A/HRC/13/31 314. According to reports received, the Government of Italy was reluctant to investigate thoroughly allegations of enforced disappearance connected to renditions by claiming confidentiality on national security or State secrecy. Prosecutors in Italy investigated cases of abductions and other crimes carried out on the Italian territory which led to extradition requests. It reportedly failed to undertake effective, independent and impartial investigations into the role of State officials and the use of State territory in connection with enforced disappearance. Reportedly, investigations and determinations of human rights complaints in cases of rendition and secret detention were blocked by the Government. No remedies have been provided for the victims and their families, which includes, in some cases, the establishment of the fate and whereabouts of people who have disappeared. 315. The Working Group regrets that no response was received from the Government. Observations 316. The Working Group notes that the Government has signed the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and calls upon the Government to ratify it and accept the competence of the Committee under articles 31 and 32. Japan Number of outstanding cases at the beginning of the period under review Cases transmitted to the Government during the period under review: 0 Cases clarified during the period under review: 0 Cases sent under the urgent action procedure Cases sent under the standard procedure 0 0 4 Number of cases on which the Government has replied 0 Government Nongovernmental sources Number of outstanding cases at the end of the year under review 0 0 4 Multiple replies on some cases Number of cases of possible clarification by Government (6month rule) N/A 0 General allegation N/A Government response N/A Prompt intervention letter N/A Government response N/A Working Group request for a visit N/A Government response N/A Information from the Government 317. The Government transmitted one communication to the Working Group, dated 13 May 2009, including information on one case registered under the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. No information was received from the Government concerning its cases. GE.09-17704 69