E/CN.4/2001/21 page 29 commitments, Canada ensures the rights to equality, life, liberty and security, the right to work, to freedom of expression and opinion, and of association to all individuals, without discrimination as to race, colour, national or ethnic origin. 78. Further, other than usual registration requirements for incorporated organizations, the Government of Canada and the Government of Nova Scotia deny that any directions were made to Dr. and Mrs. Ofume or related NGOs as alleged respecting publication of membership lists of such organizations. No orders have been made requiring disbanding organizations that comply with lawful registration requirements. Moreover, with respect to groups that do not wish incorporated status, there are no governmental requirements or interventions whatsoever in respect of such associations. 79. Additionally, the sources allege that the Government of Canada and the Government of Nova Scotia have used measures including death threats, arson, spying and destruction of communication systems against Dr. and Mrs. Ofume. The Government of Canada and the Government of Nova Scotia vigorously dispute, deny and repudiate these allegations which are completely unsubstantiated. Police agencies advise that these allegations have been fully and appropriately investigated by the police and that no evidence of criminal conduct has been found. No further investigation is warranted. 80. The source further alleges that the Government of Canada and the Government of Nova Scotia have denied Dr. and Mrs. Ofume their rights of access to education and employment and have denied them legal aid. This is a repeat of the allegations contained in an earlier letter from the Special Rapporteur to which Canada responded on 29 August 2000. [See paragraphs 58-73 above.] 81. The Governments of Canada and of Nova Scotia again wish to assure the Special Rapporteur of their commitment to ensure that the rights protected under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the covenants and conventions to which Canada is a party are hounoured and respected. If the Special Rapporteur wishes to visit Nova Scotia in regard to this matter, the Government of Nova Scotia would be pleased to meet and to cooperate with him. 5. Comment by the Special Rapporteur 82. The Special Rapporteur held a working meeting on 15 December 2000 with a representative of the Permanent Mission of Canada in Geneva, who confirmed her Government’s replies as reproduced above. The Special Rapporteur considered, however, that in view of the urgent nature of those cases, and pending the outcome of judicial proceedings and mediation, some assistance should be offered on humanitarian grounds to the Ofume family, which is in difficult circumstances.