GCC Human Rights Institutions Collaborate at Oman Forum to Enhance Rights and Freedom
Muscat – The Oman Human Rights Commission, in partnership with the Secretariat General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), kicked off the Human Rights Institutions Forum in a two-day event on Tuesday. The forum, inaugurated by Sheikh Ghosn bin Hilal al Alawi, Head of State Financial and Administrative Audit Institution, aims to promote collaboration and establish shared goals among GCC human rights institutions and the Secretariat General, with the broader objective of improving mechanisms to enhance human rights.
During the forum, Sheikh Abdullah bin Shuwain al Hosni, Chairman of Oman Human Rights Commission, emphasized the importance of upholding the United Nations goals, the Paris Principles, and global human rights conventions. He stressed the pivotal role of cooperation between government and community institutions in achieving these objectives.
The gathering served as a platform for experts and human rights advocates to exchange knowledge, raise awareness, and champion human rights. Mohammed bin Rashid al Suwaidi, Human Rights Advisor at the Secretariat General of GCC, commended the national human rights institutions in GCC member states for their progressive efforts to strengthen rights and freedoms in their societies. He highlighted the interconnectedness of human rights and sustainable development, emphasizing the role of national institutions in aligning legislation and policies, addressing challenges, and collaborating with stakeholders.
Suwaidi called on GCC human rights institutions to examine emerging issues such as the impact of artificial intelligence on privacy, employment, and social aspects. He stressed the need for regional, national, and global legal frameworks that strike a balance between protecting rights and advancing technology.
Mohammed Ensour, Head of UN Human Rights Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa, commended the GCC for developing a unified human rights strategy. He expressed optimism about an upcoming memorandum of understanding between the Secretariat General and the regional office. Ensour also highlighted the crucial role of national institutions in facilitating dialogue between government agencies and civil society and ensuring compliance with international human rights laws.
Jaber Saleh al Marri, Chairman of the Arab Human Rights Committee, welcomed Oman’s recent accession to the Arab Charter on Human Rights. He emphasized that protecting human rights is a shared responsibility, with national institutions playing a vital role in promoting awareness, overseeing the human rights landscape, handling grievances, and advising governments.
The forum seeks to enhance collaborative mechanisms within GCC human rights institutions, with the aim of fostering broader collaboration at both regional and global levels. By promoting dialogue, sharing best practices, and addressing emerging challenges, the forum strives to strengthen the protection and promotion of human rights and freedom across the Arabian Gulf region.
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