E/CN.4/1997/91 page 21 the situation of religious freedom in particular countries. The Special Rapporteur is also grateful to those States which have cooperated more fully and closely in the recently initiated follow-up procedure to such visits. 106. Non-governmental organizations are due particular thanks for their excellent cooperation; the Special Rapporteur wishes to stress their dynamic role in relation to the mandate on religious intolerance. Their contribution is of paramount importance both in the day-to-day management of information and in the preparations for and conduct of in situ visits. The Special Rapporteur pays tribute to the professionalism and dedication to human rights shown by international and national non-governmental organizations from both North and South. The mandate on religious intolerance is today on an upswing as the questions under consideration, the States concerned and the visits made all multiply. It is essential to encourage and sustain this upswing, for the benefit of human rights in general and religious freedom and tolerance in particular. -----