All praise for Oman as humanitarian panel formed
MUSCAT: Oman has taken another step towards becoming a global champion of helping those in need, by setting up the Omani Committee for International Humanitarian Law.
The decision was finalised by Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, who made it official by signing Ministerial Decision No. 330/2017
The committee will now spearhead Oman’s initiatives in international and humanitarian law, and shall be headed by the representative of the Ministry of Foreign Af- fairs, who will be appointed to the post of Director General of the committee.
Other government representatives can also be nominated to this post, and others within the committee, with employees from various ministries, the Royal Oman Police, the Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance, Sultan Qaboos University and the Omani Authority for Charitable Organisations, all capable of serving on this committee in some capacity.
The decree was also published in the Sultanate’s Official Gazette, which was issued by the country’s Ministry for Legal Affairs.
“The Committee can seek the assistance of suitable consultants, experts and specialists to attend its sessions, with the aim of being guided by their opinions, without having a vote in the decisions or recommendations of the Committee,” stated the gazette. “The term of office of the Omani Committee for International Humanitarian Law is three years, renewable for a period or for similar periods. The Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs issues the decision to nominate the president and members of the committee.”
“I do not think that there is currently an effective conflict in Omani law with international laws,” said Said Al Saidi, founder of the Said Saidi Law Firm for Legal Consultations. “Most of the laws in the Arab world are derived from Egyptian law and Egyptian law is derived from French laws.”
Charitable organisations and individuals in Oman were quick to praise the government’s latest diplomatic move.
“I think it is very good that Oman is now looking not just within its own borders, but looking beyond them as well,” said Jane Jaffer, head of Dar Al Atta’a ‘Let’s Read Programme.’
“They are thinking globally now, not just nationally, so that’s an excellent move forward.”
PM Jabir is the cultural welfare secretary of Oman’s Indian Social Club, and has helped many people who have had need for aid in the Sultanate. “This is a very welcome move, because Oman has always tried to positively help others,” he said.