A/HRC/31/11 72. The delegation noted that the Sultanate paid great attention to workers; that was reflected in the labour law, which did not distinguish between man and woman. That law also provided for penalties for those who violated its provisions, including workers’ rights defined in the law. The Ministry of Manpower provided various services to ensure the application of the labour law and related ministerial decisions, as well as the monitoring of private enterprises through inspection services. It also settled labour disputes, received complaints and sought their amicable settlement. In addition, the Ministry ensured that workers receive their wages through the protection-of-wages system. The Ministry had also issued, through Ministerial Decision No. 322/2011, the regulation on safety and occupational health measures in enterprises subject to the labour law. 73. The delegation stated that the Sultanate paid utmost attention to the labour force engaged in domestic work, as reflected in Ministerial Decision No. 189/2004 on the rules and conditions related to the work of domestic workers and Ministerial Decision No. 1/2011 related to the regulation of the recruitment of non-Omani domestic workers, whereby the Government regulated the work of offices recruiting expatriate domestic workers in order to guarantee their rights and prevent trafficking. The Ministry had also established a committee mandated to meet with the embassies of the sending States to find adequate solutions for the difficulties facing women employed as domestic workers and to discuss the situation of the expatriate labour force. 74. The delegation noted that in the event that any worker was subject to exploitation, violence or a violation of any of his or her rights, he or she was entitled to resort to the competent judicial authorities to seek legal protection. Committed to its obligations in respect of the international labour standards, the Sultanate had signed a memorandum of understanding with ILO in 2011 to implement the national programme for decent work. 75. The delegation affirmed the commitment of Oman to implementing the international labour standards in accordance with its national needs, with a view to achieving sustainable development and an equitable labour market for all. 76. Portugal welcomed the efforts made by Oman to consolidate the legal framework for the protection and promotion of human rights, but expressed regret that Oman still retained the death penalty. 77. Djibouti commended Oman for its efforts to strengthen human rights, in particular in targeting economic growth and improving the living conditions of its population. 78. The Republic of Korea noted with appreciation the withdrawal or modification of the reservations to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the invitation extended to the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association. 79. Saudi Arabia commended Oman for its achievements in education and human rights awareness among different sectors. 80. Senegal welcomed efforts towards the establishment of compulsory primary education free of charge, access to health care and the new law on transmission of Omani nationality. 81. Sierra Leone noted with appreciation the passing of an impressive number of decrees. It encouraged the implementation of the recommendation of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women on ensuring active participation of women in society. 82. Singapore commended the commitment of Oman to ensure equal educational opportunities without discrimination and encouraged Oman to continue its efforts to develop quality health care. 9