Oman

Oman’s overly broad laws restrict the rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association. The authorities target peaceful activists, pro-reform bloggers, and government critics using short term arrests and detentions and other forms of harassment. Although the law states that all citizens are equal and bans gender-based discrimination, women face discrimination under the law in matters of divorce, inheritance, child custody and legal guardianship. Oman’s kafala (sponsorship) system and inadequate worker protections leave the country’s migrant workforce vulnerable to abuse and exploitation by employers.