International officials laud Oman's human rights efforts

Muscat: A number of international officials have expressed their appreciation for the efforts made by the Sultanate of Oman’s in promoting human rights, citing Oman’s recent signing of 7 out of 9 global agreements of relevance.

The commendation was made at a three-day workshop, organised by Oman Human Rights Commission here today, about the “Convention against Torture and Protection from Enforced Disappearance” and the “International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights”, which Oman joined in 2020.

Mohammed Ensour, Head of the Middle East and North Africa Division of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, said that Oman has ratified three international agreements on human rights. He added that the pacts constitute the cornerstone of human rights system.

Ensour hailed the step as “a giant stride that reflects Oman’s political will and its respect for human rights charters. He commended the efforts exerted by Oman in updating human rights practices.

“The international Human Rights commission welcomes and values the promulgation of the Royal decree forming Oman Human Rights Commission which states that the commission enjoys integrity and autonomy in practising its duties,” Ensour said.

Meanwhile, Sultan Hassan Al Jamali, Secretary General of National Human Rights Committee, Qatar, and Head of the Arab Human Rights Network, said, “We value and take pride in the successive accomplishments made by Oman and its leadership in the field of human rights protection. We appreciate Oman’s positive engagement in the global human rights scheme and its recent signing of related agreements.”

Sheikh Khalifa Ali Al Harthy, Diplomatic Affairs Undersecretary at the Foreign Ministry and the chief guest, said that the formation of Oman Human Rights Commission is a clear evidence of the government’s keenness on protecting human rights for citizens and residents alike. An example of this approach is Oman’s signing 7 out of 9 global human rights agreements, he added.

The workshop includes seminars in which representatives of government and other departments are taking part. Local and independent UN experts are giving lectures during the workshop.