A/HRC/22/17 recommendations made. In this regard, I highlight the fact that States bear the primary responsibility for the implementation of recommendations. 4. Special procedures 80. The special procedures, while independent, play an important complementary role to the work of OHCHR. I value their thematic and country expertise and urge States to cooperate with them fully. The Human Rights Council established three new special procedures mandates: an Independent Expert on the issue of human rights obligations related to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment, and two new country mandates, to address the situation of human rights in Belarus and in Eritrea. With regard to the mandate on Eritrea, I welcome the decision of the complaint procedure to declassify testimonies received to allow the Special Rapporteur to follow these cases. I hope that this will be repeated in other situations. 81. At November 2012, there were 36 thematic and 12 specific country or territory special procedures. In 2011, special procedures conducted 82 visits; at November, 67 has been conducted in 2012. Some 91 States issued standing invitations for special procedures to undertake visits. Regrettably, not all States have that have issued standing invitations have responded in a timely manner. In 2012, special procedures issued 605 communications to 125 States, 75 per cent issued jointly by two or more mandate holders. The response rate to communications unfortunately remains at 45 per cent. 82. I am disturbed that reprisals continue against persons who have cooperated with the United Nations and human rights mechanisms. I have, together with the Secretary-General, the President of the Human Rights Council and several special procedures mandate holders, publicly condemned such acts. Guaranteeing the safety and security of witnesses and victims of human rights violations is imperative. OHCHR will do its utmost to ensure that States respect their obligation to protect and that there is accountability for suspected intimidation or reprisals. 5. Progressive development of international law 83. OHCHR supports the progressive development of international human rights law, in particular by means of studies, consultations and supporting human rights mechanisms in elaborating guiding principles and general comments. 84. The Committee against Torture adopted general comment No. 3,15 in which it detailed the content of State party obligations in implementing their duties to provide redress, including rehabilitation to the fullest extent possible, to victims of torture. 85. The Special Rapporteur on the right to food his presented guiding principles on human rights impact assessments of trade and investment agreements to the Human Rights Council at its nineteenth session;16 the Independent Expert on foreign debt presented guidelines on the effects of foreign debt and other related international financial obligations of States on the full enjoyment of all human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights to the Council at its twentieth session;17 and the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights presented draft guiding principles on extreme poverty and human rights to the Council at its twenty-first session.18 The Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment assessed and 15 16 17 18 CAT/C/GC/3. A/HRC/19/59/Add.5. A/HRC/20/23. A/HRC/21/39. 17