Annual Report 2008-2009 reports received from the police and other investigation agencies and in looking into reports of custodial violence or other misdemeanours. In addition, the Division analyzes the intimations and reports from the State authorities regarding deaths in police and judicial custody as well as deaths in police encounters. It also renders expert advice on other matters related to police or armed forces. The Division has setup a Rapid Action Cell to attend to complaints that require immediate attention and action. Other than this, it facilitates the Training Division in spreading human rights literacy as envisaged in Section 12(h) of the PHRA. The Policy Research, Projects and Programmes Division undertakes and promotes research on human rights and organizes conferences, seminars and workshops on important human rights issues. Whenever the Commission, on the basis of its hearings, deliberations or otherwise, arrives at a conclusion that a particular subject is of importance, it is converted into a project/ programme to be dealt with by the PRP&P Division. Besides, it reviews policies, laws, treaties and other international instruments in force for the protection and promotion of human rights. It assists in monitoring the implementation of the Commission’s recommendations by Central and State/Union Territory authorities. It also aids the Training Division in spreading human rights literacy and in promoting awareness about the safeguards available for the protection of human rights. The Training Division is responsible for training and sensitizing various officials and functionaries of the State and its agencies, NGOs, students and the civil society, etc., about human rights concerns. The Information and Public Relations Division disseminates information relating to the activities of the NHRC through the print and electronic media. It brings out a bilingual monthly Human Rights Newsletter and other publications of the Commission. Besides, it looks into applications and appeals received under the Right to Information Act, 2005. The Administration Division looks after the establishment, administrative and related requirements of the Chairperson and Members of the NHRC. It also looks into personnel (including cadre matters), accounts, library and other requirements of the officers and staff of the NHRC. 3.8 The reach of the Commission is greatly enhanced by the appointment of Special Rapporteurs and the constitution of Core and Expert Groups. Special Rapporteurs are very senior officers who, prior to their retirement, have served as Secretaries to the Government of India or Directors General of Police or have done exemplary service in a human rights related field. They are either assigned specific subjects to deal with, such as Bonded Labour, Child Labour, Custodial Justice, Disability, etc., or a zone comprising a group of States to look into human rights concerns and violations. 3.9 The Core/Expert Groups consist of eminent persons or representatives of bodies working on human rights issues. These groups render expert advice to the Commission on various issues. Some of the important Core/Expert Groups constituted in the NHRC are: 21

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