Oman Officially Announces Candidacy for UN Human Rights Council Membership

The Sultanate of Oman has officially announced, for the first time, its candidacy for membership in the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2028–2030 term. The announcement was made during Oman’s participation in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) session held in Geneva.

The Omani delegation was headed by Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Saeedi, Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, who stated in his address that all citizens and residents in Oman enjoy rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Basic Law of the State, national legislation, and the international treaties ratified by the Sultanate.

He also highlighted Oman’s humanitarian positions and its support for just and humanitarian causes, as well as its role in promoting international peace and security, noting that the candidacy reflects Oman’s constructive engagement with international human rights mechanisms.

During the session, the Omani delegation presented an overview of progress achieved in areas including freedom of expression and media, the right to education at all levels, the rights of workers and employers under labor law, and the rights of women, children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. Efforts to combat human trafficking, develop legislation related to civil society institutions and volunteer work, and implement structural reforms in social protection were also outlined.

The candidacy is seen as an important step in strengthening Oman’s international standing in the field of human rights, in line with its policy of dialogue, engagement, and multilateral cooperation.