A/HRC/27/49 article 7 of the Declaration, no circumstances whatsoever may be invoked to justify enforced disappearances. Philippines 90. The Working Group welcomes the enactment of the Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act in December of 2012, which makes the Philippines the first country in Asia to criminalize enforced and involuntary disappearances. At the same time, the Working Group encourages the Government to ensure effective implementation of the Act by taking all necessary measures, including, but not limited to, legal, policy and institutional reforms. 91. On 3 April 2008, the Working Group requested an invitation to undertake a visit to the country. No response yet has been received from the Government in spite of reminders sent. The Working Group hopes that a positive reply will be received soon. Russian Federation 92. The Working Group is concerned that it transmitted three urgent appeals during the reporting period (A/HRC/WGEID/101/1, para. 127; A/HRC/WGEID/102/1, para. 104; and A/HRC/WGEID/103/1, para. 131) and reminds the Government of its obligations to prevent and eradicate enforced disappearance and that, as provided in article 7 of the Declaration, no circumstances whatsoever may be invoked to justify enforced disappearances. 93. On 2 November 2006, the Working Group requested an invitation to undertake a visit to the country. No positive response has been received yet in spite of reminders. The Working Group hopes that a positive reply will be received soon. Sri Lanka 94. The Working Group notes with concern that it has transmitted four prompt intervention letters during the reporting period concerning the alleged intimidation of and reprisals against human rights defenders who work on the issue of enforced disappearances (A/HRC/WGEID/99/1, para. 123; A/HRC/WGEID/100/1, para. 94; A/HRC/WGEID/103/1, paras. 154–155). While thanking the Government for its responses to two of those communications, the Working Group recalls article 13 of the Declaration which provides that steps shall be taken to ensure that all involved in the investigation, including the complainant, counsel, witnesses and those conducting the investigation, are protected against ill-treatment, intimidation or reprisal. 95. The Working Group appreciates the replies on a high number of cases from the Government of Sri Lanka and hopes that a visit will contribute to the clarification of many of the outstanding cases. 96. The Working Group thanks the Government for its response to the general allegation sent on the process and methodology of the Presidential Commission on Enforced Disappearances and hopes that the challenges identified are addressed in a way that secures the right to truth and justice. 97. The Working Group notes resolution 25/1 of the Human Rights Council of 26 March 2014, which calls for advice and technical assistance by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and special procedures mandate holders, urges the Government to cooperate and offers any assistance necessary in that regard. 21