Muscat: On Wednesday, a formal assembly was convened in Muscat by the designated working group, tasked with the preparation of preliminary reports concerning two international treaties: "The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance" and the "Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment."
The chairperson of this assembly was Dr. Ahmed Said Al Shukaili, the Assistant Attorney General and Head of the respective team.
The primary focus of the assembly was to discuss the extent to which national legislation aligns with the provisions of these treaties. Additionally, the meeting explored the mechanisms for the application of these agreements, the roles of various state departments and civil society institutions in their implementation, and the national mechanisms dedicated to monitoring the execution of the aforementioned treaties.
During the course of the meeting, representatives from the relevant authorities presented their capabilities, efforts, and future plans concerning the implementation of these agreements.
The discussion also addressed the challenges encountered and the appropriate mechanisms to overcome these challenges, ensuring the implementation of the agreements' provisions in accordance with the highest international standards.
Furthermore, the meeting delineated the mechanisms for receiving reports and complaints, whether through judicial police officers or specialized committees focused on human rights protection. The participating authorities were provided with an overview of common experiences, initiatives, educational strategies, public awareness, and training programs related to human rights.
The assembly underscored the importance of maintaining cooperation and a full commitment to the provisions of these treaties in alignment with the provisions of the Basic Law of the State. It also highlighted the critical need for the training and education of national cadres on the provisions of these treaties and other human rights agreements to which Oman has acceded.
The working group tasked with preparing initial reports on these treaties comprises representatives from the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, the Ministry of Education, the Royal Oman Police, the Public Prosecution Department, the Oman Human Rights Commission, the Oman Lawyers Association, and the "Children First" association.
