A/HRC/19/58 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 Chair-Rapporteur to transmit such cases between sessions. General allegations 27. The Working Group regularly transmits to the Governments concerned a summary of allegations received from relatives of disappeared 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. Cooperation with other mechanisms 28. If a case or allegation contains information relevant to other thematic mechanisms of the Human Rights Council, the information is transmitted to the mechanism concerned. 29. Where appropriate, the Working Group may join other mechanisms in the actions they take within the scope of their respective mandates. D. Activities of the Working Group Country missions 30. 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 also undertakes visits to examine the practices carried out by Governments to clarify cases of enforced disappearances, as well as the programmes and measures adopted to implement the Declaration and to guarantee the rights of the victims, including the right to integral reparation. The Working Group reports to the Council on its country visits in an addendum to its annual report. Follow-up 31. 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. Sessions 32. The Working Group meets three times a year to consider the information brought to its attention since its previous session. Its sessions are held in private. However, the Working Group works intersessionally and regularly meets with representatives of Governments, non-governmental organizations, family members and witnesses. Reports 33. The Working Group reports annually to the Human Rights Council on the activities which it has carried out from the end of the Council’s previous session up until the last day of the Working Group’s third annual session. It informs the Council of its communications 146

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