Professor Dr. Rashid bin Hamad Al Balushi, Chairman of the Omani Human Rights Commission, said that the anniversary of the accession of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq the Great – may God protect him – to the throne in the Sultanate of Oman comes this year in light of a comprehensive review of laws and legislation by the legislative and regulatory authorities in the Sultanate of Oman, and the continuation of issuing Laws and decrees that protect human rights at the national level and enhance the Sultanate of Oman’s regional and international position.
The OHRC Chairman added: By following up on the most significant decrees and legislation issued during 2023, which are related to human rights, we find that the past year was marked by the issuance of Royal Decree No. (16/2023) approving the accession of the Sultanate of Oman to the Arab Charter on Human Rights, confirming the inherent compliance of the Sultanate of Oman with human rights, and its commitment to the principle of regional cooperation in this field in order to achieve common goals among Arab countries.
During 2023 AD, the Social Protection Law was also issued according to Royal Decree No. (52/2023), based on what was included in the Basic Statute of the State and the Oman Vision 2040, ensuring a decent life and well-being for the Omani citizen, as well as in accordance with the “International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,” which The Sultanate of Oman joined it pursuant to Royal Decree No. (46/2020).
Labor Law was issued by Royal Decree No. (53/2023) to cope with changes and developments in the business sector and regulate the labor market in accordance with the Oman Vision 2040. The Law emphasized that according to the Basic Statute of the State, labor is the right of the Omanis. The new Law also prohibited any form of forced or coercive labor on workers.
Furthermore, within the framework of guaranteeing and promoting rights, Royal Decree No. (23/2023) on the Marriage of Omanis to Foreigners was issued to grant both the Omani man and woman the equal right to choose their spouses without restricting to the condition of obtaining a prior permit from the official authorities in the Sultanate of Oman as the case was prior to the issuance of this Royal Decree. The Royal Decree regarding the Omanis Marriage to Foreigners came to implement social principles stated in the Basic Statute of the State stipulating that Family is the basis of society and the State works to strengthen its ties, stability and values. The State is committed to child care and ensures equality between men and women.
Within the framework of the Sultanate of Oman’s keenness to guarantee the right to education and its development, in accordance with what was stipulated in the Basic Statute of the State, and the treaties and conventions to which the Sultanate acceded, Royal Decree No. (31/2023) issued the School Education Law. Considering that the greatest purpose of school education is to achieve comprehensive and integrated growth of the learner’s personality in its mental, emotional, spiritual and physical aspects. The Royal Decree also defined the educational stages, special educational programs, the educational environment, and the rights and duties of the students. It also guaranteed the rights and duties of the academic body.
In the field of Higher Education, the Higher Education Law issued by Royal Decree No. (27/2023) constructing specialized national competencies with international competitive skills and capabilities to meet the needs of society, development plans and requirements of the labor market, in addition to enhancing the values and principles of Islam, national belonging and the Omani Identity. The Law stipulated that according to applicable laws and legislation, Higher Education institutions have a juridical personality and enjoy financial and administrative independence and freedom of expression, research, and innovation.
