A/62/280 9. The percentage of States that reply to communications ranges from 36.9 per cent for the 1996 report to 100 per cent for the initial report of 1988 (when only seven communications were sent by the Special Rapporteur). While the average rate of reply is 63.6 per cent, the latest figures, for the 2007 report, are slightly higher at 64.7 per cent. However, this is still lower than the response rate in the preceding year. The Special Rapporteur would like to encourage those States that have not yet responded to her communications to do so. Late replies have always been reflected in the subsequent communications report and they can also provide information on investigations or judicial inquiries with regard to the reported cases. 10. The Special Rapporteur particularly appreciates detailed responses containing factual and legal background information, including translations of pertinent domestic legislation, since this may contribute to the mandate in general. She would like to remind Governments that it is the established practice of the mandate to reproduce summaries of the allegations and observations even when the State concerned has not responded to the communication. However, before cases are published in the communications report, Governments are allowed a minimum period of two months to carry out the necessary investigations and respond to letters of allegation (see, for example, E/CN.4/1994/79, para. 21). In the case of urgent appeals, the Special Rapporteur would appreciate a prompt response on the initial steps taken by the Government to safeguard the rights of the alleged victim. 11. An analysis of the substance of communications shows that religious minorities, women, refugees and detainees are in a particularly vulnerable situation with regard to their freedom of religion or belief. Furthermore, as in previous years, the Special Rapporteur received reports that people were murdered, arrested or discriminated against for their religious beliefs. Some Governments allegedly encroached on the freedom of worship and numerous places of worship were attacked by non-State actors. The Special Rapporteur has also sent communications to some Governments requesting information on legislative issues, including draft laws and recently adopted bills which govern freedom of religion or belief at the domestic level. 12. Many cases raise concerns with regard to a number of human rights violations. During the period under review, the Special Rapporteur acted jointly with 14 other special procedures mandates. The Special Rapporteur again welcomes this collaboration since it takes into account the fact that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated. 13. The Special Rapporteur has prepared a new model questionnaire, which is available online on the website of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. 5 The objective of this model questionnaire is to inform interested parties succinctly about the mandate and to facilitate the submission of information to the Special Rapporteur. She hopes that the model questionnaire will help complainants to tailor their presentations to the specific needs of the mandate. __________________ 5 6 www.ohchr.org/english/issues/religion/complaints.htm. 07-48490