Muscat – H H Sayyid Fahd Hamoud al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers, received on Wednesday heads of delegations who took part in the GCC Human Rights Institutions Forum hosted by the sultanate.

The forum saw participation of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and Arab League’s Permanent Committee on Human Rights.

During the meeting, H H Sayyid Fahd affirmed that GCC countries continue to protect and enhance human rights which are guaranteed by Islamic law.

He also appreciated the efforts exerted to boost cooperation between human rights institutions in the region and to develop mechanisms for these in line with international treaties.

H H Sayyid Fahd also highlighted the march of comprehensive development in Oman, which is in accordance with a system that is based on justice and equality among all citizens in terms of rights and obligations.

He reiterated that human rights in Oman are protected through the Basic Law of the State, as well as national laws and regulations issued in this regard.

The meeting discussed several topics included in the agenda of the forum, such as the GCC Human Rights Strategy and means of developing coordination to boost joint action regionally and internationally while also enhancing cooperation with the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

On their turn, the heads of the GCC delegations appreciated Oman for hosting the forum which contributed to reaching positive outcomes. They also affirmed that human rights are protected in Oman.

The meeting was attended by H E Dr Abdullah Mohammed al Saidi, Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, Sheikh al Fadhal Mohammed al Harthy, Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers, and Sheikh Abdullah Shuwain al Hosni, Chairman of Oman Human Rights Commission.