The functions of the Commission are detailed in Section on 12 of Act, and, apart from inquiry into complaints of violation of human rights or negligence in the prevention of such violations by a public servant, include visits to jails and other institutions, spreading awareness about the human rights, awareness, encouraging the efforts of Non-Governmental Organizations and institutions working in the field of human rights.

As the Commission is based in Delhi, it is feasible for it to be present across all parts of the country to ascertain the status of human rights in these areas.

In order to ensure the Commission's outreach to all regions of the country, the Commission has decided to engage Special Rapporteurs who function as the "eyes and ears" of the Commission.

'Special Rapporteur' is a title given to an individual who works on behalf of the NHRC within the scope of laid-down guidelines, on either a region-specific mandate or a thematic human rights mandate.

'Rapporteur' is a French-derived word for an investigator, who reports to an organized body or to an institution, in this case, the NHRC.

The primary responsibility of the Special Rapporteur is to "examine, evaluate, advise and report" on human rights concerns through activities undertaken under special procedures, including conducting visits and providing advice on emerging issues from a human rights perspective.

The Special Rapporteurs are also engaged in general promotional activities towards promotion and protection of human rights or any other duty as assigned by the Commission.

The services of eminent persons who possess knowledge or practical experience in dealing with human rights issues and who are domain experts may be utilized to assist the Commission in discharging its statutory responsibilities.

Guidelines for the engagement of Special Rapporteurs (with effect from 29.05.2024) and the list of Special Rapporteurs engaged by NHRC are as below: