US Human Rights officials appreciate Oman’s efforts

Washington: A number of human rights officials from the United States (US) expressed their appreciation for the efforts exerted by the Sultanate of Oman in the human rights field.

This came during a meeting between a delegation from Oman Human Rights Commission (OHRC) that is currently visiting the United States of America (USA) and several officials responsible with human rights files in the US State Department and the House of Representatives.

The delegation visited civil society institutions, figures from various research centres and American civil society organisations.

An event on human rights was held at Sultan Qaboos Cultural Centre (SQCC) at Washington D.C.. This event aimed at introducing the role, work and responsibilities of OHRC.

The delegation, headed by Sheikh Abdullah Shuwain Al Hosni, Chairman of OHRC, held separate meetings with the following: Cindy Dyer, Head of the US State Department’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, Scott Turner, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Population, Migration, and Refugees, Rashad Hussain, Head of the Office of International Religious Freedom, Christopher Le Mon, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, Daniel Benaim, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Arabian Peninsula Affairs and Thea Lee, Deputy Undersecretary for Labour Affairs.

The delegation discussed the annual reports issued by the US Department of State that are related to human rights and freedoms in the world. The delegation highlighted mechanisms and steps taken by the OHRC in response to these reports, the extent of attention accorded to their details, as well as responses, on a fact-based manner and after coordinating with the authorities concerned in the Sultanate of Oman.

The delegation explained that the OHRC conducts field visits in various governorates and wilayat, including the Central Prison, detention centres, workplaces and workers’ residences, as well as field visits paid in response to reports raised by individuals.

Regarding American reports that are issued annually which deal with the situation of human rights in various countries of the world, including Oman, the delegation explained to the authorities concerned on the American side that these reports receive special attention. This covers examining the contents of the reports, studying their topics and responding to the reports after confirming facts and correct information through authorities concerned in the country in order to meet the commitments of OHRC to the basic principles of the laws of the international community in the field of human rights.

The delegation also affirmed to the American side OHRC’s willingness to exert all efforts that boost cooperation, develop communication and coordination between the two sides in a bid to serve human rights.

Moreover, the delegation held an event at Sultan Qaboos Cultural Centre in Washington D.C. that deals with human rights. Oman’s Ambassador to the USA Moosa Hamdan Al Ta’ei was present during the event. As many as 70 politicians and human rights activists participated in the event.

An introductory film was presented on OHRC’s work mechanism, its programmes and field visits, as well as its role in raising awareness on human rights.