Human rights rooted in the nature of Omanis

The Oman Human Rights Commission recently celebrated the tenth anniversary of its establishment in 2008. The committee is considered as one of the major national achievements made on this noble land. It was the result of the massive efforts made to ensure social justice, rule of law, equal distribution of development and equal opportunities for all as envisioned by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos.

This all in compliance with the commandments of God, the Almighty, in verse 13 of Surah Al Hujrat: “O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).”

Based on these principles laid out by Allah, His Majesty the Sultan gave directives so that these supreme teachings are implemented in all parts of the life in the country in all its spirit and meanings to govern the social behaviour of all segments of the people of the country.

These celebrations of the commission confirm that the rights were inherent and rooted in the depths of this land as a natural instinct and social practices. There is respect of law and peaceful coexistence between groups of society without any discrimination of sex, colour or racial bias. It is a beautiful scene of social harmony.

The head of the organisation has lauded the Sultanate for the highest standard of coexistence of members of the society and harmony between people of different nationalities, languages, and cultures. This peaceful coexistence is considered supreme by all international human rights associations and this is what they are aspired for to achieve in all parts of the world, in all countries and continents, east to west and north to south.

Today, we are proud to declare that there are no prisoners of conscience in jails, and none has been arrested because of their use of freedom of expression guaranteed in the statutes of the country and according to the law of the land. There is no gagging of thoughts or beliefs. Everyone in this country practices his rituals and rites freely, without harming or hurting others. Here everyone has the ideology which does not violate others ideological freedom, preferences, and affiliations.

Also, there is no clearer evidence of these guarantees other than the existence of a special Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs to ensure the protection of the freedom of fabric of beliefs and religions which everyone is allowed to have and practice in their own way without any restrictions.

These celebrations of the commission has sent a very purposeful message, in very clear terms, to the people that the children have full undeniable rights. Fathers, mothers, and guardians must be as they are called. They have to play their roles as they are supposed to do to safeguard the rights of the children. During these celebrations, there was a focus on the issues which are posing threats to the children and their childhood.

In the Sultanate, the human being, with all its interests, dignity and respect, would always remain the supreme. Nothing and nobody would be allowed to touch this status of a human being with all its rights in this noble land known as Oman. This is the real and exact nature of the country in which we live and of which feel proud.