MUSCAT – The opening ceremony also witnessed the launch of National Initiative for the Employment of Persons with Disabilities in the Private Sector. The initiative aims to expand employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and to embed principles of equal opportunity and non-discrimination across private sector workplaces.
It also seeks to translate the forum’s discussions into practical steps that support the inclusion of persons with disabilities in line with national employment targets and international best practices.
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The two-day Business and Human Rights Forum brings together a broad range of participants, including representatives from government agencies, private sector institutions, civil society organisations, UN bodies, academic institutions, and a host of experts and researchers specialising in human rights and corporate governance.
The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of His Excellency Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion.
In his keynote address, Dr. Rashid bin Hamad Al Balushi, Chairman of the OHRC, emphasized Oman’s early recognition of the intrinsic link between human rights and economic development. He noted that Oman’s Basic Law of the State enshrines the protection of human rights and the balancing of individual freedoms with social responsibility. He added that Oman Vision 2040 builds on this foundation by fostering a competitive, sustainable, and governance-driven economy rooted in human rights principles.
Dr. Al Balushi highlighted that the forum aligns with the Commission’s
mandate to promote awareness, provide guidance, and monitor the implementation of international human rights agreements. He pointed out that the forum is a practical translation of the Commission’s commitment to integrating human rights within the business environment.
The forum also aims to strengthen Oman’s position within the international human rights community, particularly with the UN Working Group, by proposing actionable strategies to address current challenges and highlighting progress made within the Sultanate.
