Since the Arab Spring, Oman has intensified its crackdown on free speech, assembly, and press freedom. Activists, political dissidents, journalists have faced harsh penalties, while citizenship has been stripped from exiled critics. Oman’s reliance on vague legal provisions, such as Articles 125 and 19 of the Penal Code, has enabled a climate of fear and repression, overshadowing its international image as a stable and tolerant nation.
This broader pattern of suppression extends to the Shihuh, an indigenous tribe that makes up the majority of Musandam’s residents. The Shihuh have faced systematic political, cultural, and religious persecution as the state seeks to consolidate control over their strategically significant homeland near the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring how Oman’s authoritarian policies target not only dissent but also entire communities.
The tribe has long been a symbol of cultural and historical significance in the region. However, their distinct identity, traditions, and close ties to the land appear to have placed them at odds with the state’s vision for centralized authority. Since 1991, there have been repeated instances of arbitrary detentions targeting Shihuh tribe members in Musandam.
Key human rights violations include the demolition of historical landmarks, contamination of traditional fishing areas, the seizure of Shihuh lands without compensation for military, security, or government purposes, restricted access to health, education, and clean water.
Despite its resistance to external control, the Shihuh tribe has suffered from human rights abuses by the Omani government, including arbitrary arrests, disappearances, and violations of freedom of expression.
Its members have reported systemic discrimination in employment and education. There are claims of harassment and detention of tribe members who voice concerns about neglect or mistreatment by the central government.
Additionally, certain customs and traditions are criminalized in order to erode the Shihuh’s cultural identity. For instance, the use of the Shihuh’s unique tribal dialect has been prohibited, undermining their linguistic heritage. In addition, artifacts, relics, or historical sites significant to the Shihuh have been confiscated or destroyed and symbols associated with the tribe have been prohibited.
A notable example is the arbitrary detention and life sentencing of six Shihuh activists in 2018, later pardoned after international pressure. Amnesty International reported that these individuals were denied proper legal representation and faced unfair trial procedures.
In 2021, a Shihuh tribal member, Masoud Ali Abdullah al-Shahi, disappeared and his whereabouts are still unknown while he is at risk of torture and ill-treatment.
Despite Omani authorities’ attempts to project a sanitized image internationally and issue official denials of any wrongdoing, the Shihuh tribe continues to face systemic discrimination and marginalization. ADHRB calls on Omani authorities to take meaningful steps to address these issues and ensure the protection of human rights in the region. Also, ADHRB urges Oman to recognize the Shihuh’s contributions to the region’s heritage rather than suppressing them. Finally, ADHRB calls on the international community to foster dialogue and pressure Oman to protect cultural traditions and respect for indigenous communities.
