New pact strengthens protection of workers’ rights

The Oman Human Rights Commission (OHRC) and the General Federation of Oman Workers (GFOW) signed a memorandum of cooperation on Wednesday at the commission’s headquarters, establishing an institutional framework for coordination between the two sides to protect and enhance human rights, upgrade the work environment and safeguard workers’ rights in the Sultanate of Oman.
The memorandum was signed by Dr Rashid bin Hamad al Balushi, Chairman of the Oman Human Rights Commission, and Nabhan bin Ahmed al Battashi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Federation of Oman Workers.
It sets out broad areas of cooperation, including joint coordination in human rights awareness and education, and proposing plans, programmes and mechanisms to spread a culture of human rights in general and workers’ rights in particular. It also covers the exchange of publications, studies, research, information, data and statistics, alongside exchange visits, dialogue sessions, advisory support and joint conferences, symposia, workshops and training programmes aimed at building capacities in areas of mutual interest.
The two sides will also cooperate in preparing specialised reports and studies, reviewing national legislation related to the labour sector and proposing recommendations to develop it in line with the Basic Statute of the State, international human rights standards and international labour standards. The memorandum further provides for enhanced field coordination and information exchange on the monitoring of observations and complaints related to workers’ rights in the private sector, with the necessary action taken within the legal tasks and jurisdictions of each party.
The memorandum stems from the national role of the commission in protecting the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Basic Statute of the State and the international charters and conventions to which Oman has acceded, under its system issued by Royal Decree No 47/2026. It also aligns with the federation’s objectives of looking after workers’ interests, improving working conditions, defending their rights and representing them in local, regional and international forums.
The memorandum defines communication and implementation mechanisms to follow up on the cooperation clauses, with joint meetings scheduled to discuss areas of joint action, ensuring the sustainability of institutional cooperation and a fair and motivating work environment that serves comprehensive development in Oman.