E/CN.4/2006/73 page 5 8. From 11 to 20 December 2005, he again visited Geneva to consult with staff and prepare his annual report to the Commission on Human Rights. During his stay, on 15 December 2005, he participated in the day of general discussion held by CMW on the theme: “Protecting the rights of all migrant workers as a tool to enhance development”. B. Communications and press releases 9. In 2005, 34 communications were sent to 24 countries. Of these, 3 were urgent appeals, the remaining letters of allegation. The Special Rapporteur has continued to cooperate with other mandate holders in his work so that in the course of 2005, 15 of the communications sent were transmitted jointly with other special procedures. 10. Communications were sent to the following countries: Bahrain (2), Bangladesh (1), China (1), China (Hong Kong) (1), Dominican Republic (1), France (1), India (1), Indonesia (2), Israel (3), Italy (1), Japan (1), Jordan (1), Kuwait (1), Libyan Arab Jamahiriya (1), Malaysia (1), Malta (1), Morocco (2), Myanmar (1), Netherlands (1), Pakistan (1), Peru (1), Saudi Arabia (1), Spain (2), Sudan (1), Thailand (3), and United States of America (1). 11. The Special Rapporteur would like to thank all the Governments that have responded to his communications for their collaboration. It is important to recall that communications sent to Governments consist not only in requests for information in situations that raise concern, but also very frequently address situations where information regarding certain facts and actions needs clarification. The establishment of a constructive dialogue with Governments is a crucial element in this process, as Governments have the primary responsibility for the protection of all persons under their jurisdiction and for the implementation of human rights in their countries. 12. The Special Rapporteur would like to reiterate his interest in receiving a reply from those Governments that have not yet responded to requests for information sent in the course of this year, as well as in previous years. 13. In addition to the communications sent, on 12 October 2005, the Special Rapporteur issued a press release regarding the incidents at the border between the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla and Morocco that led to the deaths of 11 persons, and reports of collective deportations of migrants from Morocco under conditions that endangered their personal integrity. 14. On 18 December 2005, International Migrants Day, the Special Rapporteur issued a joint press release with the Chair of CMW stressing the importance of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families and urging all States to ratify that instrument. C. Visits 15. From 2 to 9 February 2005, the former Special Rapporteur undertook an official visit to Burkina Faso (see E/CN.4/2006/73/Add.2). 16. The newly appointed Special Rapporteur is currently considering a programme of visits. He will give priority to countries where information received indicates the existence of specific problems relating to the rights of migrants, in particular in light of past visits or