A/HRC/7/2
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Reopening of cases
25. If sources provide well-documented information that a case has been considered clarified
or closed erroneously, because the Government’s reply referred to a different person, does not
correspond to the reported situation or has not reached the source within the six-month period
referred to above, the Working Group transmits the case to the Government anew, requesting it
to comment. In such instances, the case in question is again listed among the outstanding cases
and a specific explanation is given in the Working Group’s report to the Human Rights Council,
describing the above-mentioned errors or discrepancies.
General allegations
26. The Working Group regularly transmits to the Governments concerned a summary of
allegations received from relatives of missing persons and non-governmental organizations with
regard to obstacles encountered in the implementation of the Declaration in their respective
countries, inviting them to comment thereon if they so wish.
Prompt intervention
27. Cases of intimidation, persecution or reprisal against relatives of missing persons,
witnesses to disappearances or their families, members of organizations of relatives and other
non-governmental organizations, human rights defenders or individuals concerned with
disappearances are transmitted to the pertinent Governments, with the appeal that they take steps
to protect all the fundamental rights of the persons affected. Cases of that nature, which require
prompt intervention, are transmitted directly to the Ministers for Foreign Affairs by the most
direct and rapid means. To that end, the Working Group has authorized its Chairperson to
transmit such cases between sessions.
Cooperation with other mechanisms
28. If a case or allegation contains information relevant to other thematic mechanisms of the
Council, the information is transmitted to the mechanism concerned.
Country missions
29. The Working Group carries out visits to countries on invitation, but also takes the initiative
of approaching Governments with a view to carrying out visits to countries, when considered
appropriate. Such visits are intended to enhance the dialogue between the authorities most
directly concerned, the families or their representatives and the Working Group, and to assist in
the clarification of the reported disappearances. The Working Group reports to the Council on its
country visits in an addendum to its annual report.
Follow-up
30. With regard to countries in which visits have been carried out, the Working Group
periodically reminds the Governments concerned of the observations and recommendations
formulated in the respective reports, requesting information on the consideration given to them,
and the steps taken for their implementation or the constraints which might have prevented their
implementation. The Working Group may also take the initiative to carry out follow-up visits.
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