A/HRC/4/41 page 11 E. Areas of particular concern during the reporting period 24. The Working Group is concerned that in numerous post-conflict situations or democratic transitions following a period of widespread human rights violations, disappearances frequently remain unresolved and persecution of people working on disappearance cases continues for many years. It has been reported that in some countries, new Governments need to do more to clarify past cases of disappearances and ensure a strong system of rule of law whereby people are free to pursue truth and justice. In addition, new Governments need to be assisted with judicial reforms, strengthening State institutions and re-establishing the rule of law. 25. The Working Group reiterates its concern that the enactment of amnesty laws and the implementation of other measures that lead to impunity are contrary to article 18 of the Declaration and may perpetuate human rights abuses for many years. 26. In connection with the above, the Working Group is gravely concerned about increasing numbers of reports it has received during the reporting period concerning the disappearance of human rights defenders and acts of intimidation, persecution or reprisal against human rights defenders, witnesses, legal counsel and relatives of disappeared persons seeking to discover the fate or whereabouts of those who have disappeared. Particular concern is noted in such countries as Algeria, Argentina, Colombia, Guatemala, the Russian Federation and Thailand. 27. States are reminded of their obligation under article 13 (3) of the Declaration to protect against ill-treatment, intimidation or reprisal all persons involved in the investigation of disappearances. 28. The Working Group is concerned that in some regions, NGOs are not present, organized, or well-funded enough to be able to work effectively on disappearances. II. ACTIVITIES OF THE WORKING GROUP ON ENFORCED OR INVOLUNTARY DISAPPEARANCES FROM NOVEMBER 2005 TO NOVEMBER 2006 A. Meetings 29. During the period under review, the Working Group held three sessions in Geneva. The seventy-eighth session was held from 24 to 28 April 2006, the seventy-ninth session from 24 to 28 July 2006 and the eightieth session from 20 to 29 November 2006. 30. At its seventy-ninth session, the Working Group elected a new Chairperson-Rapporteur, Mr. Santiago Corcuera. The other members of the Working Group are Mr. J. ‘Bayo Adekanye, Mr. Saied Rajaie Khorasani, Mr. Darko Göttlicher, and Mr. Stephen J. Toope. 31. Mr. Corcuera attended the annual meeting of the special rapporteurs/representatives, independent experts and chairpersons of working groups of the special procedures of the Commission on Human Rights/Human Rights Council in June 2006.