National Human Rights Committee
NHRC
Summary
The NHRC was established by Decree-Law No. 38 of 2002 and restructured as a fully independent Paris-Principles-compliant body under Law No. 12 of 2015. It receives and investigates complaints against government agencies including the Qatar Police Force, conducts unannounced visits to prisons and detention/interrogation facilities, and refers cases to the Public Prosecution or Ministry of Interior. It has no power to impose discipline or conduct fully independent use-of-force investigations; it refers findings to competent authorities. Members are civilians appointed by Emiri Decree; the Committee publishes annual reports.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Executive appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 4 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Executive discretion |
| Subpoena power | No |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Case-by-case |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Law No. 12 of 2015 Organizing the National Human Rights Committee (amending Decree-Law No. 38 of 2002)
- Citation
- Law No. 12 of 2015 (QA); Decree-Law No. 38 of 2002
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
All government agencies, including law enforcement (Ministry of Interior / Qatar Police Force) and penal and correctional institutions; receives complaints, conducts facility visits, and refers findings to competent authorities.