SALALAH: On the second day of the regional forum for Arab National Human Rights Institutions, a high-level official of Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Unit highlighted the intrinsic link between Oman’s strategic roadmap for sustainable development and the goal of safeguarding human rights.
Presenting a detailed paper, Kawthar al Farsi, Director of the Government Performance Measurement Department at the Unit, said the pillars of Oman Vision 2040 are inextricably linked to human rights principles, serving as a road map for a more equitable and sustainable governance system.
According to Al-Farsi, the ambitious aims of Oman Vision 2040, which seek to cultivate a thriving Omani society, are inexorably related to the inclusion of human rights into all government policies and initiatives.
She stressed, for example, the Omani citizen’s inherent entitlement to a healthy environment and appropriate natural resources. This is seen as critical not only for current well-being, but also for the long-term development required to protect future generations.
Likewise, Oman Vision 2040 safeguards citizen rights to health, education, and sufficient housing, emphasising their importance in social and economic terms. Al-Farsi links these rights to the overarching goal of improving the quality of life for all citizens, claiming that society growth is dependent on these fundamental principles.
Furthermore, for economic development to be truly sustainable, it must be accompanied by a fair distribution of income and strong labour rights protections. This balance is portrayed as critical to building an inclusive and resilient economy, she said.
Transparency and accountability in government activities are critical elements in Oman Vision 2040, which allows communities to participate in decision-making processes, resulting in a more engaged and educated citizenry, she stated.
Al-Farsi expresses a vision in which the ambitions of Oman Vision 2040 and human rights are considered as mutually beneficial. According to her, "achieving the goals of Oman Vision 2040 is closely linked to human rights." They are two sides of the same coin, working to create a wealthy and equitable Omani society. We think that sustainable development can only be realised by protecting the rights of all members of society."
This inclusion of human rights at the heart of Oman Vision 2040 is a forward-thinking approach that aligns the country's development goals with universal human rights values. It is a step that not only underlines Oman's commitment to these objectives, but also establishes a standard for comprehensive and inclusive administration throughout the region.
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