Muscat – Oman Human Rights Commission received and handled 1,006 human rights cases in 2024, covering civil, political, economic, social, cultural and developmental rights, according to Rashid bin Hamad al Balushi, Chairman of OHRC.

Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, Balushi said the commission’s mandate under Royal Decree No 57/2022 is to protect and promote human rights in line with Oman’s Basic Statute and international treaties. “OHRC continues its national role by receiving complaints, conducting field visits, organising awareness lectures and engaging with international reports on Oman’s human rights situation,” he said.

OHRC reviewed 47 complaints and monitored 22 cases while providing legal support in 937 cases. It conducted field visits to the central prison and detention centres to assess inmates’ conditions and ensure compliance with national and international standards. Visits also covered social, health and educational institutions.

Balushi noted the commission’s satisfaction with Royal Oman Police’s efforts to respect human dignity in prisons, citing improvements in healthcare, education, legal aid, sports and recreation for inmates.

In the context of freedom of expression, Oman advanced 18 places in the 2024 Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, which assesses political, legal, economic, socio-cultural and safety factors in 180 countries.

The commission has actively promoted awareness through lectures targeting schools, universities, public and private employees, and security personnel. Topics covered included children’s rights, women’s rights, workers’ rights, freedom of expression and complaint mechanisms.

Balushi stressed the importance of aligning these efforts with Oman Vision 2040 to foster citizenship and respect for rights within society.

On disability rights, the commission conducted a studied ‘Warning signs for the Blind in Public Places’ and submitted findings to Muscat Municipality and Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning. Both committed to incorporating standards in urban development plans and building codes.

A major ongoing project is the development of National Human Rights Strategy in coordination with Oman Vision 2040 authorities. The strategy includes legislative reforms, awareness campaigns, partnerships, protection mechanisms and use of technology. Workshops involving local and international experts are reviewing various rights and priority groups, such as women, children, elderly and persons with disabilities.

OHRC also responded to rights reports from Amnesty International, the US State Department and Special Rapporteurs. Balushi said the commission verified observations and provided responses based on Oman’s laws and international standards.