LOC14:24
11:24 GMT
MUSCAT, Jan 23 (KUNA) -- The Sultanate of Oman announced its candidacy, for the first time, for membership of the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2028-2030 term, citing its firm commitment to promoting human rights.
Oman News Agency said the announcement was made in a speech delivered by Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs Dr. Abdullah Al-Saeedi while leading Oman's delegation at the Universal Periodic Review session at the UN headquarters in Geneva on Thursday.
The agency quoted Al-Saeedi as saying the candidacy reflects the culmination of Oman's positive cooperation with international human rights mechanisms, reaffirming its support for just and humanitarian causes.
He stressed that promoting international peace and security lies at the core of Oman's principles, aimed at fostering a harmonious global community, noting that citizens and residents alike enjoy rights and freedoms guaranteed by the law, national legislation and international conventions.
The Omani delegation addressed freedom of opinion and expression, press and publication freedoms, and the right to school, higher and vocational education, noting Oman's intention to join the convention against discrimination in education.
The delegation also highlighted the rights of workers and employers, women, children, persons with disabilities and the elderly, highlighting progress on legislation governing civil society organizations, voluntary work and efforts to combat human trafficking.
The Human Rights Council is an intergovernmental UN body composed of 47 states mandated to promote and protect human rights worldwide, meeting year-round in Geneva. (end)
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