Children’s rights take centre stage across schools in the Sultanate

Muscat, 20 November 2019  – On World Children’s Day and the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the most pertinent day for children around the world, His Excellency Dr. Hamoud bin Khalfan Al Harthy, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Education, and Lana Al Wreikat, UNICEF Representative in Oman, addressed children of Al Mahamed School for Basic Education school in Mawalih during the morning assembly. They  highlighted children rights and the various resources available to ensure that they are protected as well as reminded them of their responsibility to care for one another. This very same letter was also shared with schools across the nation.  

 “By signing the CRC, Oman made an investment in each and every child, making sure that they are provided with the very best education, the very best healthcare and the very best support for them to thrive in life and reach their dreams. Thankfully, with the support of the Omani government, we are continuing to see this progress grow,” said Lana Wreikat, UNICEF Oman Representative. “All children have the right to play, the right to make friends, the right to make decisions and the right to make their own opinions. But these are only a few of their rights. Part of our goal is to make sure their voices are heard. We want them to know that we are listening to them and we encourage them to speak up, no matter their concerns. Technology is changing, our environment is changing, and the world is changing. But even with all this change, our commitment remains the same. Every right, for every child.”  

Notable developments in Oman’s education sector include a programme called “Child Friendly Schools,” which aims to see every child in Oman go to a school that is comfortable, safe, happy and responsive to their needs. The Ministry of Education along with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Social Development are also working together to protect children from bullying and violence, making Oman safer for its children.  

Over the past several years, UNICEF and the Government of Oman have worked closely together to make the country a better place for children to live in. Each November, UNICEF Oman marks World Children’s Day with various child-centred initiatives, amassing support from across the country. This year, children took over Muscat International Airport and talked with Ministers about children’s rights. In addition, various major landmarks across the country were lit up in blue in solidarity with UNICEF’s “Go Blue” campaign.