Oman observes Human Rights Day

(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) An official ceremony to mark Human Rights Day was observed by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) at Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton hotel, on Tuesday.

The event saw discussions on human rights and presentation of three papers.

In his speech, Mohammed Abdulla al Riyamy, chairman of NHRC, noted the progress achieved by Oman under the rule of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

''NHRC has been organising various programmes both for the residents and youths in schools and colleges to spread awareness on human rights,'' he said.

Another speaker, Dr Hussain al Salmy, deputy chairman of GUtech, administration and finance, underlined the importance of understanding laws and various provisions in the constitution.

Meanwhile, Dr Abdallah al Ashaal, former secretary general of NHRC, Egypt, who also took part in the meeting quoted from a statement issued by Dr Babatunde Osotimehin, executive director of UNFPA saying that inequalities exist despite growth.

''Despite unquestionable progress, however, we are reminded every day that gross inequalities exist and that for many women and girls, ethnic and religious minorities and other persons perceived to be different from the rest, speaking up is a dangerous option.''<