Muscat – A national initiative was launched on Tuesday to enhance employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in the private sector, reinforcing the sultanate’s commitment to social inclusion and economic empowerment. The announcement was made during the opening of the Business and Human Rights Forum, organised by Oman Human Rights Commission (OHRC) in cooperation with […]

Muscat – A national initiative was launched on Tuesday to enhance employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in the private sector, reinforcing the sultanate’s commitment to social inclusion and economic empowerment.

The announcement was made during the opening of the Business and Human Rights Forum, organised by Oman Human Rights Commission (OHRC) in cooperation with the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights.

The initiative aims to promote equal opportunity and non-discrimination by ensuring fair access to employment across diverse private sector environments. It also seeks to implement the forum’s outcomes through practical measures aligned with national employment targets and the broader objectives of justice, inclusion and sustainability.

Held under the patronage of H E Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, the two-day forum which opened on Tuesday has the participation of government institutions, private sector representatives, civil society, academia, UN agencies and international human rights experts.

Dr Rashid bin Hamad al Balushi, Chairman of OHRC, said Oman has long adopted a balanced approach to development by linking economic freedom with social responsibility. He cited the Basic Law of the State and Oman Vision 2040 as key frameworks that uphold principles of good governance, sustainability and respect for human rights.

“Promoting human rights in the workplace is a strategic imperative,” Balushi said. “It supports sustainable development and builds trust between employees, employers, investors and consumers.”

Dr Damilola Olawuyi, a member of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, commended Oman’s new initiative, calling it an important step in aligning trade and employment policies with international human rights standards. He noted that more than 30 countries have adopted national action plans on business and human rights since 2011 and stressed the importance of responsible corporate conduct in advancing development goals.

The forum’s opening day featured two thematic sessions. The first explored national and international frameworks for protecting human rights in business, including the UN Guiding Principles, legal protections in Oman, the role of Oman Vision 2040, and the contribution of higher education institutions in building awareness.

The second session focused on shared responsibilities across institutions. Participants included representatives from the judiciary, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Protection Authority, and Ooredoo, which presented a case study on its workplace inclusion practices for persons with disabilities.

The forum will continue on Wednesday with discussions on developing institutional policies to safeguard human rights. Representatives from the public, private and civil society sectors will examine strategies to enhance cross-sector collaboration and ensure effective implementation of rights-based practices.

The forum supports Oman’s broader efforts to integrate human rights into the business ecosystem, in line with Vision 2040 priorities and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. It also aims to encourage dialogue, share experiences and address challenges in aligning domestic legislation with global standards.