The problem of defining the role of internal affairs agencies as the subject of state human rights protection is examined from a theoretical and legal perspective. In the context of an analysis of scholarly views contained in modern philosophical and legal literature, the author's understanding of the category of subject of state human rights activity is presented. The characteristics of internal affairs agencies as subjects of state human rights activity are examined. The following essential properties are considered: affiliation with public authority, state funding, legitimacy, as well as professionalism, competence, legality, and consistency. The main areas of activity of internal affairs agencies in the human rights context are highlighted. Several ways and means for improving the human rights work of internal affairs agencies are proposed.