Oman: Third EU-Oman Human Rights Dialogue held in Muscat

On 3 February 2026, the European Union and the Sultanate of Oman held their third Human Rights Dialogue in Muscat in an open and constructive atmosphere. 

EU and Oman reviewed respectively the latest developments on human rights since the previous Dialogue in Brussels in November 2024, acknowledging achievements, identifying areas for enhanced cooperation in line with international law, and agreeing to continue sharing experiences and best practices to address common challenges. 

The discussion covered a wide range of human rights issues and fundamental freedoms, with focus on labour rights, including within the ILO framework; women’s rights, where Oman’s record is constantly improving; freedom of expression and association; digital rights with a view to tackle commonly faced challenges on AI; rule of law, including the right to fair trial and the death penalty, with the EU reiterating its principled opposition to the capital punishment. Oman elaborated on the legislative reforms it has been pursuing, notably regarding modernisation of labour and social protection schemes, media regulation and measures to counter human trafficking.

In addition, the two sides explored ways to boost cooperation in multilateral fora, with special focus on the Human Rights Council and the UNGA Third Committee. Oman highlighted the positive conclusions of its recent fourth cycle of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and its accession to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

As a follow up to the Dialogue, the EU and Oman agreed to prioritise their operational cooperation for the next year on AI and human rights, countering human trafficking and migrant smuggling, in particular within the framework of the Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling and in accordance with the Palermo Protocols and the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and other relevant international instruments, and promoting joint initiatives on Women’s, Peace and Security.

The Dialogue was co-chaired by Anna-Maria Panagiotakopoulou, EEAS (European External Action Service) Head of Division Arabian Peninsula & Iraq and H.E. Saleh Almaskari, Head of the Global Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman.

The two sides agreed to hold the next edition of the EU-Oman Human Rights Dialogue in Brussels in 2027.