Oman highlights disability inclusion efforts at UN conference in New York

NEW YORK: The Sultanate of Oman has highlighted its efforts to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities during its participation in the 19th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, held at the United Nations headquarters in New York over three days.
The conference brings together States Parties, international organisations, and civil society institutions working in the field of disability rights. This year’s session coincides with the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention and is held under the theme of advancing inclusion and full participation of persons with disabilities in all areas of life.
Discussions and interactive dialogues focused on protection from violence and exploitation, strengthening care and support systems, and expanding participation in public and political life.
The Omani delegation delivered a statement reaffirming Oman’s commitment to the principles of the Convention and its continued efforts to build on progress achieved over the past two decades.
The statement noted that the Basic Law of the State, issued under Royal Decree No 6/2021, reinforces the State’s commitment to caring for persons with disabilities and ensuring equality and equal opportunities.
It further highlighted recent legislative progress, including the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities issued under Royal Decree No 92/2025.
The law strengthens principles of non-discrimination, equal opportunity, and full inclusion, while enhancing rights in inclusive education, healthcare, and other sectors. It also establishes institutional mechanisms for monitoring, coordination, and follow-up.
The statement underscored provisions for economic and professional empowerment, requiring government entities and employers to allocate no less than five per cent of jobs and professions to qualified persons with disabilities, while ensuring full employment rights and necessary workplace accommodations.
It also outlined key institutional developments, including royal directives to establish a dedicated undersecretary-level sector within the Ministry of Social Development to oversee disability services and strengthen integration and empowerment efforts.
Further, the delegation referred to directives to establish an Autism Spectrum Disorder Care and Rehabilitation Center, offering specialised services to support educational and social inclusion. Similar centres are also being studied for expansion across the governorates in partnership with the private sector under social responsibility initiatives.
The statement also highlighted the launch of the unified digital platform ‘Ta’heel,’ designed to improve access to rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities and their families. It noted that the number of government and private rehabilitation centres across Oman has reached 139. — ONA