A/HRC/32/36/Add.3 Observations Response to communication 321. The Special Rapporteur regrets that he has not yet received a response to his communication sent during the reporting period, and reminds the Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic that he considers responses to his communications as an important part of the cooperation of governments with his mandate. He looks forward to receiving detailed responses to the questions raised in this letter, at the earliest possible convenience, in conformity with Human Rights Council resolutions 24/5 (2013), 21/16 (2012) and 15/21 (2010). 322. The Special Rapporteur reiterates his concern that numerous provisions contained in the draft Decree do not comply with international human rights law and standards pertaining to the freedom of opinion and expression and freedom of association, including the ability for associations to operate freely without State’s undue interference. 323. The Special Rapporteur further reiterates his utmost concern about the disappearance of human rights defender and land activist Mr. Sombath Somphone in December 2012. Further to his various communications, press releases and reports to the Human Rights Council, he urges once again the authorities to shed full light on his whereabouts, bring the alleged perpetrators to justice, and provide remedies to his family. 324. Overall, the Special Rapporteur urges the authorities of Lao People’s Democratic Republic to protect and promote the rights to free association and peaceful assembly. In this regard, he reminds the Government of its positive obligation to ensure that civil society, including human rights defenders and political activists, can carry out their legitimate work free in a safe and enabling environment without fear of threats or acts of intimidation, harassment or assassination of any sort. Country visit 325. The Special Rapporteur reminds the Government of his pending requests to visit the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, as indicated by his letters on 12 December 2011 and 30 October 2013. He trusts that such a visit would allow him to examine first-hand issues related to his mandate, identify good practices and formulate pertinent recommendations to relevant stakeholders. He looks forward to receiving a positive reply at the earliest possible opportunity. He reiterates that Human Rights Council resolution 15/21, which established his mandate, and 24/5, which renewed it for an additional period of three years, both call on States to consider favourably his requests for visits. Malaysia 326. JAL 18/08/2015. Case no. MYS 3/2015. State reply: 30/03/2016. Alleged violations of freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly in Malaysia, including the blocking of the website “Sarawak Report” and harassment of its journalists, as well as the suspension of two other news outlets and arrest of peaceful protestors. 327. JAL 16/12/2015. Case no. MYS 4/2015. State reply: None. Charges brought against a woman human rights defender for her role in organising peaceful protests. 50