Monday 27 / July / 2026
Muscat: The Omani Human Rights Commission received and monitored 1,479 human rights-related cases during 2025, reflecting significant progress in strengthening its complaints and monitoring system, expanding public access, and enhancing protection mechanisms across the Sultanate.
In a statement, the Commission said it diversified reporting channels, increased field visits, and intensified coordination with relevant authorities to resolve complaints in line with national laws and international human rights conventions.
The Commission said it analyzed all reported cases, provided legal advice to complainants, guided them through official procedures, and coordinated with government entities to facilitate access to justice. It also monitored issues related to detainees' rights, healthcare in detention facilities, social protection, employment, education, housing, health, and the right to a clean environment.
A major focus during the year was child protection, particularly tackling the exploitation of children on social media. The Commission called for stronger awareness campaigns, improved reporting mechanisms, and legislation to criminalize the digital exploitation of children while safeguarding their privacy and well-being.
The report noted that 329 people were granted Omani citizenship through Royal Decrees in 2025. It also highlighted the implementation of Royal pardons that led to the release of approximately 2,115 inmates, both Omani citizens and expatriates, describing the initiative as an example of restorative justice that supports rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
As part of its oversight of labour rights, the Commission conducted inspections of workers' accommodation to assess safety standards, hygiene, healthcare facilities, fire protection measures, and overall living conditions. It also visited the Security and Safety Services Corporation's inspection unit to review operational standards and service quality.
The Commission continued monitoring prison conditions and coordinated with authorities to resolve complaints from inmates. It praised efforts to strengthen family ties through dedicated family meeting spaces, cultural and recreational activities, and exhibitions showcasing products made by inmates during vocational training programmes.
In the area of social protection, the Commission followed up on complaints submitted through social media by eligible beneficiaries and coordinated with the Social Protection Fund to ensure they received their entitlements under the Social Protection Law.
The report also highlighted intervention in education after complaints were raised about maintenance work affecting school safety. Following discussions with the Ministry of Education, new instructions were issued requiring strict supervision of maintenance contractors and compliance with safety standards to protect students and staff.
The Commission welcomed the opening of the Muscat Recovery Center, describing it as Oman’s first government facility dedicated to addiction treatment and rehabilitation, offering integrated services ranging from detoxification to long-term recovery and psychological support. It also praised the establishment of the Sohar Recovery Center in partnership with the private sector, alongside the Ministry of Health's adoption of artificial intelligence technologies in specialised eye surgeries.
The report noted improvements in reducing waiting times for clinics and surgeries and described the launch of the National Health Policy as a key milestone in building a more equitable and sustainable healthcare system.
To strengthen child protection, the Commission intensified awareness campaigns with the Ministry of Education and civil society organisations, distributed educational materials, and submitted proposals for legal reforms to criminalise online exploitation of children.
Its "Values and Belonging" programme reached 16 wilayats across nine governorates, benefiting more than 2,000 participants, including children, parents, teachers, and child protection specialists. The Commission also graduated its first group of internationally accredited human rights trainers and is preparing a second cohort.
To improve awareness among expatriate workers, the Commission published a private-sector workers' rights guide in six languages: Arabic, English, Urdu, Hindi, Bengali, and Filipino.
Internationally, the Commission expanded cooperation with the United Nations and regional organisations by submitting parallel reports to the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), contributing to initiatives on combating racism, discrimination, human trafficking, and strengthening workers' rights, disability rights, and business and human rights. It also hosted UN delegations and broadened partnerships to exchange expertise and improve national human rights monitoring practices.
