U.N. human rights panel urges Kuwait to amend its mandatory DNA testing law

The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion and analysis.

A U.N. human rights watchdog called on Kuwait on [July 15] to amend a counter-terrorism law requiring nationwide compulsory DNA testing, saying that it was disproportionate and violated the right to privacy.

Any testing should be limited to individuals suspected of having committed serious crimes and only after a court order, the 18 independent experts said after reviewing Kuwait’s record in upholding civil and political rights.

The law “imposes unnecessary and disproportionate restrictions on the right to privacy”, the U.N. Human Rights Committee said.

“We … asked them to amend it to ensure that DNA collection is limited, only on the basis of individuals suspected of having committed serious crimes and on the basis of a court order,” panel member Sarah Cleveland told a news briefing.

“Part of the reason the committee is very concerned about it is because of the prospect of copycat laws by other countries,” she said. “It’s certainly the first time our committee has seen such a law.”

Read full, original post: U.N. rights panel urges Kuwait to amend broad DNA testing law

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