Tehran, Iran – The Oman Human Rights Commission, led by its Chair, Professor Rashid bin Hamad al Balushi, participated in the First International Conference on Human Rights from an Eastern Perspective, held in Tehran and Qom, in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The conference was organised by Baqir al Olum University in collaboration with the Islamic Culture and Relations Organisation under Iran’s Ministry of Culture. It brought together a diverse group of participants, including representatives from national human rights institutions, regional and international bodies, as well as academics and researchers specialising in human rights.

Aimed at presenting a comprehensive Eastern perspective on human rights, the conference drew upon the deep cultural and civilisational traditions of Islamic and Eastern societies. It sought to promote values and principles rooted in Eastern civilisations as an alternative to dominant Western human rights frameworks.

Discussions centred on the need for an Eastern approach to human rights, particularly against the backdrop of ongoing global challenges, including the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. The event also examined historical and cultural experiences across various countries, prospects for regional cooperation, and the philosophical, cultural, and social foundations of Eastern human rights concepts.

Professor Balushi presented a scholarly paper highlighting the importance of hosting such a conference from an Eastern standpoint, especially in light of current global issues. He also shed light on Oman’s historical and cultural contributions to the field of human rights.

The Commission’s delegation also included Plenipotentiary Minister Aqil bin Alawi Ba Omar, a Commission member, and Hassan bin Ahmed al Ajmi from the Commission’s Technical Secretariat.