E/CN.4/2006/5 page 8 B. In situ visits 17. In the period under review, three in situ visits were carried out, to Nigeria, Sri Lanka and France. The Special Rapporteur takes this opportunity to thank the Governments concerned for the cooperation they extended to the mandate. Her reports on each of these visits can be found in documents E/CN.4/2006/5/Add.2, E/CN.4/2006/5/Add.3 and E/CN.4/2006/5/Add.4, respectively. 18. The basic principles relating to the right to freedom of religion or belief were generally respected by the Governments concerned. Nevertheless, a number of situations, including for reasons related to religious intolerance, raised some concerns. In particular, the Special Rapporteur noted the existence of legislative measures enacted or proposed for placing limits or obligations on the practice, observance or propagation of religion. The country visits also confirmed that religion or freedom of religion is sometimes used as a pretext or a justification for violating other human rights. 19. The Special Rapporteur observed that one of the main challenges to human societies lies in organizing themselves along political lines without infringing on the beliefs or religious freedom of individuals and communities or focusing too heavily on religious considerations at the expense of other rights. There is a need to create better harmony between religious communities to enable them to live side by side and in mutual respect. Efforts to promote inter-religious dialogue at all levels should not only be praised, but also encouraged and actively supported by Governments. At the same time, such harmony can only be forged, and flourish, if Governments remain committed to the promotion of freedom of religion or belief in a neutral and balanced manner. 20. The Special Rapporteur wishes to draw attention to the crucial importance of country visits to the effective implementation of her mandate, and indeed to the mandates of all the special procedures. The cooperation that is expected from Governments in this respect is particularly vital. The Special Rapporteur recalls that in its resolution 2005/40, the Commission on Human Rights urged “all Governments to cooperate fully with the Special Rapporteur and to respond favourably to her request to visit their countries so as to enable her to fulfil her mandate more effectively”. 21. The Special Rapporteur draws the attention of the Commission to her report to the General Assembly (A/60/399) in which she provided detailed information on the status of requests for visits and invitations received. Moreover, she welcomes the decision of the Governments of Azerbaijan, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Israel to extend an invitation to her and is looking forward to carrying out in situ visits to these countries in 2006. She notes, however, that the Governments of Israel and Iran have still not suggested dates for a visit. 22. There is concern that the number of countries that do not wish to extend an invitation is increasing. This trend is particularly worrying because these are countries concerning which she has received substantial allegations or information regarding violations of the right to freedom of religion or belief. In this regard, the Special Rapporteur reiterates her support for a mechanism to appropriately address the situation of countries that consistently fail to cooperate with the special procedures mechanisms.