Oman - Universal Periodic Review

UPR 37, January 21, 2021
Recommendations by Canada

Background

Some important progress has been made by Oman in the years since its last UPR, including Oman’s accession to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance; the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. In addition, progress has been made with regard to migrant workers, including the removal in June 2020 of the requirement for migrant workers to obtain a "no-objection" certificate from their current employer before changing jobs. 

Despite many positive steps, important challenges remain.  Freedom of expression and peaceful association and assembly is still heavily restricted. Oman’s Kafala (sponsorship) system remains in place and Oman is the only Gulf Cooperation Council country without any legislated legal protections in place for domestic workers’ rights. On women’s rights, Omani law does not allow women to confer their nationality to their children on an equal basis with men. 

Recommendations

Thank you, Madam President.

Canada welcomes the positive steps taken by Oman to accede to a number of international conventions since its last UPR as well as the recent reforms to Oman’s labour law.

Canada recommends that Oman:

1. Ensure that the Penal Code and other relevant legislation are aligned with international standards and codify and protect rights of free speech, as well as freedom of association and assembly.
2. Ensure full implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, including Article 9(2) which grants women equal rights with men with respect to the nationality of their children, and Article 16, granting women equal rights in matters relating to marriage and family relations.
3. Replace the Kafala system in order to improve conditions for migrant workers and reform existing labour laws to include domestic workers.

Canada is concerned about the January 2018 amendments to the Penal Code, which have curbed rights to free speech.  Canada urges the Government of Oman to review pertinent legislation with a view to protecting freedom of association and assembly.