A/HRC/22/48 this would be helpful in developing a dialogue on critical areas of concern. Furthermore, the country has not invited any thematic special procedure mandate holders since 2005, despite a standing invitation issued to all thematic mandate holders in 2002 and a pledge to invite two such experts during 2012. Specifically, the Government has yet to schedule country visits of the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, to which it has agreed in principle. 56. The Secretary-General is also concerned about the low rate of replies to the large number of communications sent by special procedure mandate holders. In 2012, a total of 28 communications were sent to the Islamic Republic of Iran, of which the Iranian authorities responded to eight. C. Cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights 57. The High Commissioner for Human Rights continued to raise concerns with Iranian officials, including during meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Adviser to the President and Head of the Centre for Women and Family Affairs, in February and September 2012, respectively. She also intervened with the authorities on a number of individual human rights cases, through private meetings, letters and public statements. These were mainly related to the rights of women, the death penalty and freedoms of expression, assembly and opinion. IV. Conclusions and recommendations 58. The Secretary-General was pleased to have an opportunity to visit the Islamic Republic of Iran and appreciates the frank and constructive discussions held on human rights issues with the authorities. The Secretary-General looks forward to continuing and strengthening this dialogue with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and with relevant stakeholders. 59. Nevertheless, the Secretary-General remains deeply troubled by reports of increasing numbers of executions, including of juvenile offenders and in public; continuing amputations and flogging; arbitrary arrest and detention; unfair trials; torture and ill-treatment; and severe restrictions targeting media professionals, human rights defenders, lawyers and opposition activists, as well as religious minorities. The Secretary-General reiterates his request to the Government to address the concerns highlighted in this report and the specific calls for action found in previous resolutions of the General Assembly, as well as recommendations of various human rights mechanisms, including the universal periodic review process. 60. Noting the positive achievements the Islamic Republic of Iran has made against several economic and social indicators, the Secretary-General encourages the Government to continue addressing regional disparities in the enjoyment of economic and social rights, as well as discrimination against women and members of certain minorities. The Secretary-General is concerned at the reported impact sanctions are having on critical economic, social and cultural rights – particularly the right to health – and encourages the Government to allow independent experts, such as the relevant special procedures mandates, to examine and report more fully on these concerns. 61. The Secretary-General strongly encourages the Government to end the use of the death penalty against juveniles that are prohibited under international law. The 17