New York: The Sultanate of Oman actively participated in the 18th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), held from June 10 to 12 at the United Nations headquarters.

According to Oman News Agency, Oman’s delegation was led by Ambassador Omar Said Al Kathiri, Oman’s Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, and included representatives from the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs. During the conference, Oman underscored its dedication to supporting and empowering persons with disabilities, aligning with the State’s Basic Law, national legislation, “Oman Vision 2040,” and international commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.

Badr Fareesh Al Yahyaee, Assistant Director-General for Persons with Disabilities at the Ministry of Social Development, delivered a speech highlighting key achievements, such as the draft law on the rights of persons with disabilities, formulate
d in accordance with the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Additionally, Oman has developed a comprehensive national guide for inclusive urban environments and accessible transportation, and organized the first National Forum for Persons with Disabilities in 2023, establishing a dedicated lab to enhance services and programs for persons with disabilities.

Oman stressed the importance of public awareness regarding the rights of persons with disabilities, advocating for shared responsibility and active participation from the community. The Sultanate also called for unified visions among member states to create an accessible, barrier-free environment that meets the aspirations of persons with disabilities.