A/HRC/15/25 A. Communications 7. The present report covers communications sent from 16 December 2008 to 18 April 2010 and replies received from 1 February 2009 to 1 June 2010. The details of this correspondence and the information provided in response by Governments are reflected in an addendum to the report (A/HRC/15/25/Add.1). 8. A total of 17 communications were sent to 15 countries,1 relating to alleged involvement of country nationals in mercenary activities in a foreign country and to activities of PMSCs and their impact on the enjoyment of human rights. In some cases, the Working Group sent similar communications to several Governments whose nationals were allegedly involved in the same incident. For half the communications sent, the Working Group received a complete or partial response from the Government concerned. The Working Group expresses its appreciation to those Governments that have provided substantive replies to its communications and invites those that have not done so to cooperate with its mandate from the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly. B. Press releases 9. In addition to its media advisories or press releases issued in connection to country visits, regional consultations and the holding of its regular sessions, the Working Group issued two press releases in connection to alleged mercenary activities in Bolivia and Honduras. On 29 April 2009, the Working Group expressed its grave concerns at allegations that mercenaries were involved in a plot against Bolivian authorities. It received some information from Governments concerned in response to its correspondence but in view of the international ramifications of the mercenary activities of the incident, the Working Group is calling on all the Governments concerned to carry out a transparent investigation into the incident. In this connection, it has requested the Bolivian authorities to share its findings with the Working Group. 10. On 9 October 2009, the Working Group issued a statement following reports that former paramilitaries from Colombia had been recruited in Honduras to protect properties and individuals from further violence between supporters of the de facto Government and those of the deposed President Manuel Zelaya. It urged the Honduran authorities to take all practical measures to prevent the use of mercenaries within its territory and to fully investigate allegations concerning their presence and activities. 11. In addition, following a decision from a United States Federal District Court to dismiss an indictment against five Blackwater security guards charged with voluntary manslaughter and firearms violations in connection with a shooting in Nisour Square in Iraq 2007 during which 17 civilians, among whom women and children, were killed and over 20 others injured, many seriously, the Working Group issued a statement expressing its concern that this decision might lead to a situation where no one would be accountable for grave human rights violations. The Working Group commends the Government of the United States for appealing this decision and calls for all necessary measures to be taken to ensure that in accordance with international obligations there is no impunity for such violations. 1 GE.10-15155 Afghanistan; Australia; Bolivia; Colombia; Croatia; Fiji; Guinea; Hungary; Ireland; Israel; Papua New Guinea; Peru; Romania; South Africa; United States of America. 5