A/HRC/16/75 concluding observations made in August 2010 by the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination with respect to discriminatory practices against women, ethnic and religious minorities and other minority groups. 58. Although the Government issued a standing invitation to special procedures mandate holders of the Human Rights Council in 2002, the Secretary-General regrets the fact that no visit has taken place since 2005, and encourages the Government to facilitate their requested visits to the country as a matter of priority in order that they might conduct more comprehensive assessments. The Secretary-General is also concerned about the low rate of reply to the large number of communications sent by the special procedures alleging very serious human rights violations, and calls upon the Government to strengthen its collaboration with the Council in this particular area. The Secretary-General underscores the valuable contribution that special procedures mandates can make to monitoring and reporting on the human rights situation in the country, as well as in facilitating technical assistance in relevant areas. 17