Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman has emerged as a leader in early childhood development, establishing itself through pioneering policies and services. The nation was among the first to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child, showcasing its commitment to safeguarding children’s rights through early legislative actions.
According to Oman News Agency, the UNICEF office in Oman has highlighted the 2014 Child Law as a testament to this commitment, further emphasized by the 2023 School Education Law and Social Protection Law. These laws align with international best practices, aiming to maximize protection, investment in childhood development, and uphold principles of justice.
Sumaira Chowdhury, Representative of UNICEF in Oman, acknowledged significant strides in social protection through national policies aimed at supporting children and families. She noted that these efforts ensure services reach the most vulnerable groups, with improvements in inter-sectoral coordination providing a comprehensive response to beneficiaries’ needs.
Chowdhury explained that the UNICEF Office supports national efforts with technical assistance and strategic guidance in policy and program design. The office focuses on strengthening national capacities in data collection and analysis for evidence-based planning. In collaboration with government entities, UNICEF works to enhance child protection systems, integrating them into a comprehensive and sustainable social protection framework for every child’s well-being.
Chowdhury described the cooperation between Oman and UNICEF as a long-standing strategic partnership, dating back to 1971. This partnership promotes child rights across education, health, protection, nutrition, and early childhood development, ensuring every child in Oman enjoys their rights, aligned with the Convention on the Rights of the Child and Oman Vision 2040.
The collaboration takes the form of a joint country program, reviewed every five years with annual implementation plans. This includes discussions on national priorities within UNICEF’s framework to support government efforts in enhancing child well-being.
Oman has shown a growing focus on early childhood development, integrating it into national priorities and increasing investment in early care and education programs. This reflects a deep understanding of the critical phase in shaping a child’s future abilities and skills. Chowdhury emphasized that Oman has achieved high rankings in childhood development indicators, universal immunization, and inclusive education, positioning the country as a global leader in child care and protection.
UNICEF supports Oman’s comprehensive programs aimed at developing children’s and adolescents’ capacities in education, health, and community engagement. The organization works to amplify the impact of these initiatives through technical cooperation and capacity-building.
Close collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development and other relevant entities has enhanced efforts to analyze and understand child development pathways and protect children from abuse or harm. This includes updating the Child Protection Manual and preparing studies to establish integrated early childhood centers, ensuring improved child case monitoring and follow-up.
National laws, such as the Child Law and Child Protection Manual, are pivotal in positioning Oman among countries striving to protect child rights. These laws reflect Oman’s commitment to aligning its legislation with international conventions and standards, fostering a legal environment that ensures child protection and equity.
Oman’s role in supporting developmental and humanitarian programs for children extends beyond its borders. The nation has contributed RO 385,000 (USD 1 million) to aid children in Gaza, supporting UNICEF’s global humanitarian and relief efforts. This reflects Oman’s balanced and neutral policy, making it a reliable partner amid recurring humanitarian crises in the Middle East and North Africa.
Key initiatives in pre-school education development include supporting child-friendly school environments and empowering teachers with inclusive teaching methods through the Future Skills Framework. Collaboration with the Ministry of Health focuses on building capacities in early childhood care services, alongside nutrition programs such as breastfeeding and mental health support.
UNICEF Oman continues to implement programs strengthening early-grade educators and social workers, providing technical support to ensure intervention quality and sustainability. The organization is committed to improving rehabilitation and care services for children with disabilities, enhancing social and educational inclusion, and developing early detection and intervention tools.
UNICEF plays a central role in supporting the development of a unified national child protection system in Oman, focusing on prevention, monitoring, and early intervention. It raises community awareness, builds frontline workers’ capacities, and develops standardized protocols to address violence, abuse, and neglect. A positive parenting training program educates parents and caregivers on child protection, proper nutrition, early learning stimulation, and social inclusion.
In partnership with local institutions and the National Family Affairs Committee, UNICEF launched a national awareness campaign titled ‘Our Children, a Trust’. The campaign highlights the importance of early childhood development on children’s futures and engages children and adolescents in expressing their needs and becoming part of the solution.
Through a national strategic communication strategy, UNICEF addresses societal behavior change related to early childhood development. It implements targeted awareness campaigns to improve social indicators, such as promoting breastfeeding and proper nutrition, fostering supportive environments for holistic child development.