B. Conventions and legislation

The importance of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities undoubtedly lies in its ability to significantly transform the approach towards persons with disabilities from simply recognizing their rights to enacting laws and formulating domestic policies that achieve tangible results. The challenge for states is to adopt inclusive practices that bring tangible advances in the promotion of social inclusion for persons with disabilities.[1]

Oman has sought to ensure the greatest degree of legal protection for persons with disabilities, ratifying the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities through Royal Decree No. 121 of 2008. Under Article 19 of the Convention, State parties are obliged to facilitate the independent living and social inclusion of persons with disabilities, which includes choice of residence and access to the public services available to others. The State issued the Care and Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons Act[2] of 2008 by Royal Decree No. 63 of the same year to ensure the greatest degree of independence, social inclusion and benefit from all available facilities. For example, among other provisions, Chapter II of the Act addresses the right of such persons to education, health care, work, independent living and public services, as well as social, cultural, sporting and other activities.[3]

Other measures include regulations for the establishment of rehabilitation centres for persons with disabilities issued through Ministerial Decision No. 124/2008, regulations on issuing disability cards through Ministerial Decision No. 94/2008, and the formation of the National Committee for Disabled Care in accordance with Ministerial Decision No. 1/2009.

A comparative study on several States indicated that the Care and Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons Act of 2008 enshrined the right of persons with disabilities to preventive and curative health care provided by the State, including rehabilitative and prosthetic devices to help with mobility. Government entities are thereby committed to taking the necessary measures to ensure that persons with disabilities benefit from public services, and authorities concerned with social, cultural and sporting activities are working to ensure their effective participation in society.[4]