Statement164

Universal Periodic Review 10th Session
Intervention by Australia

OMAN

Australia appreciates the engagement of the Omani delegation led by its Minister responsible for Foreign Affairs in the Universal Periodic Review Process.

Australia welcomes the Omani Government’s progress in promoting and protecting human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights. We are nonetheless concerned that inequality between men and women is enshrined in Omani Law.

We appreciate the Omani Government’s 2003 initiative to raise the minimum working age from 13 to 15 years old, as part of efforts to end child labour.

We are concerned that access to education is restricted for girls.

We are concerned by new measures further restricting freedom of opinion and expression, particularly for journalists, writers and internet users.

While we appreciate that the death penalty is rarely carried out and only used for the most serious of crimes, we remain concerned that capital punishment remains a part of Omani Law.

Australia recommends Oman:

1. Take measures towards the full equality of Omani women including by reviewing the Personal Status Law and Labour Law;

2. Finalise and enact legislation to better protect children, including the Draft Law of the Child;

3. Remove all restrictions on girls’ access to education.

4. Review legislative measures restricting freedom of opinion and expression, including the Communications Law; and

5. Take all necessary measures to abolish the death penalty, including by acceding to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.