A/HRC/17/7
had also established a hotline to receive complaints from workers whose rights were
infringed, so that necessary action could be taken.
74.
Oman further noted that it attached great importance to combating all crimes,
including trafficking in persons as a contemporary form of slavery, committed by the
exploiting persons belonging to vulnerable groups, particularly children, youths and girls.
An amendment had been introduced to the Labour Law in order to bring it in conformity
with the Law on Combating Human Trafficking.
75.
Oman focused on raising general awareness about trafficking in persons, with a
focus on victims. In that regard, the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking
in persons had produced about two million leaflets in seven different languages that were
distributed to all target groups, in addition to posting on websites and dissemination
through other media. Oman highlighted its efforts in monitoring trafficking activities and
prosecuting perpetrators of trafficking in persons.
76.
Oman had an integrated network of information based on international, regional and
national cooperation and coordination, with an exchange of information with the
International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), and the United Nations Office on
Drugs and Crime and other relevant agencies. The Omani strategy to combat trafficking in
persons also focused on the rehabilitation and reintegration of victims. Oman was
committed to combating trafficking in persons by reinforcing existing measures and
working on raising awareness and encouraging victims to report any actions that could fall
under the Law on Combating Human trafficking.
77.
Cuba noted significant progress in education, health, fighting trafficking and rights
of persons with disabilities. It highlighted universal access to quality education, progress in
the health system, advances regarding the rights of women and children, and that Oman
was prepared to strengthen participation of women in the workforce and economic fields. It
welcomed efforts aimed at the enrolment of girls in specialized courses and professional
training. Significant progress had been made with regard to migrant workers.
78.
Norway acknowledged the efforts and results of Oman in improving the human
rights situation. It noted that active participation of civil society was essential to a
meaningful universal periodic review process, and that despite freedom of speech by law,
freedom of expression remained curtailed in practice.
79.
Italy appreciated the measures for advancing equality of women and expressed its
confidence that de facto discrimination, especially in relation to marriage, divorce,
inheritance and child custody, would be corrected in the future. Italy noted that no
executions had been carried out in Oman since 2001. It noted that the amended 2009 Press
and Publication Law further tightened existing restrictions and extended criminal liability to
persons operating communication facilities.
80.
Argentina noted the progress which Oman had made in reducing child mortality of
children below the age of 5, which had been particularly highlighted by the World Health
Organization.
81.
Nigeria encouraged Oman to continue implementing programmes and policies
initiated to fully guarantee the rights of its citizens. It observed that Oman was party to a
number of core international human rights instruments, and encouraged it to consider
signing or acceding to international human rights instruments such as the International
Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their
Families (ICRMW).
82.
Poland noted that freedom of expression remained limited in Oman. It expressed
concerns over the Press and Publication Law which allowed the censoring of publications
12
Select target paragraph3
Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents