| Oman Sultanate of Oman Saltanat Uman Joined United Nations: 7 October 1971 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 01/12/11 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Muscat
2,967,717
note: includes 577,293 non-nationals (July 2010 est.)
note: includes 577,293 non-nationals (July 2010 est.)
The monarch is hereditary
Next scheduled election: None
Next scheduled election: None
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
According to the Omani Basic Law, the Sultan is both the Chief
of State and Head of Government
of State and Head of Government
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi), African
| RELIGIONS |
Ibadhi Muslim 75%, other (includes Sunni Muslim, Shi'a Muslim, Hindu) 25%
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Monarchy with 5 regions (manatiq, singular - mintaqat) and 4 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazat); Legal system is based on
English common law and Islamic law; ultimate appeal to the monarch; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: The monarch is hereditary
Legislative: Bicameral Majlis Oman consists of Majlis al-Dawla or upper chamber (70 seats; members appointed by the monarch;
has advisory powers only) and Majlis al-Shura or lower chamber (84 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year
terms; body has some limited power to propose legislation, but otherwise has only advisory powers)
elections: last held 27 October 2007 (next to be held in 2011)
Judicial: Supreme Court
note: the nascent civil court system, administered by region, has judges who practice secular and Shari'a law
English common law and Islamic law; ultimate appeal to the monarch; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: The monarch is hereditary
Legislative: Bicameral Majlis Oman consists of Majlis al-Dawla or upper chamber (70 seats; members appointed by the monarch;
has advisory powers only) and Majlis al-Shura or lower chamber (84 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year
terms; body has some limited power to propose legislation, but otherwise has only advisory powers)
elections: last held 27 October 2007 (next to be held in 2011)
Judicial: Supreme Court
note: the nascent civil court system, administered by region, has judges who practice secular and Shari'a law
| LANGUAGES |
Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialects
| BRIEF HISTORY |
The present-day Saltanat Umān, lies in south-eastern Arabia. While traditional Oman also includes the present-day United Arab
Emirates, their prehistoric remains differ from those of Oman proper, particularly after the end of the Early Iron Age. Archaeological
exploration in the Arabian peninsula has been sparse; indigenous written sources are limited to the many inscriptions and coins from
southern Arabia. Existing material consists primarily of written sources from other traditions (such as Egyptians, Greeks, Persians,
Romans, etc.) and oral traditions later recorded by Islamic scholars. The study of Pre-Islamic Arabia is important to Islamic studies
as it provides the context for the development of Islam. There are epigraphic Old South Arabian sources from about the 9th century
BC, and Old North Arabian one from about the 6th century BC. From the 3rd century AD, Arabian history becomes more tangible
with the rise of the Himyarite Kingdom, and with the appearance of the Qahtanis in the Levant and the gradual assimilation of the
Nabateans by the Qahtanis in the early centuries AD, a tendency of expansion that finally culminated in the explosive Muslim
conquests of the 7th century. Oman adopted Islam in the 7th century A.D., during the lifetime of the prophet Muhammad. Ibadism
became the dominant religious sect in Oman by the 8th century A.D. Oman is the only country in the Islamic world with a majority
Ibadi population. Ibadhism is known for its "moderate conservatism." One distinguishing feature of Ibadism is the choice of ruler by
communal consensus and consent. Several millennia ago, Arab tribes migrated eastward to Oman, coinciding with the increasing
presence in the region of peoples from present-day Iran. In the sixth century, Arabs succeeded in repelling encroachments of these
ethnic groups; the conversion of Arab tribes to Islam in the seventh century resulted in the displacement of the settlers from Iran.
The introduction of Ibadism vested power in the imam, the leader nominated by the ulema. The Ibadis had five imamates before the
founding of the Al Said dynasty. The first imamate in the ninth century became the example of the ideal Ibadi state. But Oman was
nonetheless conquered by several foreign powers; Oman was controlled by the Qarmatians between 931-932 and then again
between 933-934. Between 972 and 1050, Oman was part of the domain of the Iranian Buyyids, and between 1053 and 1154,
Oman was part of the Great Seljuk empire. In 1154, the indigenous Nabhani dynasty took control of Oman, and the Nabhani kings
ruled Oman until 1470, with an interruption of 37 years between 1406 and 1443. Muscat was taken by the Portuguese on 1 Apr
1515, and was held until 26 Jan 1650, although the Ottomans controlled Muscat between 1550-1551 and 1581-1588. In about
the year 1600, Nabhani rule was temporarily restored to Oman, although that lasted only to 1624, when fifth imamate, which is also
known as the Yarubid Imamate. The Yarubid Imamate, recaptured Muscat from the Portuguese in 1650 after a colonial presence
on the northeastern coast of Oman dating to 1508. The Yarubid dynasty expanded, acquiring former Portuguese colonies in East
Africa and engaging in the slave trade. By 1719 dynastic succession led to the nomination of Saif ibn Sultan II. His candidacy
prompted a rivalry among the ulama and a civil war between the two major tribes, the Hinawi and the Ghafiri, with the Ghafiri
supporting Saif ibn Sultan II. He assumed power in 1748 after the leaders of both factions had been killed in battle, but the rivalry
continued, with the factionalization working in favor of the Iranians, who occupied Muscat and Suhar in 1743. The Iranians had
occupied the coast before--indeed the coast was often the possession of various empires. These empires brought order to the
religious and ethnic diversity of the population of this cosmopolitan region. Yet the intervention on behalf of an unpopular dynasty
brought about a revolt. The leader of the revolt, Ahmad ibn Said al Said, was elected sultan of Muscat upon the expulsion of the
Persians. The position of Sultan of Muscat would remain in the possession of the Al Said clan even when the imamate of Oman
remained out of reach. The Al Said clan became a royal dynasty when Ahmad ibn Said Al Said was elected imam following the
expulsion of the Iranians from Muscat in 1744. Like its predecessors, Al Said dynastic rule has been characterized by a history of
internecine family struggle, fratricide, and usurpation. Imam Azzam understood that to unify the country a strong, central authority
had to be established with control over the interior tribes of Oman. His rule was jeopardized by the British, who interpreted his
policy of bringing the interior tribes under the central government as a move against their established order. In resorting to military
means to unify Oman, Imam Azzam alienated members of the Ghafiri tribes, who revolted in the 1870-71 period. The British gave
Imam Azzam's rival, Turki ibn Said Al Said, financial and political support. Turki ibn Said succeeded in defeating the forces of Imam
Azzam, who was killed in battle outside Matrah in January 1871. Oman was the object of Franco-British rivalry throughout the 18th
century. During the 19th century, Oman and the United Kingdom concluded several treaties of friendship and commerce. In 1908
the British entered into an agreement of friendship. Their traditional association was confirmed in 1951 through a new treaty of
friendship, commerce, and navigation by which the United Kingdom recognized the Sultanate of Oman as a fully independent state.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the sultan in Muscat faced rebellion by members of the Ibadi sect residing in the
interior of Oman, centered around the town of Nizwa, who wanted to be ruled exclusively by their religious leader, the Imam of
Oman. This conflict was resolved temporarily by the Treaty of Seeb, which granted the imam autonomous rule in the interior
Imamate of Oman, while recognising the nominal sovereignty of the sultan elsewhere. The conflict flared up again in 1954, when the
new imam led a sporadic 5-year rebellion against the sultan's efforts to extend government control into the interior. The insurgents
were defeated in 1959 with British help. In 1970, Qaboos bin Said Al Said ousted his father, Sa'id bin Taymur, who later died in
exile in London. Al Said has ruled as sultan ever since. Since his accession in 1970, Sultan Qaboos has balanced tribal, regional,
and ethnic interests in composing the national administration. In November 1996, Sultan Qaboos presented his people with the
"Basic Statutes of the State," Oman's first written "constitution". It guarantees various rights within the framework of Qur'anic and
customary law. It partially resuscitated long dormant conflict-of-interest measures by banning cabinet ministers from being officers of
public shareholding firms. Perhaps most importantly, the Basic Statutes provide rules for setting Sultan Qaboos' succession. Oman
occupies a strategic location on the Strait of Hormuz at the entrance to the Persian Gulf, 35 miles directly opposite Iran. Oman has
concerns with regional stability and security, given tensions in the region, the proximity of Iran and Iraq, and the potential threat of
political Islam. Oman maintained its diplomatic relations with Iraq throughout the Gulf War while supporting the United Nations
allies by sending a contingent of troops to join coalition forces and by opening up to pre-positioning of weapons and supplies. Oman
also has long been an active participant in efforts to achieve Middle East peace. Oman and the United States have been parties to a
military co-operation agreement since 1980, which they revised and renewed in 2000. Following the September 11, 2001 attacks
on the United States, the Omani Government at all levels pledged and provided impressive support to the U.S.-led coalition against
terrorism. Oman has signed most United Nations-sponsored anti-terrorism treaties. Al Said's extensive modernization program has
opened the country to the outside world and has preserved a long-standing political and military relationship with the United
Kingdom. Oman's moderate, independent foreign policy has sought to maintain good relations with all Middle Eastern countries.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Oman
Emirates, their prehistoric remains differ from those of Oman proper, particularly after the end of the Early Iron Age. Archaeological
exploration in the Arabian peninsula has been sparse; indigenous written sources are limited to the many inscriptions and coins from
southern Arabia. Existing material consists primarily of written sources from other traditions (such as Egyptians, Greeks, Persians,
Romans, etc.) and oral traditions later recorded by Islamic scholars. The study of Pre-Islamic Arabia is important to Islamic studies
as it provides the context for the development of Islam. There are epigraphic Old South Arabian sources from about the 9th century
BC, and Old North Arabian one from about the 6th century BC. From the 3rd century AD, Arabian history becomes more tangible
with the rise of the Himyarite Kingdom, and with the appearance of the Qahtanis in the Levant and the gradual assimilation of the
Nabateans by the Qahtanis in the early centuries AD, a tendency of expansion that finally culminated in the explosive Muslim
conquests of the 7th century. Oman adopted Islam in the 7th century A.D., during the lifetime of the prophet Muhammad. Ibadism
became the dominant religious sect in Oman by the 8th century A.D. Oman is the only country in the Islamic world with a majority
Ibadi population. Ibadhism is known for its "moderate conservatism." One distinguishing feature of Ibadism is the choice of ruler by
communal consensus and consent. Several millennia ago, Arab tribes migrated eastward to Oman, coinciding with the increasing
presence in the region of peoples from present-day Iran. In the sixth century, Arabs succeeded in repelling encroachments of these
ethnic groups; the conversion of Arab tribes to Islam in the seventh century resulted in the displacement of the settlers from Iran.
The introduction of Ibadism vested power in the imam, the leader nominated by the ulema. The Ibadis had five imamates before the
founding of the Al Said dynasty. The first imamate in the ninth century became the example of the ideal Ibadi state. But Oman was
nonetheless conquered by several foreign powers; Oman was controlled by the Qarmatians between 931-932 and then again
between 933-934. Between 972 and 1050, Oman was part of the domain of the Iranian Buyyids, and between 1053 and 1154,
Oman was part of the Great Seljuk empire. In 1154, the indigenous Nabhani dynasty took control of Oman, and the Nabhani kings
ruled Oman until 1470, with an interruption of 37 years between 1406 and 1443. Muscat was taken by the Portuguese on 1 Apr
1515, and was held until 26 Jan 1650, although the Ottomans controlled Muscat between 1550-1551 and 1581-1588. In about
the year 1600, Nabhani rule was temporarily restored to Oman, although that lasted only to 1624, when fifth imamate, which is also
known as the Yarubid Imamate. The Yarubid Imamate, recaptured Muscat from the Portuguese in 1650 after a colonial presence
on the northeastern coast of Oman dating to 1508. The Yarubid dynasty expanded, acquiring former Portuguese colonies in East
Africa and engaging in the slave trade. By 1719 dynastic succession led to the nomination of Saif ibn Sultan II. His candidacy
prompted a rivalry among the ulama and a civil war between the two major tribes, the Hinawi and the Ghafiri, with the Ghafiri
supporting Saif ibn Sultan II. He assumed power in 1748 after the leaders of both factions had been killed in battle, but the rivalry
continued, with the factionalization working in favor of the Iranians, who occupied Muscat and Suhar in 1743. The Iranians had
occupied the coast before--indeed the coast was often the possession of various empires. These empires brought order to the
religious and ethnic diversity of the population of this cosmopolitan region. Yet the intervention on behalf of an unpopular dynasty
brought about a revolt. The leader of the revolt, Ahmad ibn Said al Said, was elected sultan of Muscat upon the expulsion of the
Persians. The position of Sultan of Muscat would remain in the possession of the Al Said clan even when the imamate of Oman
remained out of reach. The Al Said clan became a royal dynasty when Ahmad ibn Said Al Said was elected imam following the
expulsion of the Iranians from Muscat in 1744. Like its predecessors, Al Said dynastic rule has been characterized by a history of
internecine family struggle, fratricide, and usurpation. Imam Azzam understood that to unify the country a strong, central authority
had to be established with control over the interior tribes of Oman. His rule was jeopardized by the British, who interpreted his
policy of bringing the interior tribes under the central government as a move against their established order. In resorting to military
means to unify Oman, Imam Azzam alienated members of the Ghafiri tribes, who revolted in the 1870-71 period. The British gave
Imam Azzam's rival, Turki ibn Said Al Said, financial and political support. Turki ibn Said succeeded in defeating the forces of Imam
Azzam, who was killed in battle outside Matrah in January 1871. Oman was the object of Franco-British rivalry throughout the 18th
century. During the 19th century, Oman and the United Kingdom concluded several treaties of friendship and commerce. In 1908
the British entered into an agreement of friendship. Their traditional association was confirmed in 1951 through a new treaty of
friendship, commerce, and navigation by which the United Kingdom recognized the Sultanate of Oman as a fully independent state.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the sultan in Muscat faced rebellion by members of the Ibadi sect residing in the
interior of Oman, centered around the town of Nizwa, who wanted to be ruled exclusively by their religious leader, the Imam of
Oman. This conflict was resolved temporarily by the Treaty of Seeb, which granted the imam autonomous rule in the interior
Imamate of Oman, while recognising the nominal sovereignty of the sultan elsewhere. The conflict flared up again in 1954, when the
new imam led a sporadic 5-year rebellion against the sultan's efforts to extend government control into the interior. The insurgents
were defeated in 1959 with British help. In 1970, Qaboos bin Said Al Said ousted his father, Sa'id bin Taymur, who later died in
exile in London. Al Said has ruled as sultan ever since. Since his accession in 1970, Sultan Qaboos has balanced tribal, regional,
and ethnic interests in composing the national administration. In November 1996, Sultan Qaboos presented his people with the
"Basic Statutes of the State," Oman's first written "constitution". It guarantees various rights within the framework of Qur'anic and
customary law. It partially resuscitated long dormant conflict-of-interest measures by banning cabinet ministers from being officers of
public shareholding firms. Perhaps most importantly, the Basic Statutes provide rules for setting Sultan Qaboos' succession. Oman
occupies a strategic location on the Strait of Hormuz at the entrance to the Persian Gulf, 35 miles directly opposite Iran. Oman has
concerns with regional stability and security, given tensions in the region, the proximity of Iran and Iraq, and the potential threat of
political Islam. Oman maintained its diplomatic relations with Iraq throughout the Gulf War while supporting the United Nations
allies by sending a contingent of troops to join coalition forces and by opening up to pre-positioning of weapons and supplies. Oman
also has long been an active participant in efforts to achieve Middle East peace. Oman and the United States have been parties to a
military co-operation agreement since 1980, which they revised and renewed in 2000. Following the September 11, 2001 attacks
on the United States, the Omani Government at all levels pledged and provided impressive support to the U.S.-led coalition against
terrorism. Oman has signed most United Nations-sponsored anti-terrorism treaties. Al Said's extensive modernization program has
opened the country to the outside world and has preserved a long-standing political and military relationship with the United
Kingdom. Oman's moderate, independent foreign policy has sought to maintain good relations with all Middle Eastern countries.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Oman
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Oman is a middle-income economy that is heavily dependent on dwindling oil resources. Because of declining reserves, Muscat has
actively pursued a development plan that focuses on diversification, industrialization, and privatization, with the objective of reducing
the oil sector's contribution to GDP to 9% by 2020. Tourism and gas-based industries are key components of the government's
diversification strategy. By using enhanced oil recovery techniques, Oman succeeded in increasing oil production in 2009, giving the
country more time to diversify. The drop in oil prices in 2008 and the global financial crisis reduced Oman's budget surplus in 2009
and slowed the pace of investment and development projects, but GDP growth still was positive, in part because Muscat
implemented an expansionary fiscal policy.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Oman)
actively pursued a development plan that focuses on diversification, industrialization, and privatization, with the objective of reducing
the oil sector's contribution to GDP to 9% by 2020. Tourism and gas-based industries are key components of the government's
diversification strategy. By using enhanced oil recovery techniques, Oman succeeded in increasing oil production in 2009, giving the
country more time to diversify. The drop in oil prices in 2008 and the global financial crisis reduced Oman's budget surplus in 2009
and slowed the pace of investment and development projects, but GDP growth still was positive, in part because Muscat
implemented an expansionary fiscal policy.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Oman)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
Politics of Oman takes place in a framework of an absolute monarchy whereby the Sultan of Oman is not only head of state, but
also the head of government. Chief of state and government is the hereditary sultan, Qābūs ibn Saˤīd as-Saˤīd, who appoints a
cabinet to assist him. In the early 1990s, the sultan instituted an elected advisory council, the Majlis ash-Shura, though few Omanis
were eligible to vote.
The sultan is a direct descendant of the 19th century ruler, Usman Sa'id bin Sultan, who first opened relations with the United States
in 1833. The Sultanate has neither political parties nor legislature, although the bicameral representative bodies provide the
government with advice. The sultan does not designate a successor when alive. Instead, the ruling family tries to unanimously
designate a new sultan after his death. If they do not designate a new ruler after three days, then they open a letter left to them by
the deceased sultan, containing a recommendation for a new sultan. It is assumed that the ruling family will agree on this person as
the successor.
Oman's judicial system traditionally has been based on the Shari'a--the Qur'anic laws and the oral teachings of the Islamic Prophet
Muhammad. Traditionally, Shari'a courts fell under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice, Awqaf, and Islamic Affairs. Oman's
first criminal code was not enacted until 1974. The current structure of the criminal court system was established in 1984 and
consists of a magistrate court in the capital and four additional magistrate courts in Sohar, Sur, Salalah, and Nizwa. In the less-
populated areas and among the nomadic bedouin, tribal custom often is the law.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Oman
also the head of government. Chief of state and government is the hereditary sultan, Qābūs ibn Saˤīd as-Saˤīd, who appoints a
cabinet to assist him. In the early 1990s, the sultan instituted an elected advisory council, the Majlis ash-Shura, though few Omanis
were eligible to vote.
The sultan is a direct descendant of the 19th century ruler, Usman Sa'id bin Sultan, who first opened relations with the United States
in 1833. The Sultanate has neither political parties nor legislature, although the bicameral representative bodies provide the
government with advice. The sultan does not designate a successor when alive. Instead, the ruling family tries to unanimously
designate a new sultan after his death. If they do not designate a new ruler after three days, then they open a letter left to them by
the deceased sultan, containing a recommendation for a new sultan. It is assumed that the ruling family will agree on this person as
the successor.
Oman's judicial system traditionally has been based on the Shari'a--the Qur'anic laws and the oral teachings of the Islamic Prophet
Muhammad. Traditionally, Shari'a courts fell under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice, Awqaf, and Islamic Affairs. Oman's
first criminal code was not enacted until 1974. The current structure of the criminal court system was established in 1984 and
consists of a magistrate court in the capital and four additional magistrate courts in Sohar, Sur, Salalah, and Nizwa. In the less-
populated areas and among the nomadic bedouin, tribal custom often is the law.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Oman
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Boundary agreement reportedly signed and ratified with UAE in 2003 for entire border, including Oman's Musandam Peninsula and
Al Madhah exclave, but details of the alignment have not been made public.
Al Madhah exclave, but details of the alignment have not been made public.
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
None reported.
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Oman
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The Sultanate of Oman is a hereditary monarchy with a population of 3.3 million, including approximately one million nonnationals.
Sultan Qaboos Al Bu Sa'id has ruled since 1970. The sultan has the sole authority to amend the country's laws through royal decree,
although ministries draft laws and citizens provide input through the 84-member Majlis al-Shura (Consultative Council), an elected
advisory institution. In 2007 approximately 245,000 registered voters participated in generally free and fair elections for all of the
council's seats. The sultan appoints the 71-member Majlis al Dawla (State Council); it and the Majlis al Shura review legislation,
recommend policy, and conduct studies on public policy. The 32-member cabinet of ministers advises the sultan on government
decisions. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of security forces.
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The Sultanate of Oman is a hereditary monarchy with a population of 3.3 million, including approximately one million nonnationals.
Sultan Qaboos Al Bu Sa'id has ruled since 1970. The sultan has the sole authority to amend the country's laws through royal decree,
although ministries draft laws and citizens provide input through the 84-member Majlis al-Shura (Consultative Council), an elected
advisory institution. In 2007 approximately 245,000 registered voters participated in generally free and fair elections for all of the
council's seats. The sultan appoints the 71-member Majlis al Dawla (State Council); it and the Majlis al Shura review legislation,
recommend policy, and conduct studies on public policy. The 32-member cabinet of ministers advises the sultan on government
decisions. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of security forces.
- Citizens did not have the right to change their government; however, operating under a system of rule of law based on the Basic
Law of 1996, the government generally respected the human rights of its citizens. - The government placed some restrictions on privacy and freedoms of speech, press, assembly, association, and religion.
- Instances of discrimination and domestic violence toward women were reported.
- There were also isolated reports some employers placed expatriate laborers in situations indicative of forced labor or abuse.
24 June 2009
COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
Fifty-first session
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 12, PARAGRAPH 1, OF THE
OPTIONAL PROTOCOL TO THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD ON THE SALE OF CHILDREN,
CHILD PROSTITUTION AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
Concluding observations: Oman
Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the State party’s initial report. The Committee further welcomes its written replies
(CRC/C/OPSC/OMN/Q/1/Add.1) to the list of issues and appreciates the dialogue with a high-level and multisectoral delegation.
3. The Committee notes that the report does not fully comply with the reporting guidelines; it provides general information on the laws
and regulations, but only limited information is provided on the practical implementation of the Protocol.
I. General observations
Positive aspects
5. The Committee notes with appreciation:
(a) The Human Trafficking Act issued by Royal Decree No. 126/2008;
(b) The ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 6 January 2009.
II. Data
6. The Committee regrets the lack of data related to the Protocol disaggregated by, inter alia, age, sex, origin, urban/rural areas, and the
most vulnerable groups. The Committee regrets the position of the State party that there are no cases and notes the large numbers of
foreign migrant children who are particularly vulnerable to violations of their rights.
7. The Committee recommends that the State party develop and implement a comprehensive and systematic mechanism of data
collection, analysis, monitoring and impact assessment of all the areas covered by the Optional Protocol. The data should be
disaggregated, inter alia, by the nature of the offence and by sex, age, national and ethnic origin, urban/rural areas, and socio-economic
status, with particular attention to the most vulnerable groups of children. The Committee recommends that the State party seek
technical support from, inter alia, UNICEF in relation to the above recommendation.
III. General measures of implementation
Reservations
8. The Committee regrets the broad nature of the State party’s reservations and that no progress has been made in withdrawing, or
limiting their extent, since the consideration of the State party’s second periodic report in 2006 (CRC/C/OMN/CO/2, para. 7).
9. The Committee reiterates its previous recommendation that the State party review its reservations with a view to withdrawing them,
or limiting their extent, in accordance with the Vienna Declaration and Plan of Action adopted by the World Conference on Human
Rights on 25 June 1993 (A/CONF.157/23). The Committee further recommends that the State party seek inspiration from other
countries which have either withdrawn similar reservations or not entered any reservations to the Convention.
Click here to read more »
COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
Fifty-first session
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 12, PARAGRAPH 1, OF THE
OPTIONAL PROTOCOL TO THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD ON THE SALE OF CHILDREN,
CHILD PROSTITUTION AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
Concluding observations: Oman
Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the State party’s initial report. The Committee further welcomes its written replies
(CRC/C/OPSC/OMN/Q/1/Add.1) to the list of issues and appreciates the dialogue with a high-level and multisectoral delegation.
3. The Committee notes that the report does not fully comply with the reporting guidelines; it provides general information on the laws
and regulations, but only limited information is provided on the practical implementation of the Protocol.
I. General observations
Positive aspects
5. The Committee notes with appreciation:
(a) The Human Trafficking Act issued by Royal Decree No. 126/2008;
(b) The ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 6 January 2009.
II. Data
6. The Committee regrets the lack of data related to the Protocol disaggregated by, inter alia, age, sex, origin, urban/rural areas, and the
most vulnerable groups. The Committee regrets the position of the State party that there are no cases and notes the large numbers of
foreign migrant children who are particularly vulnerable to violations of their rights.
7. The Committee recommends that the State party develop and implement a comprehensive and systematic mechanism of data
collection, analysis, monitoring and impact assessment of all the areas covered by the Optional Protocol. The data should be
disaggregated, inter alia, by the nature of the offence and by sex, age, national and ethnic origin, urban/rural areas, and socio-economic
status, with particular attention to the most vulnerable groups of children. The Committee recommends that the State party seek
technical support from, inter alia, UNICEF in relation to the above recommendation.
III. General measures of implementation
Reservations
8. The Committee regrets the broad nature of the State party’s reservations and that no progress has been made in withdrawing, or
limiting their extent, since the consideration of the State party’s second periodic report in 2006 (CRC/C/OMN/CO/2, para. 7).
9. The Committee reiterates its previous recommendation that the State party review its reservations with a view to withdrawing them,
or limiting their extent, in accordance with the Vienna Declaration and Plan of Action adopted by the World Conference on Human
Rights on 25 June 1993 (A/CONF.157/23). The Committee further recommends that the State party seek inspiration from other
countries which have either withdrawn similar reservations or not entered any reservations to the Convention.
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World 2010 Report
Political Rights Score: 6
Civil Liberties Score: 5
Status: Not Free
Overview
In April 2009, Oman sentenced civil aviation official Ali al-Zuwaidy to one month in prison for publishing comments on a popular
website that were critical of the government. Separately, the country stripped Omani citizenship from a Yemeni political refugee in May
for criticizing the deteriorating political situation in Yemen.
This limited political reform in the 1990s was overshadowed by a stronger effort, spearheaded by Qaboos in 1995, to liberalize and
diversify Oman’s oil-dependent economy. In preparation for Oman’s accession to the World Trade Organization in 2000, the
government lifted restrictions on foreign investment and ownership of enterprises in the country.
In 2003, the sultan decreed universal suffrage for all Omanis over the age of 21. Parliamentary elections were held that year and again in
October 2007. However, political reform has continued to lag behind economic reform, with Qaboos maintaining a strong grip on the
state.
In May 2009, the government stripped Ali Salem al-Beidh, a Yemeni dissident living in exile in the country since 1994, of his Omani
citizenship. A past supporter of the secessionist movement in southern Yemen, al-Beidh was punished for issuing a political statement
critical of the Yemeni government’s handling of the political crisis in the south.
Oman is not an electoral democracy. Citizens elect the 84-member Consultative Council for four-year terms, but the chamber has no
legislative powers and can only recommend changes to new laws. The Consultative Council is part of a bicameral body known as the
Council of Oman. The other chamber, the 59-member State Council, is appointed by the sultan, who has absolute power and issues laws
by decree. The sultan serves as the country’s prime minister; heads the ministries of Defense, Foreign Affairs, and Finance; and is the
governor of Oman’s central bank.
Under the country’s constitution, citizens have the right to address public authorities on personal matters or on matters related to public
affairs in a manner consistent with Omani law. Mechanisms exist for citizens to petition the government through local officials, and
certain citizens are afforded limited opportunities to petition the sultan in direct meetings. Political parties are not permitted, and no
meaningful organized political opposition exists.
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Political Rights Score: 6
Civil Liberties Score: 5
Status: Not Free
Overview
In April 2009, Oman sentenced civil aviation official Ali al-Zuwaidy to one month in prison for publishing comments on a popular
website that were critical of the government. Separately, the country stripped Omani citizenship from a Yemeni political refugee in May
for criticizing the deteriorating political situation in Yemen.
This limited political reform in the 1990s was overshadowed by a stronger effort, spearheaded by Qaboos in 1995, to liberalize and
diversify Oman’s oil-dependent economy. In preparation for Oman’s accession to the World Trade Organization in 2000, the
government lifted restrictions on foreign investment and ownership of enterprises in the country.
In 2003, the sultan decreed universal suffrage for all Omanis over the age of 21. Parliamentary elections were held that year and again in
October 2007. However, political reform has continued to lag behind economic reform, with Qaboos maintaining a strong grip on the
state.
In May 2009, the government stripped Ali Salem al-Beidh, a Yemeni dissident living in exile in the country since 1994, of his Omani
citizenship. A past supporter of the secessionist movement in southern Yemen, al-Beidh was punished for issuing a political statement
critical of the Yemeni government’s handling of the political crisis in the south.
Oman is not an electoral democracy. Citizens elect the 84-member Consultative Council for four-year terms, but the chamber has no
legislative powers and can only recommend changes to new laws. The Consultative Council is part of a bicameral body known as the
Council of Oman. The other chamber, the 59-member State Council, is appointed by the sultan, who has absolute power and issues laws
by decree. The sultan serves as the country’s prime minister; heads the ministries of Defense, Foreign Affairs, and Finance; and is the
governor of Oman’s central bank.
Under the country’s constitution, citizens have the right to address public authorities on personal matters or on matters related to public
affairs in a manner consistent with Omani law. Mechanisms exist for citizens to petition the government through local officials, and
certain citizens are afforded limited opportunities to petition the sultan in direct meetings. Political parties are not permitted, and no
meaningful organized political opposition exists.
Click here to read more »
Suggested recommendations to States considered in the tenth round of the Universal Periodic Review, 24 January – 4
February 2011
1 November 2010
Recommendations to the government of Oman
Ratification of international human rights standards
*To ratify and implement in national law the outstanding core international human rights treaties, including the International Covenant
on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and its Optional Protocol; the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and its two
Optional Protocols; the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, making the declarations
set out in Articles 31 and 32; and the Convention on the non-applicability of statutory limitations to war crimes and crimes against
humanity – all without making prohibited reservations.
International Criminal Court
*To promptly ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, signed in 2000, and the Agreement on the Privileges and
Immunities of the International Criminal Court and to implement them in national law.
Click here to read more »
February 2011
1 November 2010
Recommendations to the government of Oman
Ratification of international human rights standards
*To ratify and implement in national law the outstanding core international human rights treaties, including the International Covenant
on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and its Optional Protocol; the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and its two
Optional Protocols; the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, making the declarations
set out in Articles 31 and 32; and the Convention on the non-applicability of statutory limitations to war crimes and crimes against
humanity – all without making prohibited reservations.
International Criminal Court
*To promptly ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, signed in 2000, and the Agreement on the Privileges and
Immunities of the International Criminal Court and to implement them in national law.
Click here to read more »
Letter to the Royal Oman Police On Refusal of Names
October 7, 2010
His Excellency Malek Bin Suleiman al-Ma`mari
Inspector General of Police and Customs
Royal Oman Police
Your Excellency,
I write this letter to you on behalf of Human Rights Watch, an independent human rights monitoring organization.
I wish to call your attention to the plight of Ida Abdulla Khamees al-Bulushi, a six-month old Omani citizen who, according to our
information, was denied a birth certificate on the basis that the Directorate General of Civil Status had refused to register the first name
chosen for her by her parents, Ida (إيدا). Ida and her family reside in the city of Bausher within the Muscat municipality.
Information received by Human Rights Watch indicates that the Directorate General of Civil Status, which is a branch of the
Royal Oman Police, must approve all proposed first names in order for newborns to receive birth certificates. The Directorate is guided
in the process by referring to a database of acceptable names; it rejects names that are not in the database. A newborn whose name is
rejected is subsequently denied a birth certificate until the parents submit an acceptable name.
The Directorate initially rejected "Ida" on March 10, 2010. Abdulla Khamees al-Bulushi (ID No. 02433504), Ida's father, then appealed
that decision to the Council of the Directorate General. The council rejected his appeal on May 30. After an additional appeal by al-
Bulushi, the council rejected it again on August 11.
According to al-Bulushi, no explanation was offered for the rejection of the name "Ida" other than its absence from the
"names database." He informed us that he never received any official correspondence from the Directorate regarding the rejection, and
was never provided with an explanation why the Directorate accepts certain names and not others.
The refusal to register a child's name and grant her a birth certificate adversely affects the child's rights. According to our information,
parents must produce a birth certificate for a child to receive free medical services, including vaccinations, which the Omani Ministry of
Health provides. A child who lacks a birth certificate is ineligible for these services. Other services that a child is unable to receive
without a birth certificate include state medical insurance, public education, and national identification cards and passports.
At present Ida, now six months old, has received no medical services and cannot obtain travel documents, which has prevented her
family from taking her abroad.
According to the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child, to which Oman is a state party, "the child shall be registered
immediately after birth and shall have the right from birth to a name, [and] the right to a nationality" and "states parties shall ensure the
implementation of these rights...in particular where the child would otherwise be stateless" (Art. 7). Furthermore, states parties should
"recognize the right of the child to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health" and "strive to ensure that no child is
deprived of his or her right of access to such health care services" (Art. 24).
Click here to read more »
October 7, 2010
His Excellency Malek Bin Suleiman al-Ma`mari
Inspector General of Police and Customs
Royal Oman Police
Your Excellency,
I write this letter to you on behalf of Human Rights Watch, an independent human rights monitoring organization.
I wish to call your attention to the plight of Ida Abdulla Khamees al-Bulushi, a six-month old Omani citizen who, according to our
information, was denied a birth certificate on the basis that the Directorate General of Civil Status had refused to register the first name
chosen for her by her parents, Ida (إيدا). Ida and her family reside in the city of Bausher within the Muscat municipality.
Information received by Human Rights Watch indicates that the Directorate General of Civil Status, which is a branch of the
Royal Oman Police, must approve all proposed first names in order for newborns to receive birth certificates. The Directorate is guided
in the process by referring to a database of acceptable names; it rejects names that are not in the database. A newborn whose name is
rejected is subsequently denied a birth certificate until the parents submit an acceptable name.
The Directorate initially rejected "Ida" on March 10, 2010. Abdulla Khamees al-Bulushi (ID No. 02433504), Ida's father, then appealed
that decision to the Council of the Directorate General. The council rejected his appeal on May 30. After an additional appeal by al-
Bulushi, the council rejected it again on August 11.
According to al-Bulushi, no explanation was offered for the rejection of the name "Ida" other than its absence from the
"names database." He informed us that he never received any official correspondence from the Directorate regarding the rejection, and
was never provided with an explanation why the Directorate accepts certain names and not others.
The refusal to register a child's name and grant her a birth certificate adversely affects the child's rights. According to our information,
parents must produce a birth certificate for a child to receive free medical services, including vaccinations, which the Omani Ministry of
Health provides. A child who lacks a birth certificate is ineligible for these services. Other services that a child is unable to receive
without a birth certificate include state medical insurance, public education, and national identification cards and passports.
At present Ida, now six months old, has received no medical services and cannot obtain travel documents, which has prevented her
family from taking her abroad.
According to the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child, to which Oman is a state party, "the child shall be registered
immediately after birth and shall have the right from birth to a name, [and] the right to a nationality" and "states parties shall ensure the
implementation of these rights...in particular where the child would otherwise be stateless" (Art. 7). Furthermore, states parties should
"recognize the right of the child to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health" and "strive to ensure that no child is
deprived of his or her right of access to such health care services" (Art. 24).
Click here to read more »
Speech of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Sultan of Oman
At The Opening of the Annual Session of The Majlis Oman
4th October 2010:
In the Name of God, the Compassionate and Merciful. Praise be to God who bestowed His grace and blessed our endeavour and
crowned it with success, and may blessings and peace be upon Prophet Mohammed and upon His family, companions and those who
followed his guidance.
Honourable members of the Council of Oman and dear citizens,
Our gathering in the city of Salalah today as we prepare to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Renaissance has undeniable symbolic
significance because it was from the Governorate of Dhofar that Oman’s modern Renaissance began and it was there that the first steps
were taken towards the achievement of its hopes.
And here we are today, in this splendid land, celebrating the 40th anniversary of its progress, during the course of which its
achievements in many fields are plain for all to see and have changed the face of life in Oman, enabling it to assume a position of
eminence at both regional and international levels.
It was from here that we gave our first speech, during which we expressed our determination to work towards the creation of a modern
state and to take the country forward in many different fields to the best of our ability. Since then we have embraced every means to
enable us to achieve what we had promised.
Praise and thanks should be offered to God, the Most Sublime, the Almighty, for the fact that Oman has been able to realise much of
what we had aspired towards. Everything that has been achieved within a precise balance between preserving the best elements of our
heritage, in which we take pride, and the demands of the present day which require us to adapt to the spirit of the modern age — while
at the same time corresponding to its civilization, modern science and technology and benefiting from the latest developments in the
various spheres of public and private life.
Although the building of this modern state to which we aspired was achieved with God’s assistance, the road to achieving it — as you
all know — was not easy and accessible. There were tremendous difficulties and many obstacles. However, thanks to God’s blessings,
along with the diligent hard work and dedication by all sections of society — men and women — and for their absolute faith in God’s
assistance and guidance, we overcame all the difficulties and obstacles.
Click here to read more »
At The Opening of the Annual Session of The Majlis Oman
4th October 2010:
In the Name of God, the Compassionate and Merciful. Praise be to God who bestowed His grace and blessed our endeavour and
crowned it with success, and may blessings and peace be upon Prophet Mohammed and upon His family, companions and those who
followed his guidance.
Honourable members of the Council of Oman and dear citizens,
Our gathering in the city of Salalah today as we prepare to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Renaissance has undeniable symbolic
significance because it was from the Governorate of Dhofar that Oman’s modern Renaissance began and it was there that the first steps
were taken towards the achievement of its hopes.
And here we are today, in this splendid land, celebrating the 40th anniversary of its progress, during the course of which its
achievements in many fields are plain for all to see and have changed the face of life in Oman, enabling it to assume a position of
eminence at both regional and international levels.
It was from here that we gave our first speech, during which we expressed our determination to work towards the creation of a modern
state and to take the country forward in many different fields to the best of our ability. Since then we have embraced every means to
enable us to achieve what we had promised.
Praise and thanks should be offered to God, the Most Sublime, the Almighty, for the fact that Oman has been able to realise much of
what we had aspired towards. Everything that has been achieved within a precise balance between preserving the best elements of our
heritage, in which we take pride, and the demands of the present day which require us to adapt to the spirit of the modern age — while
at the same time corresponding to its civilization, modern science and technology and benefiting from the latest developments in the
various spheres of public and private life.
Although the building of this modern state to which we aspired was achieved with God’s assistance, the road to achieving it — as you
all know — was not easy and accessible. There were tremendous difficulties and many obstacles. However, thanks to God’s blessings,
along with the diligent hard work and dedication by all sections of society — men and women — and for their absolute faith in God’s
assistance and guidance, we overcame all the difficulties and obstacles.
Click here to read more »
Royal Decree to Abolish State Security Court in Oman.
Cairo 25/9/2010
The Arabic Network welcomed the royal decree issued by Sultan Qaboos Bin Said on 22/9/2010 to abolish State Security Court in Oman.
This will lead to forwarding all cases before State Security Court to normal courts of all degrees so that citizens will stand before their
natural judge.
The Arabic Network said that this decision is a good step forward in freedoms and trials records in Oman. State Security Courts is an
exceptional court that lacks basics of a fair trial and is a direct violation of citizens’ rights in a fair and just trial.
Click here to read more »
Cairo 25/9/2010
The Arabic Network welcomed the royal decree issued by Sultan Qaboos Bin Said on 22/9/2010 to abolish State Security Court in Oman.
This will lead to forwarding all cases before State Security Court to normal courts of all degrees so that citizens will stand before their
natural judge.
The Arabic Network said that this decision is a good step forward in freedoms and trials records in Oman. State Security Courts is an
exceptional court that lacks basics of a fair trial and is a direct violation of citizens’ rights in a fair and just trial.
Click here to read more »
National Human Rights Report submitted
Mon, 15 November 2010
GENEVA — The Foreign Ministry yesterday presented the Sultanate's first National Human Rights Report to the UN Commission Office
in Geneva in preparation for its review by the Human Rights Council on January 26, 2011. The preparation of this report comes within
the comprehensive periodical review, which is the mechanism upon which the Human Rights Council performs a comprehensive
periodical review every four years about the conditions of human rights in the member states of the United Nations.
The Sultanate's government has paid great attention to the preparation of this report taking into consideration all aspects achieved by the
Sultanate on the human development and human rights. This is the first report to be submitted by the Sultanate to the Human Rights
Council within the framework of the comprehensive periodical review. The Council of Ministers formed a ministerial committee in
March this year chaired by Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdallah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, with the membership of a number of
ministries and governmental departments in order to supervise the preparation of the report.
During the first meeting, the committee laid down the general guidelines and directives for framing the report and formed an executive
teamwork to follow up this mission. In order to meet the standards set by the Human Rights Council, the report preparation process
started with a workshop on the mechanism of the comprehensive periodical review in cooperation with the UN Commission office on
Human Rights on May 17 and 18 with the participation of 75 people, representing 25 ministries, governmental departments and local
societies.
The workshop benefited from the experience of the UN Commission office on Human Rights, in addition to the experience of a friendly
country that was also reviewed. After that, the Foreign Ministry collected the data and information from the various ministries including
civil service, education, health, information, interior, justice, legal affairs, manpower, social development and Royal Oman Police (ROP).
According to the principle of transparency and wide-range consultation, the Foreign Ministry in cooperation with the National
Commission for Human Rights had formed another workshop on June 26, focusing on the role of non-governmental organisations,
human rights committees and vocational syndicates in the comprehensive periodical review. About 30 non-governmental organisations
including the Omani Women’s Association, Oman Journalists Association, Omani Lawyers Association and Oman Association for
Disabled, Omani Child Welfare Association and Omani Society for Writers and Men of Letters participated in the workshop.
Stemming from the Sultanate’s deep-rooted culture in values of peace, tolerance and justice that give superior attention and respect to
the human dignity, it managed within a short period of time to establish the legal infrastructure that secures good living for citizens and
the residents. The Sultanate has seized the opportunity of preparing this report to transfer with objectivity the reality of the broad and
fast qualitative development in all spheres under its comprehensive renaissance during the last 40 years. — ONA
Click here to read more>>
Mon, 15 November 2010
GENEVA — The Foreign Ministry yesterday presented the Sultanate's first National Human Rights Report to the UN Commission Office
in Geneva in preparation for its review by the Human Rights Council on January 26, 2011. The preparation of this report comes within
the comprehensive periodical review, which is the mechanism upon which the Human Rights Council performs a comprehensive
periodical review every four years about the conditions of human rights in the member states of the United Nations.
The Sultanate's government has paid great attention to the preparation of this report taking into consideration all aspects achieved by the
Sultanate on the human development and human rights. This is the first report to be submitted by the Sultanate to the Human Rights
Council within the framework of the comprehensive periodical review. The Council of Ministers formed a ministerial committee in
March this year chaired by Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdallah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, with the membership of a number of
ministries and governmental departments in order to supervise the preparation of the report.
During the first meeting, the committee laid down the general guidelines and directives for framing the report and formed an executive
teamwork to follow up this mission. In order to meet the standards set by the Human Rights Council, the report preparation process
started with a workshop on the mechanism of the comprehensive periodical review in cooperation with the UN Commission office on
Human Rights on May 17 and 18 with the participation of 75 people, representing 25 ministries, governmental departments and local
societies.
The workshop benefited from the experience of the UN Commission office on Human Rights, in addition to the experience of a friendly
country that was also reviewed. After that, the Foreign Ministry collected the data and information from the various ministries including
civil service, education, health, information, interior, justice, legal affairs, manpower, social development and Royal Oman Police (ROP).
According to the principle of transparency and wide-range consultation, the Foreign Ministry in cooperation with the National
Commission for Human Rights had formed another workshop on June 26, focusing on the role of non-governmental organisations,
human rights committees and vocational syndicates in the comprehensive periodical review. About 30 non-governmental organisations
including the Omani Women’s Association, Oman Journalists Association, Omani Lawyers Association and Oman Association for
Disabled, Omani Child Welfare Association and Omani Society for Writers and Men of Letters participated in the workshop.
Stemming from the Sultanate’s deep-rooted culture in values of peace, tolerance and justice that give superior attention and respect to
the human dignity, it managed within a short period of time to establish the legal infrastructure that secures good living for citizens and
the residents. The Sultanate has seized the opportunity of preparing this report to transfer with objectivity the reality of the broad and
fast qualitative development in all spheres under its comprehensive renaissance during the last 40 years. — ONA
Click here to read more>>
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Qaboos bin Said al-Said
Sultan since 23 July 1970 and
Prime Minister since 23 July 1972
Sultan since 23 July 1970 and
Prime Minister since 23 July 1972
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
Qaboos bin Said al-Said
Sultan since 23 July 1970 and
Prime Minister since 23 July 1972
Sultan since 23 July 1970 and
Prime Minister since 23 July 1972