A/67/301 and his subsequent report examining the situation of indigenous communities that could be affected by a hydroelectric project (A/HRC/18/35/Add.8). 12. In connection with the examination of specific cases, the communications reports of the special procedures contain the full texts of letters sent to and replies received from Governments concerning cases of alleged violations of the human rights of indigenous peoples (A/HRC/19/44 and A/HRC/20/30). Over the past year, the Special Rapporteur has sent communications on situations in Australia, Bangladesh, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Guatemala, Indonesia, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, Thailand and the United States of America. Some of those communications were sent jointly with other special procedures mandate holders. The Special Rapporteur is grateful for the numerous responses to these letters from Governments and hopes that outstanding replies are forthcoming. 13. The Special Rapporteur has sought to follow up on the numerous communications he has received, in many cases issuing detailed observations with recommendations on those situations. Those observations are included as follow-up letters in the communications reports of the special procedures. In almost all the situations about which he has written observations, the Governments involved have responded substantively, allowing for an important dialogue on the subject. The issues touched upon by the Special Rapporteur in his observations include extractive and development projects involving natural resources that are taking place on the territories of indigenous peoples, including mining and hydroelectric projects; threats to the sacred places of indigenous peoples or to areas of cultural significance to them, owing to competing interests on those same lands; removal of indigenous peoples from their traditional lands and territories; and the development of national laws and policies that might result in negative impacts on the lives of indigenous peoples. 14. The Special Rapporteur has also, on occasion, issued statements in the media or made other public statements regarding situations of immediate concern in some countries. Since his previous report to the General Assembly, he has issued public statements concerning protests by indigenous peoples over the militarization of indigenous territories in Cauca, Colombia; a proposed road construction project through the Isiboro-Sécure National Park and Indigenous Territory in the Plurinational State of Bolivia; proposals made by members of the parliament of Norway to repeal key laws and policies on the rights of the Sami people; the socioeconomic conditions faced by members of the Attawapiskat First Nation in Canada; and the impact on the rights of indigenous peoples of large-scale agro-industrial development projects in South-East Asia. 3. Country assessments 15. Since beginning his mandate, the Special Rapporteur has issued reports on the human rights situation of indigenous peoples in specific countries, following visits to those countries. Those reports have included conclusions and recommendations aimed at strengthening good practices, identifying areas of concern and improving the human rights conditions of indigenous peoples in the countries visited. Since his last report to the General Assembly, the Special Rapporteur has visited Argentina and the United States and his reports on the situation of indigenous peoples in those countries will be issued as addenda to his annual report, which will be presented to 12-46087 5