Newborn was abused by mother who suffered from depression: Report

Muscat: The Omani Human Rights Commission (OHRC) in its report has revealed a set of issues it handled last year. The commission received over 385 complaints from citizens and residents, including 65 cases related to humanitarian issues.

Among incidents being reported on February 3, 2021, was for a newborn girl being abused by her mother. After investigation, OHRC found out that the mother suffered from a mental disorder, mainly from depression.

The commission took necessary measures to address the issue to protect the child and the mother at the same time. The mother was placed in a specialized institution to receive necessary medical care.

There were also two reports of two Omani women who were physically and verbally abused by their relatives, and their identification documents were taken and kept with them.

And to ensure the necessary protection for them, the OHRC coordinated with the Public Prosecution Department and the Family Development Directorate at the Ministry of Social Development to place the two women in Dar Al-Wefaq as a precaution until the investigation into the incident is complete.

The Sultanate of Oman has guaranteed through the legislation it approved the protection of women from all forms of physical and psychological violence, including the abuse reported by the family members. The Penal Code issued by the Royal Decree No. (7/2018) also included a set of penal measures to protect women from various forms of violence and abuse.

Another report was taken on January 26, 2021, about a housemaid leaving her workplace and staying in a public place, without a safe environment, healthy shelter, and proper food. After talking to her, sitting with her, and following up on her condition, she confirmed her unwillingness to work and asked to leave for her country.

The Commission coordinated with the Royal Oman Police and the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking to ensure safe travel to her country.