Human Rights Authority replaces the National Diwan

The Ministry of Justice issued an amendment to the law establishing the National Council for Human Rights, aimed at strengthening the independence of the national human rights institution and developing its legal framework to align with international best practices. The ministry clarified that the law replaced the name “National Council for Human Rights” with “National Human Rights Authority,” while affirming the authority’s independence and explicitly stating that its attachment to the Minister of Justice does not empower the minister to direct its activities or interfere in its work or competencies. The amendments also provided for the restructuring of the authority’s board of directors to consist of five full-time members, including a chairman and a vice-chairman, drawn from national figures known for their competence, integrity, and commitment to human rights. Representatives from several government entities would participate in an advisory capacity without voting rights. The law also regulated the conditions and duration of board membership, stipulating that appointments would be made by emiri decree for a four-year term, renewable once, based on the nomination of the Minister of Justice and in accordance with specified criteria and standards. The ministry noted that the law obligates both government and non-government entities to cooperate with the authority and enable it to obtain the data, information, and documents necessary to perform its duties, while establishing a mechanism for addressing unjustified refusal or non-cooperation.