Oman participates in conference of states parties to CRPD in New York

New York— The Sultanate of Oman took part in the 18th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), held during 10-12 June at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

Oman’s delegation to the conference was headed by Ambassador Omar Said Al Kathiri, Oman’s Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, and comprised representatives from the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs.

In a speech delivered by Badr Fareesh Al Yahyaee, Assistant Director-General of the for Persons with Disabilities at the Ministry of Social Development, Oman highlighted its extensive efforts to support and empower persons with disabilities across all sectors. These efforts align with the provisions of the State’s Basic Law, relevant national legislation, “Oman Vision 2040" and the country’s commitments under international conventions and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.

Oman’s address also outlined key achievements in the care and empowerment of persons with disabilities, including the draft law on the rights of persons with disabilities, which was formulated in accordance with the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Other milestones include the development of a comprehensive national guide for engineering standards and specifications for inclusive urban environments and accessible transportation, as well as the organization of the first National Forum for Persons with Disabilities in 2023, whose outcomes laid the groundwork for a dedicated lab to enhance services and programs for persons with disabilities.

The Sultanate of Oman’s emphasized the importance of raising public awareness about the rights of persons with disabilities as a shared responsibility, with active participation from persons with disabilities themselves. It also called for unified visions among all member states to achieve an accessible, barrier-free environment that fulfills their aspirations.