Salalah – A forum on the role of national human rights institutions in planning and following up the implementation of national visions in areas related to human rights commenced on Wednesday at Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex in Salalah. Held under the patronage of H H Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar, the forum will run for two days.

Organised by National Human Rights Committee of Qatar and Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions, in collaboration with regional and international organisations including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, close to 200 participants from over 50 institutions and organisations, including UN agencies and civil society groups, are participating in the forum.

Dr Rashid bin Hamad al Balushi, Chairman of Oman Human Rights Commission (OHRC), spoke on the importance of promoting human rights to achieve national visions. “National human rights institutions play a pivotal role in presenting recommendations and proposals to governments, parliaments and relevant authorities to ensure basic human rights principles are achieved,” he said.

Balushi also highlighted the forum’s aim to facilitate exchange of experiences, review best practices, and address challenges facing national visions to develop plans that assist decision-makers in implementing effective human rights policies and programmes.

Maryam bint Abdullah al Attiyah, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee of Qatar and Chairperson of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, praised the efforts of OHRC. “The forum reflects the rich Omani legacy in spreading human values and the culture of coexistence, tolerance, and respect for cultures and civilisations,” she noted.

She underscored the importance of national institutions in helping countries succeed in human rights-based planning, including integrating human rights approaches in digital technology and artificial intelligence, and addressing emerging challenges.

Moushira Khattab, President of Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions and President of Egypt’s National Council for Human Rights, stressed the significance of planning in human rights. “Institutions must work in cooperation with countries and civil society to enforce human rights and make them a lived reality without discrimination,” she said.

The forum includes four sessions focusing on integrating human rights into national plans, examining progress towards the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and ensuring transparency and effective monitoring of human rights implementation. It will strengthen the role of human rights institutions, harmonise laws with human rights principles, and enhance capacities for effective implementation of national visions.