Democratic Rights

The Omani government is a monarchy. The Sultan, Qaboos bin Said al Said is the self-appointed leader of the country since 1970 and serves as the country's chief of state and head of government. The monarchy is hereditary and the monarch's cabinet is appointed by himself.

Citizens of Oman can vote for members of the legislative branch. The members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms, however, the legislative branch only has advisory powers. The country has universal suffrage

Suffrage

Suffrage, political franchise, or simply the franchise, distinct from mere voting rights, is the civil right to vote gained through the democratic process...

 for people 21 years of age and older, however members of the military and security forces are not allowed to vote.

Universal Human Rights

Omani citizens have limited rights to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly.

Children's rights

There are no reports of child prostitution in Oman. Child labor is not a problem. In 2003, the government raised the minimum age to work from 13 to 15 years of age.

Women's Rights

Since the Renaissance in 1970, the Omani government has actively promoted female education with impressive results. The modern Omani woman enjoys a wide array of civil and political liberties. Omani women hold high profile posts in the Oman Government and private sectors, and their contribution to the country’s development is indelible and undeniable. Today, there are female ministers, undersecretary, ambassadors and a members of the State Council.

External links

• Oman - U.S. State Department's 2005 Country Report on Human Rights Practices
• Oman at Human Rights Watch
  Human Rights Watch
  Human Rights Watch is an international non-governmental organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights. Its headquarters are in New York City and it has offices in Berlin, Beirut, Brussels, Chicago, Geneva, Johannesburg, London, Los Angeles, Moscow, Paris, San Francisco, Tokyo,...
  
  
• Censorship in Oman - IFEX
  International Freedom of Expression Exchange
  The International Freedom of Expression eXchange , founded in 1992, is a global network of around 90 non-governmental organisations that promotes and defends the right to freedom of expression....