2. Briefly, the core functions of the Department, NPA, LASA, SIU, SAHRC and PP are as follows: . Department of Justice and Constitutional Development: The Department's core function relates to the management of the criminal and civil justice systems. It is also responsible for several activities that are not necessarily related to the management of criminal and civil justice system, for example, the provision of legal services to government, the management of funding for political parties and the reparations policy flowing from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) process. . National Prosecuting Authority (NPA): The NPA institutes criminal proceedings on behalf of the State. . Legal Aid South Africa provides independent legal representation to the poor and vulnerable at State expense. Although the main thrust of its work is to provide legal representation to criminal accused, more recently LASA has begun to expand its services to provide representation in civil matters. . Special Investigating Unit (SIU): The SIU recovers and prevents financial losses to the state that is due to acts of corruption, fraud and maladministration; and can assist departments with systemic improvements that will improve service delivery. The SIU has civil litigation powers to correct any wrongdoing it uncovers in its investigations. Investigations are authorised by Presidential proclamation. . South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC): The Commission's mandate is extremely broad, encompassing almost every aspect of civil, political, economic and political rights. It must promote respect for human rights; promote the protection, development and attainment of human rights; and monitor how well human rights are observed. The Constitution also provides that each year the Commission must require relevant organs of state to provide it with information on measures taken towards the realisation of the socio-economic rights contained in the Constitution. The Commission has specific obligations in terms of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act 4 of 2000 and the Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000. . Public Protector: The Office of the Public Protector (OPP) was established to ensure government's accountability and to provide remedies for maladministration and abuse of authority. The Public Protector is empowered to investigate, report on, and suggest remedial action for a wide range of wrongdoings in the public administration.