MUSCAT: The Omani Human Rights Commission (OHRC) launched a dialogue session titled 'Protecting and Promoting the Rights of the Elderly in Oman,' on Monday with broad participation from governmental and private entities as well as civil society organisations. The session aims to review efforts to support the rights of the elderly, discuss the challenges faced, and propose practical recommendations to improve the quality of life for this vital segment of society.
Prof Dr Rashid al Balushi, Chairman of the OHRC, in his address emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts across various sectors to provide comprehensive care for the elderly that meets their social, health, and psychological needs.
Al Balushi stated that caring for the elderly is not merely a social responsibility but a reflection of national identity and the deeply rooted values of Omani society. He noted that Oman has made significant strides in providing care for the elderly, through both legislation that protects their rights and initiatives that support their health and psychological and social well-being.
He added that the dialogue session seeks to enhance discussions among various sectors on the best ways to develop policies and practices that serve the elderly. He highlighted that exchanging ideas and experiences among the participating entities is key to reaching practical recommendations that contribute to improving the quality of life for this demographic. He also stressed the importance of leveraging such events to shed light on both successes and challenges, calling for greater integration between the public and private sectors to support the elderly in alignment with Oman Vision 2040.
Dr Al Balushi underscored that the outcomes of the dialogue session will be presented on International Human Rights Day, December 10, reflecting Oman’s commitment to enhancing human rights in all forms, including the rights of the elderly. He pointed out that the anticipated recommendations will serve as a practical guide for achieving further progress in this field.
The first session was chaired by lawyer Saud al Maawali, Vice-Chairman of the OHRC, and included four working papers. Safiya bint Mohammed al Amiriyah from the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD), presented a paper on social services dedicated to the elderly. Dr Hilal al Habsi from the Sociologists Association discussed the impact of social isolation and loss of purpose on the living conditions of the elderly. Yousef al Abri from the Social Protection Fund (SPF) highlighted the benefits and services provided by social funds, while Joukha al Farsi presented initiatives by the Ehsan Association.
The second session, moderated by Dr Saleh al Barashdi, Head of the Monitoring and Complaints Committee, Omani Human Rights Commission, focused on legal and developmental frameworks that support the elderly. Abdulhakim al Balushi reviewed Oman Vision 2040 and its priorities related to the well-being and protection of the elderly.
Legal adviser Jamal al Nabhani, Director of the Legislation Department, Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs (MoJLA), delivered a comprehensive paper on Omani legislation related to the elderly, emphasising the need for alignment with international standards. The session also included two additional papers: one on social justice and another on the national healthcare programme for the elderly, presented by Dr Ahmed al Wahaibi from the Ministry of Health (MoH).
The third session shed light on the role of sports clubs in promoting the mental health and quality of life of the elderly, the importance of media in creating content that meets their aspirations, and the challenges of digital transformation and empowerment rights.
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