A/68/317 Costa Rica (A/HRC/18/35/Add.8); and the process to develop legislation to secure indigenous and tribal peoples’ rights to lands and resources in Suriname (A/HRC/18/35/Add.7). 33. In the view of the Special Rapporteur, the ability to respond quickly to situations requiring immediate attention, including carrying out on-site visits to help to calm tense situations or mediate dialogue, is one of the most important aspects of the work of special procedures mandate holders, and should be encouraged. However, this work is outside the standard framework of work methods typically employed by special procedures mandate holders. The Special Rapporteur has had to seek alternative funding for these missions, which require efforts that generally take some time. There are challenges, therefore, in being appropriately responsive to cases that merit on-site attention. 34. The Special Rapporteur has also sent several letters to corporations involved in activities — usually extractive activities — that have given rise to allegations of human rights violations. It is of note that all the corporations to which the Special Rapporteur has addressed letters have responded in depth. The Special Rapporteur is of the view that more engagement with business enterprises is needed and he hopes that greater emphasis will be placed on this in the future. (b) Outcomes 35. Since assuming the mandate in 2008, the Special Rapporteur has thus far sent 125 allegation letters and urgent appeals, 55 of which were sent jointly with other special procedures mandate holders, and 35 follow-up letters. Further, he has provided detailed observations and recommendations in 22 cases reviewed. In total, the Special Rapporteur sent 182 communications to 45 different States. Communications were transmitted regionally as follows: South America, 88; Asia, 36; Africa, 25; North America, 19; Europe and Russia, 6; Middle East, 3; and Oceania, 3. 36. Certainly, the cooperation of the Government is essential to the effectiveness of the procedure. The Special Rapporteur has received a total of 113 replies to his 182 letters sent, representing a reply rate of 62 per cent. He acknowledges with gratitude all States that have transmitted responses to the communications sent. In this context, the Special Rapporteur recalls paragraph two of the Human Rights Council resolution 15/14, in which the Council requested all Governments to cooperate fully with the Special Rapporteur in the performance of the tasks and duties mandated, to furnish all available information requested in his/her communications, and to react promptly to his/her urgent appeals. While the majority of States have responded to his communications, a significant number have not, with clear negative implications for the effectiveness of the communications procedure. 37. The Special Rapporteur has issued on an annual basis reports containing summaries of letters sent, replies received, and any observations and recommendations (A/HRC/9/9/Add.1; A/HRC/12/34/Add.1; A/HRC/15/37/Add.1; A/HRC/18/35/Add.1; A/HRC/21/47/Add.3; A/HRC/24/41/Add.4). Since 2011, OHCHR has issued reports, on a periodic basis, containing all of the letters sent and replies received by all special procedures mandate holders of the Human Rights Council. Short summaries of allegations communicated to the respective State or other entity are included in the joint communications reports. The complete texts of communications sent and replies received are accessible electronically through 10/22 13-42710

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