A/HRC/19/58
concerned with disappearances are transmitted to the pertinent Governments, with the
appeal that they take steps to protect all the fundamental rights of the persons affected.
Cases of that nature, which require prompt intervention, are transmitted directly to the
Ministers for Foreign Affairs by the most direct and rapid means. To that end, the Working
Group has authorized its Chair-Rapporteur to transmit such cases between sessions.
General allegations
27.
The Working Group regularly transmits to the Governments concerned a summary
of allegations received from relatives of disappeared persons and non-governmental
organizations with regard to obstacles encountered in the implementation of the Declaration
in their respective countries, inviting them to comment thereon if they so wish.
Cooperation with other mechanisms
28.
If a case or allegation contains information relevant to other thematic mechanisms of
the Human Rights Council, the information is transmitted to the mechanism concerned.
29.
Where appropriate, the Working Group may join other mechanisms in the actions
they take within the scope of their respective mandates.
D.
Activities of the Working Group
Country missions
30.
The Working Group carries out visits to countries on invitation, but also takes the
initiative of approaching Governments with a view to carrying out visits to countries, when
considered appropriate. Such visits are intended to enhance the dialogue between the
authorities most directly concerned, the families or their representatives and the Working
Group, and to assist in the clarification of the reported disappearances. The Working Group
also undertakes visits to examine the practices carried out by Governments to clarify cases
of enforced disappearances, as well as the programmes and measures adopted to implement
the Declaration and to guarantee the rights of the victims, including the right to integral
reparation. The Working Group reports to the Council on its country visits in an addendum
to its annual report.
Follow-up
31.
With regard to countries in which visits have been carried out, the Working Group
periodically reminds the Governments concerned of the observations and recommendations
formulated in the respective reports, requesting information on the consideration given to
them, and the steps taken for their implementation or the constraints which might have
prevented their implementation. The Working Group may also take the initiative to carry
out follow-up visits.
Sessions
32.
The Working Group meets three times a year to consider the information brought to
its attention since its previous session. Its sessions are held in private. However, the
Working Group works intersessionally and regularly meets with representatives of
Governments, non-governmental organizations, family members and witnesses.
Reports
33.
The Working Group reports annually to the Human Rights Council on the activities
which it has carried out from the end of the Council’s previous session up until the last day
of the Working Group’s third annual session. It informs the Council of its communications
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