Responsibilities of Saudi rights commission defined

The Saudi government yesterday defined the duties and responsibilities of the Human Rights Commission.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia recently approved the structure of the government's first rights commission.

According to a Saudi newspaper, the most important duties of the non-elected commission "are to ensure the strict implementation of rules pertaining to human rights by all concerned government departments, detect violations and take corrective measures.

"The commission is also authorised to follow-up the implementation of international agreements on human rights by all government departments."

The 18-member commission is also responsible for looking into international agreements on human rights and check whether they confirm with Saudi rules.

The commission comprising scholars in Islamic Sharia, political science and general laws "have the right to summon representatives of any government or private body as part of investigations", state the bylaws.

The bylaws further state that the Riyadh-based commission is permitted to open branches in all parts of the kingdom to tackle human rights issue, verify them and take the necessary measures.

Members of the commission can visit any prison or detention centres without prior permission from any higher authority and submit reports to the prime minister.

The bylaws also state that the commission shall cooperate with national, regional and international human rights organisations to meet its objectives.

The commission, as part of its duties, has to formulate policies to increase public awareness about human rights.

The commission has to prepare an annual report on human rights in Saudi Arabia and submit it to the Council of Ministers.

The commission is made up of six departments, including legal affairs, research and studies department which provides legal advice on all human rights issues and prepares periodical reports.

The International Relations Department has to coordinate with governmental and non-governmental international human rights organisations and follow-up human rights cases involving Saudi citizens.

The Investigation and Follow-up Department is authorised to investigate any complaint regarding human rights violations inside the country and find effective solutions.