The Annual Report on the Human Rights Situation in Oman – 2024
Human rights in Oman continue to face challenges arising from systemic incompatibilities between domestic legislation and international human rights standards. Persistent legal and extralegal actions by state authorities have led to repeated violations, often in contradiction to Oman’s obligations under international human rights instruments. These violations frequently target fundamental freedoms, particularly freedom of expression, resulting in the prosecution and detention of individuals engaged in legitimate, rights-protected activities.
To Read The Full Report: The Annual Report Oman 2024
The restrictive regulatory framework in Oman criminalises expressions of dissent and public assembly, often invoking broad and ambiguous statutes that permit the state to limit these freedoms under the pretence of maintaining social order and national security. This framework reflects a fundamental misalignment between domestic law and internationally recognised standards, such as those outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), both of which emphasise the inviolability of individual rights to freely express and associate.
These ongoing infringements signify a concerning lack of commitment by Omani authorities to respect and uphold basic human rights protections. Reports have indicated that individuals exercising rights enshrined in international conventions are frequently subjected to detention, legal prosecution, or other forms of state-imposed sanctions, underscoring a critical need for legislative reforms to ensure compliance with human rights obligations. This report will further explore these violations, examining the specific legal mechanisms used to enforce restrictions and their implications for the advancement of human rights in Oman.
Despite Oman’s ratification of various human rights agreements, such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, persistent state violations frequently contravene the core principles and provisions of these very conventions. Furthermore, while Oman has been a State Party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) since 2005, Omani women continue to face substantial legal challenges. These challenges are embedded in Personal Status law and other statutes, such as the Penal Code, which not only reinforce male supremacy but also discriminate against women in specific areas, including the transmission of nationality to children born to non-Omani fathers, as well as guardianship and child custody rights in cases of a spouse’s death or separation.
This report provides a comprehensive legal analysis of Oman’s human rights landscape in 2024, focusing on key legislative features and recurring violations. It examines recent legislative developments, the extent of alignment between domestic laws and international standards, and the degree to which lawmakers have actively sought harmonisation with ratified treaties. Additionally, the report addresses the general status of human rights and freedoms in Oman, detailing violations attributable to state authorities.
To Read The Full Report: The Annual Report Oman 2024
