The Sultanate of Oman emphasized its ongoing commitment to disability inclusion during the 19th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, held at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The three-day conference, which convened States Parties, international organizations, and civil society groups, coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Convention’s adoption and centered on the theme of advancing full participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities across all aspects of life.

At the event, the Omani delegation reiterated the country’s adherence to the Convention’s principles, highlighting legislative and institutional advances achieved over the past two decades. The delegation pointed to the Basic Law of the State, issued under Royal Decree No. 6/2021, which underscores the government’s dedication to safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities and ensuring equality and equal opportunity.

Significant progress was noted in the enactment of the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities under Royal Decree No. 92/2025. The legislation reinforces non-discrimination, equal opportunity, and inclusive participation, particularly in education and healthcare settings. It also establishes institutional frameworks for monitoring and coordination to enhance implementation and oversight.

Economic and professional empowerment received particular attention in Oman’s statement. The law mandates that at least five percent of positions within government entities and employers be allocated to qualified persons with disabilities, guaranteeing their full employment rights and necessary workplace accommodations. To strengthen disability services further, royal directives have been issued to create a specialized undersecretary-level sector within the Ministry of Social Development focused on integration and empowerment.

In addition, the delegation underscored efforts to expand specialized care through the establishment of an Autism Spectrum Disorder Care and Rehabilitation Center, aimed at supporting educational and social inclusion. Plans are underway to consider similar centers across different governorates, developed in collaboration with private sector partners under social responsibility initiatives.

Oman also highlighted the launch of ‘Ta’heel,’ a unified digital platform designed to facilitate access to rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities and their families. The country currently hosts 139 government and private rehabilitation centers, underscoring its commitment to expanding support infrastructure.

The conference’s discussions and dialogues addressed protection against violence and exploitation, strengthening care frameworks, and broadening the participation of persons with disabilities in public and political life, aligning with Oman’s ongoing policy goals in the sector.