A/HRC/4/40 page 6 − Deprivation of liberty of vulnerable persons; − Discrimination in detention; − Impact of inadequate conditions of detention on the right to defence; − Deprivation of liberty as a measure to countering terrorism; − Hostage-taking and arbitrary detention; − Secret prisons; − Over-incarceration. 7. The Working Group considers that its official visits to countries constitute an important instrument to strengthen its cooperation with States. To date, the Working Group has visited the following countries: Argentina (2003); Australia (2002); Bahrain (2001); Belarus (2004); Bhutan (1994 and 1996); Canada (2005); China (1996, 1997 and 2004); Ecuador (2006); Honduras (2006); Indonesia (1999); Iran (Islamic Republic of) (2003); Latvia (2004); Mexico (2002); Nepal (1996); Nicaragua (2006); Peru (1998); Romania (1998); South Africa (2005); Turkey (2006); United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (1998); and Viet Nam (1994). II. ACTIVITIES OF THE WORKING GROUP IN 2006 A. Handling of communications addressed to the Working Group during 2006 1. Communications transmitted to Governments 8. A description of the cases transmitted and the contents of the Governments’ replies will be found in the relevant Opinions adopted by the Working Group (A/HRC/4/40/Add.1). 9. During its forty-fifth, forty-sixth and forty-seventh sessions, held in 2006, the Working Group adopted 47 Opinions concerning 104 cases in 23 countries. Some details of these Opinions are given in the table below. The complete texts of Opinions Nos. 1/2006 to 31/2006 are reproduced in addendum 1 to the present report. 2. Opinions of the Working Group 10. Pursuant to its revised methods of work (E/CN.4/1998/44, annex I, para. 18), the Working Group, in addressing its Opinions to Governments, drew attention to Commission on Human Rights resolutions 1997/50, 2000/36 and 2003/31 in which Governments were requested to take account of the Working Group’s Opinions and, where necessary, to take appropriate steps to remedy the situation of persons arbitrarily deprived of their liberty, and to inform the Working Group of the steps they had taken. On the expiry of a three-week deadline, the Opinions were transmitted to the source.