Submitted by Denitsa on
This report is part of CRIN's access to justice for children project, looking at the status of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in national law, the status of children involved in legal proceedings, the legal means to challenge violations of children’s rights and the practical considerations involved in challenging violations.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) has been ratified by Royal Decree No. 54/96 (as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/96) in the Sultanate of Oman; as such, it has force of law in Oman, although it remains unclear as to its direct enforceability in Omani courts. Interpretation of any relevant national law will be done in a manner that is consistent with the CRC or any other relevant international treaty in accordance with the Basic Law. Children under the age of 18 are permitted to bring actions before national courts to challenge violations of their rights but must do so through a guardian; their father in the first instance, their father’s father or a court-appointed custodian if neither of the aforementioned is able or willing. In certain instances, a child of fifteen years of age may be authorised by their guardian or by a judge in relation to certain matters, meaning that they would broadly enjoy the same rights as adults in relation to those matters (which most likely include the right to make a legal claim).
