Oman

Oman

Right	Section	Contents
Freedom of Association	History	Limited freedom of association is protected under the Basic Statute of the State, instituted in 1996, which effectively functions as a constitution for Oman. Under Article 33, “the freedom of forming societies on a national basis and for legitimate objectives and by peaceful means – provided that it is not in conflict with the provisions and objectives of this Basic Statute – is guaranteed in accordance with the terms and conditions stipulated by the [Statute].” Further, “it is prohibited to form societies the activities of which are adverse to the order of society, secret or of a military nature.” “The Basic Statute of the State.” World Constitutions Illustrated, July 24, 2023, https://heinonline-org.ccl.idm.oclc.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.cow/zzom0002&id=1&collection=cow&index=.
Freedom of Expression	History	The 1996 Basic Statute of the State of Oman guarantees the freedom of expression and opinion through a variety of methods including oral and written within the limits of the law. The state of emergency provisions of the Statute does not mention any limitations of freedom of expression. References: Basic Statute of the State of Oman, 1996. Government of Oman, World Constitutions Illustrated, HeinOnline: https://heinonline.org/HOL/P?h=hein.cow/zzom0002&i=1
Freedom of Religion	History	Freedom of religion is conditionally protected in Oman under Article 28 of the 1996 constitution: “The freedom to practice religious rites according to recognised customs is protected, provided it does not violate the public order or contradict morals” (constituteproject.org). However, Article 2 also establishes that “[t]he religion of the State is Islam and Islamic Sharia is the basis for legislation” (constituteproject.org). “Oman 1996 (Rev. 2011) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 26, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Oman_2011. Sultan Haitham . “ROYAL DECREE NO. (101/96).” Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs . Last modified 2022. Accessed June 24, 2022. https://www.mjla.gov.om/eng/basicstatute.aspx.
Freedom of the Press	History	Article 31 of Oman’s 1996 Constitution protects press freedom: “The freedom of the press, printing, and publishing is guaranteed according to the terms and conditions prescribed by the Law. Anything that leads to discord, affects the security of State, or prejudices human dignity or rights, is prohibited" (Constitute Project, “ Oman’s Constitution of 1996 with Amendments through 2011” ).
Privacy Rights	History	The Oman constitution, written in 1996, only constitutional protects the privacy of homes in Article 27 (Constitute Project, "Oman 1996 rev. 2011" ). https://constituteproject.org/constitution/Oman_ 2011? lang=en
Voting Rights and Suffrage	History	Under Article 58bis 9 of Oman’s Constitution, members of the Majlis Al Shura are elected through direct and secret votes. Citizens of Oman must be 21 or older to vote for these members. (Constitute Project, “ Oman’s Constitution of 1996 with Amendments through 2011” ).