Muscat - The delegation of the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI), headed by H.E. Maqsoud Kruse, participated in the "Human Rights Institutions Forum" held in Muscat, the capital of the Sultanate of Oman, from 12 to 13 September, 2023. The Oman Human Rights Commission organised the forum in collaboration with the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The forum witnessed the participation of representatives from the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council, National Human Rights Institutions in the GCC countries, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and its Regional Office in Beirut, several government entities, and civil society organisations in the Sultanate of Oman.

The NHRI delegation participated in a key session, where H.E. Maqsoud Kruse shared the latest developments related to the institution's foundational and organisational activities, as well as its participation in local and international events. He also emphasised the institution's role in promoting a culture of human rights in society, and praised the organisation of the forum, stating "We are pleased to participate in this Gulf human rights gathering, which strengthens the bonds of cooperation among human rights institutions in the GCC countries."

The forum aims to discuss the United Nations' core objectives in the field of human rights, the Paris Principles, and their implementation. It also provides a general overview of the GCC human rights institutions, including their history and the development of their mechanisms.

Furthermore, the forum sheds light on the efforts of the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council in promoting and enhancing human rights culture. It also highlights the existing mechanisms and means of cooperation and coordination among the GCC institutions with a focus on how to further develop and enhance them, in order to foster joint cooperation with regional and international countries within the framework of human rights.

The delegation included H.E. Fatima Al Kaabi, Deputy Chairperson, H.E. Dr. Ahmed Al Mansoori, Head of the Promotion of Human Rights Culture Committee; H.E. Ameirah Al Seraidi, Head of the Economic, Social, Cultural and Environmental Rights Committee; H.E. Dr. Zayed Al Shamsi, Head of the Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee; H.E. Fatma Al Bedwawi, Head of the Complaints, Monitoring and Field Visits Committee, H.E. Maryam Al Ahmadi, Head of the International Relations and Non-Governmental Organisations Committee, H.E. Dr. Abdul Aziz Al Noman, Board of Trustees member, H.E. Klaithem Al Matrooshi, Board of Trustees member, H.E. Noor Al Suwaidi, Board of Trustees member, H.E. Dr. Saeed Al Ghfeli, Secretary-General of the NHRI, Mr. Amro Al Qahtani, Manager of the Chairperson’s Office, Ms. Fajr Al Haidan, Head of the Executive Affairs Section at the Chairperson Office, Mr. Abdulaziz Alawbathani, Head of the International and Regional Organisations Department, and Ms. Fatima Al-Hosni, Head of the International Relations and Communications Department.