The Second EU-Oman Human Rights Dialogue was held in Brussels on 19 November. The discussions covered recent developments in human rights within both the EU and Oman, namely labour rights, gender equality and women empowerment, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association and the rule of law - including the right to fair trial and the death penalty.

Both sides outlined the actions taken since the first Human Rights Dialogue in Muscat in 2022, with Oman giving an update on pursued reforms in the Sultanate, including on social protection and labour legislation.

The European Union encouraged Oman to continue with a further alignment of their legislation with international human rights law, particularly, in regard to freedom of expression and association.

The EU acknowledged Oman’s steps in this regard, notably the Social Protection Fund Law and recent amendments to labour legislation with the aim to further enhance social security and worker protection, in alignment with Oman’s Vision 2040.

The two sides exchanged also on their cooperation in UN human rights fora, reaffirming their commitment to enhance bilateral coordination in this regard.

The next Human Rights Dialogue will take place in Muscat in 2025.