A/HRC/WGEID/125/1 Working Group welcomed the use in the bill of the definition of enforced disappearance established in the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and proposed some amendments to increase the proposed penalties and to encourage the consistent use of terminology throughout the bill.38 Observation 106. While welcoming the decision of the Government to introduce a bill criminalizing enforced disappearance, the Working Group remains concerned about subsequent attempts to introduce additional clauses to the bill that would, inter alia, harshly penalize sources for reporting alleged cases and set ambiguous evidentiary criteria. 107. In this respect, the Working Group recalls its report on best practices on enforced disappearances in domestic criminal legislation, as well as other recommendations made to the Government in recent relevant communications on this matter. 39 The Working Group reiterates its readiness to provide technical and other assistance to the State, including on the implementation of new legislation on enforced disappearances. 108. The Working Group recalls the crucial role that the relatives of persons subjected to enforced disappearance have had in advancing the fight for truth and justice for all victims in Pakistan. Their lived experiences and their acquired knowledge on the subject should be acknowledged and duly incorporated into State initiatives aimed at tackling this heinous crime. The Working Group therefore reiterates its call to the Government to enable a process to allow the participation and discussion of the daft bill by victims, family members, representatives of civil society organizations and other relevant actors, in an open, inclusive and transparent manner. Philippines Joint allegation letter 109. On 27 May 2021, the Working Group transmitted, jointly with other special procedure mechanisms, an allegation letter concerning the alleged arbitrary arrest, harassment and criminalization of three human rights defenders.40 110. On 2 September 2021, the Government provided a reply to the allegation letter sent on 27 May 2021. Qatar Joint allegation letter and reply 111. On 27 July 2021, the Working Group transmitted, jointly with other special procedure mechanisms, an allegation letter concerning the arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance and charges subsequently brought against Malcolm Bidali, a national of Kenya and a migrant worker.41 112. On 8 September 2021, the Government provided a reply to the allegation letter sent on 27 July 2021. Russian Federation Application of the six-month rule 113. The Government provided information, on the basis of which the Working Group decided to apply the six-month rule to one case, concerning Magomed Gadaev. 38 39 40 41 18 See PAK 7/2021. Ibid. See PHL 3/2021. See QAT 1/2021.

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