RIYADH, Oct 21: The Saudi government on Thursday defined the duties and responsibilities of the recently established Human Rights Commission. The structure of the commission was recently approved by King Abdullah.

According to some local newspapers, 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 authorized 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 conform to Saudi rules.

Experts on Shariat, political science and law ‘have the right to summon representatives of any government or private body as part of investigations’, according to the bylaws.

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

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