National Bureau for Human Rights
Diwan Huquq Al Insan
Summary
Kuwait's National Bureau for Human Rights (Diwan Huquq Al Insan), established by Law No. 67 of 2015, is a quasi-governmental ombudsman body. Its 11 members are nominated by the Council of Ministers and appointed by Emiri Decree for four-year renewable terms. It is authorized to visit police stations and detention centers, receive complaints from detainees, and refer findings to the Public Prosecutor. It has no independent investigative power, no binding discipline authority, and no statutory subpoena power. The UN has criticized it as non-compliant with Paris Principles due to executive-dominated appointment and persistent under-resourcing.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Executive appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 4 years |
| Removal standard | At will (weak protection) |
| Budget independence | Executive discretion |
| Subpoena power | No |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Restricted |
| Public reports required | No |
| Pre-publication review | Executive review |
Statute
- Name
- Law No. 67 of 2015 on the National Bureau for Human Rights
- Citation
- Law No. 67/2015
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
National human rights monitoring body with authority to receive complaints, visit police stations, prisons, and detention centers, and refer matters to the Public Prosecutor; established under Law No. 67 of 2015.