit and the Ministry of Economy to ensure full alignment with national development plans and the Basic Law, as well as with the international conventions Oman has endorsed.
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