A/HRC/10/9 page 10 as an autonomous crime and to adopt a comprehensive protection programme for witnesses, families, lawyers, prosecutors, judges and civil society organizations involved in the investigation of cases of enforced disappearance. 23. The Working Group requested visits to Algeria, Indonesia, Iran, Nepal, Nicaragua, the Philippines, the Russian Federation, Sri Lanka, the Sudan and Timor-Leste. 24. The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran agreed to a visit by the Working Group in 2005, which was delayed at the request of the Government. 25. In 2007, the Governments of Sri Lanka, the Russian Federation and Indonesia stated that it would not be possible to schedule a visit by the Working Group because other special rapporteurs would be visiting the country at that time. To date, and notwithstanding reminders by the Working Group, no possible dates have been proposed by the above-mentioned Governments. 26. The Working Group deeply regrets that Algeria has not responded to its repeated requests to visit the country. 27. The Working Group invites the Governments of Nepal, Nicaragua, the Philippines, the Sudan and Timor-Leste to respond to the continued interest expressed to visit these countries. 28. The Working Group welcomes the official invitation from the Government of Ecuador on 17 September 2008 to visit the country after February 2009. D. Statements 29. On 11 June 2008, the Working Group issued a press release deploring the large number of cases of disappearances in Sri Lanka. It expressed concern that both women and humanitarian aid workers were being targeted. It also called upon the Sri Lankan authorities to take effective measures to prevent and terminate acts of enforced disappearances, carry out thorough investigations and bring the perpetrators to justice. Finally, it reiterated its request to conduct an official country visit. 30. To commemorate the International Day of the Disappeared, the Working Group issued a press release on 29 August 2008, expressing its concern over the increasing number of cases of enforced disappearances around the world and reiterating its solidarity with the victims and human rights defenders helping the victims. The Working Group also expressed concern about the phenomenon of under-reporting, as it considers that cases of disappearances are happening in certain parts of the world but are not being reported. 31. On 6 October 2008, the Working Group issued a joint statement with 12 other special procedures mechanisms at the start of the Dignity and Justice for Detainees Week, a global initiative launched by the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The statement called on all States to do their utmost to ensure that detainees are treated with respect and dignity and to provide for effective complaints and monitoring mechanisms in places of detention, including efficient avenues to challenge the legality of detention and access to legal counsel.