NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, INDIA D. Setting up of Human Rights Courts 5.10 The Section 30 and 31 of PHRA stipulates the setting up of Human Rights Courts by notifying or designating Sessions Courts as Human Rights Courts in consultation with the High Courts for speedy disposal of Human Rights cases. 5.11 The Commission has taken up the matter by writing DO letters under signature of Secretary General, NHRC to Chief Secretaries/Administrators and Registrar General, High Courts of all the States/ Union Territories (UTs) for setting up of Human Rights Courts in accordance with the PHR Act. 5.12 In pursuance of the Commission's consistent efforts on the issue, so far 23 states and 06 UTs have set up/ notified Human Rights courts in their respective states/districts. 5.13 The Commission has forwarded its suggestions in detail with regard to offences which could be tried by the Human Rights Courts. The matter is still under consideration of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The matter regarding the nature of offences to be transferred for trial by Human Rights Courts and what would be the procedure are to be formulated by the States in consultation with the respective High Courts. E. Special Rapporteurs and Special Monitors of the Commission 5.14 The Special Rapporteurs of the Commission are human rights experts who are specifically appointed with the directive to report and advise on human rights concerns from a thematic or state-specific perspective. The system of Special Rapporteurs is a central element of the NHRC machinery and covers all human rights: civil, political, economic, social and cultural. In addition, they cover sensitive issues like child labour, bonded labour, disability concerns etc.; and spread awareness among the people about the provisions contained in the PHRA from the point of view of seeking redressal from the NHRC in case of violation of their rights or that of others. Special Rapporteurs are senior officers who, prior to their retirement, have served as Secretaries to the Government of India or Director General of Police or have done exemplary service in a human rights related field. A copy of the Special Rapporteurs scheme is posted on the website of the NHRC–https://nhrc.nic.in/sites/default/files/engagement_Spl_rapp_27112018.pdf Table 5.1: Zonal Special Rapporteurs S.No. 1. Zone/area covered as per new scheme Name of Special Rapporteur Tenure VACANT SOUTH ZONE Tamil Nadu, Poducherry, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana & Karnataka ANNUAL REPORT 2019-20 85