Muscat – In a landmark move affirming the Sultanate’s commitment to human rights and international law, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik issued Royal Decree No. 89/2025 on Thursday, approving Oman’s accession to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

The ICCPR, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 16, 1966, is one of the core international treaties that enshrine civil liberties and political freedoms, including the rights to life, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, due process, and participation in public affairs.

Under the terms of the decree:

Article One approves Oman’s accession to the ICCPR in accordance with the attached formula.

Article Two mandates the competent authorities to deposit the accession documents with the relevant international bodies, while taking into account the Sultanate’s reservations and explanatory declarations.

Article Three states the Royal Decree shall be published in the Official Gazette and take effect from its issuance date.

The accession represents a major step in aligning national frameworks with international human rights standards and reinforces Oman’s growing role in the global human rights landscape.