A/HRC/32/36/Add.3 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). 315. The Special Rapporteur remains deeply disturbed by allegations that indicate an ongoing trend of criminalization of human rights defenders and political activists exercising their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, as illustrated by the aforementioned cases. Moreover, he reiterates grave concern at the reported instances of unfair trials as well as torture and ill-treatment and lack of access to or inadequate health care of activists, leading to the death of one political prisoner, while in detention facilities. 316. The Special Rapporteur urges the authorities of Iran to protect and promote the rights to free association and peaceful assembly. In this regard, he reminds the Government of Iran 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. 317. He also wishes to refer to the joint report on the proper management of assemblies he prepared with the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions (A/HRC/31/66), which is particularly relevant to the present situation in the country. Japan 1. JAL 15/06/2015. Case no. JPN 1/2015. State reply: 27/07/2015. Allegations of the use of unjustified harassment, excessive use of force and arbitrary arrests against peaceful protestors in Okinawa, including Mr. Masatsugi Isa, Mr. Hiroj Yamashiro, Mr. Dagakku Tanimoto, and Mr. Nakasone. Observations Response to communication 318. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government of Japan for its response to his communication. 319. The Special Rapporteur takes note of the information received in the response from the Government. He, however, remains concerned about the excessive use of force and arrests of peaceful demonstrators who sought to protect the biodiverse ecosystem of Okinawa upon which local communities depend for their livelihoods and their culture. In this regard, he wishes to refer to the joint report on the proper management of assemblies he prepared with the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions (A/HRC/31/66), which is relevant to the present case. Lao People’s Democratic Republic 320. JAL 29/05/2015. Case no. LAO 1/2015. State reply: None. Allegations relative to a new draft Decree on associations and foundations which would not comply with international law and standards related to the rights to freedom of association and of opinion and expression, if adopted without further changes. 49