Annual Report 2008-2009 • Core Advisory Group on Health • Core Group on Mental Health • Core Group on Disability • Core Group of NGOs • Core Group on Legal Issues • Core Group on Right to Food • Expert Group on Emergency Medical Care • Expert Group on Refugees • Expert Group on Silicosis • Expert Group on Unsafe Drugs & Medical Devices Functions 3.10 The Commission has a wide mandate. Its functions as laid down in Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA) include: • Inquire, suo motu or on a petition presented to it by a victim or any person on his behalf or on a direction or order of any court, into complaint of (i) violation of human rights or abetment thereof; or (ii) negligence in the prevention of such violation, by a public servant. • Intervene in any proceeding involving any allegation of violation of human rights pending before a court, with the approval of such court. • Visit, notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, any jail or other institution under the control of the State Government, where persons are detained or lodged for purposes of treatment, reformation or protection, for the study of the living conditions of inmates thereof and make recommendations thereon to the Government. • Review the safeguards provided by or under the Constitution or any law for the time being in force for the protection of human rights and recommend measures for their effective implementation. • Review the factors, including acts of terrorism that inhibit the enjoyment of human rights and recommend appropriate remedial measures. • Study treaties and other international instruments on human rights and make recommendations for their effective implementation. • Undertake and promote research in the field of human rights. 22