The Oman Human Rights Commission (OHRC) and the General Federation of Oman Workers (GFOW) formalized a new partnership on Wednesday, signing a memorandum of cooperation aimed at strengthening the protection of workers’ rights and improving the overall labor environment within the Sultanate of Oman. The agreement was concluded at the OHRC headquarters in Muscat.
Dr. Rashid bin Hamad al Balushi, Chairman of the Oman Human Rights Commission, and Nabhan bin Ahmed al Battashi, Chairman of the General Federation of Oman Workers, endorsed the memorandum, which establishes an institutional framework for ongoing collaboration between the two bodies. The accord outlines several key areas of cooperation designed to promote human rights awareness, particularly those related to labor rights, and to foster a culture of respect for these rights across the nation.
Among the main components of the memorandum are joint efforts to develop and implement programs focused on education and advocacy concerning human rights and workers’ protections. The agreement also commits both sides to exchange publications, research, data, and statistics, as well as to organize dialogue sessions, advisory support, conferences, symposia, workshops, and training programs that aim to build capacity in areas of shared interest.
The cooperation extends to preparing specialized reports and analyzing national labor legislation, with the intent to propose reforms that align Omani labor laws with the Basic Statute of the State, international human rights commitments, and globally recognized labor standards. Enhanced coordination on the field level is also highlighted, with an emphasis on monitoring, receiving, and responding to complaints related to workers’ rights violations in the private sector, all within the legal mandates of the OHRC and GFOW.
This initiative reflects the commission’s national mandate to uphold the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Basic Statute of the State and founded on Oman’s adherence to international charters and conventions ratified under Royal Decree No 47/2026. Similarly, the agreement supports the federation’s mission to safeguard workers’ interests, advocate for improved working conditions, and represent Omani workers in various forums at the local, regional, and international levels.
By formalizing this collaboration, both institutions signal a commitment to reinforcing the legal and institutional frameworks that protect labor rights and promote fair working conditions across Oman’s workforce.