As part of its efforts to strengthen international cooperation and promote the exchange of expertise in the fields of criminal justice and human rights, the Oman Human Rights Commission organized an official visit programme for a delegation from Penal Reform International to the Sultanate of Oman from 2 to 5 February 2026. The delegation, headed by Dr. Taghreed Jaber, Chairperson of the organization, held a series of meetings with a number of prominent governmental and judicial institutions in the Sultanate.
The programme included a range of meetings and field visits highlighting Oman’s efforts to advance its justice and correctional systems, with particular emphasis on correctional institutions and inmate rehabilitation programmes.
As part of the visit, the delegation conducted an extensive field visit to Samail Central Prison to gain first-hand insight into Oman’s experience in managing correctional institutions and to assess the extent to which these facilities align with relevant international standards and conventions governing the treatment and dignity of persons deprived of their liberty.
The delegation also met with Prof. Rashid bin Hamad Al-Balushi, Chairman of the Oman Human Rights Commission. Discussions focused on mechanisms for monitoring places of detention and the Sultanate’s efforts to align its legislation with international standards. During the meeting, the Commission also highlighted plans to further strengthen correctional infrastructure through the forthcoming opening of a new correctional facility in Salalah built in accordance with international standards.
In addition, the delegation met with H.E. Sheikh Rashid Al Shamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development, where discussions addressed the legal framework and social and rehabilitative measures implemented to protect and support juveniles and the families of inmates.
The delegation was also received by H.E. Nasr bin Khamis Al Sawai, Public Prosecutor, who outlined the role of modern technology and digital governance in advancing the delivery of timely justice, enabling real-time monitoring of cases and individuals under investigation while taking humanitarian considerations into account and reducing reliance on pretrial detention.
The visit concluded with a meeting with H.E. Dr. Faisal bin Abdullah Al Farsi, Chief Executive Officer of the Social Protection Fund, during which the delegation was briefed on the comprehensive structure of Oman’s social protection system, including mechanisms for assessing and supporting the needs of inmates’ families and addressing the socioeconomic factors that may contribute to crime and delinquency.
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