E/CN.4/1997/7 page 51 Degrading Treatment or Punishment, especially if that consideration involves a visit or possible visit to the country in question, the Special Rapporteur does not seek a visit. 12. The Special Rapporteur carries out visits to countries on invitation, but also takes the initiative of approaching Governments with a view to carrying out visits to countries on which he has received information indicating the existence of a significant incidence of torture. Such visits allow the Special Rapporteur to gain more direct knowledge of cases and situations falling within his mandate, and are intended to enhance the dialogue between the Special Rapporteur and the authorities most directly concerned, as well as with the alleged victims, their families and their representatives and concerned non-governmental organizations. The visits also allow the Special Rapporteur to address detailed recommendations to Governments. 13. With regard to countries in which visits have been carried out, the Special Rapporteur periodically reminds Governments concerned of the observations and recommendations formulated in the respective reports, requesting information on the consideration given to them and the steps taken for their implementation, or the constraints which might have prevented their implementation. 14. The Special Rapporteur reports annually to the Commission on Human Rights on the activities which he has undertaken since the Commission's previous session. He may also make observations on specific situations, as well as conclusions and recommendations, where appropriate. -----