MUSCAT – In a statement outlining its annual activities, the commission said it investigated complaints, verified facts and pursued legal and administrative procedures to help resolve cases in line with national legislation and international human rights conventions.

The commission said it analysed each case to determine its legal basis, provided legal advice to complainants and guided them through official mechanisms for pursuing their grievances. It also continued monitoring issues related to access to justice, detainees’ rights, healthcare in detention facilities, and rights concerning employment, education, housing, social protection, healthcare and a healthy environment.

Child protection remained a major focus during the year, with the commission expressing concern over the growing exploitation of children on social media for fame or financial gain. It said it stepped up awareness campaigns, coordinated with the Ministry of Education and civil society organisations, and submitted proposals for legislation that would criminalise the digital exploitation of children while strengthening their privacy and safety.

The commission also monitored the issuance of royal decrees granting Omani citizenship to 329 applicants during 2025, as well as royal pardons covering approximately 2,115 inmates, including Omani citizens and expatriates convicted in various cases. It described the royal pardons as reflecting the principles of restorative justice by promoting rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

As part of its oversight of workers’ rights, the commission conducted field inspections of labour accommodations to assess safety standards, hygiene, healthcare facilities, fire protection measures and living conditions. Officials also met workers to hear their concerns and evaluate services provided at the sites.

The commission visited the inspection unit of the Security and Safety Services Corporation to review its operational procedures and services, noting the organisation’s adherence to professional standards.

In the prison sector, the commission said it followed up on complaints in coordination with relevant authorities and welcomed initiatives aimed at improving inmates’ welfare. These included dedicated family meeting areas, recreational and cultural programmes, and exhibitions showcasing products made by inmates through vocational training, all intended to support rehabilitation and strengthen family ties.

The commission also reported receiving complaints from eligible individuals seeking social protection benefits through social media platforms. It said the cases were coordinated with the Social Protection Fund, enabling eligible applicants to receive benefits under the Social Protection Law.

In the education sector, the commission followed up on complaints concerning school maintenance works affecting student safety. It said the Ministry of Education subsequently issued instructions to educational directorates to ensure maintenance projects comply with safety standards without disrupting the learning process.

Highlighting developments in healthcare, the commission welcomed the opening of the Muscat Recovery Centre, describing it as the first government facility dedicated to addiction treatment and rehabilitation. It also noted the establishment of the Sohar Recovery Centre in partnership with the private sector, expanding specialised medical, psychological and social rehabilitation services.

The commission praised broader improvements in the health sector, including shorter waiting times for clinics and surgeries, the adoption of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence in specialised medical procedures, and the launch of the National Health Policy, which it described as a roadmap for building an integrated, equitable and sustainable healthcare system.

Among its awareness initiatives, the commission said its ‘Values and Belonging’ programme reached 16 wilayats across nine governorates, benefiting more than 2,000 participants, including children, parents, teachers and child protection specialists. It also graduated the first batch of internationally accredited human rights trainers and is preparing a second cohort to strengthen national capacity-building efforts.

To improve awareness among expatriate workers, the commission published its private-sector workers’ rights guide in six languages – Arabic, English, Urdu, Hindi, Bengali and Filipino.

On the international front, the commission said it expanded cooperation with United Nations and regional human rights mechanisms by submitting parallel reports, including its contribution to the Universal Periodic Review (Fourth Cycle), participating in consultations on combating racism, discrimination and human trafficking, and strengthening partnerships on workers’ rights, disability rights, business and human rights, and technical capacity building.