should be taken under the Declaration to investigate such cases, to bring the perpetrators to justice, to satisfy the right to adequate compensation, as well as to stop and prevent enforced disappearances. Since its inception, the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances has dealt with some 50,000 individual cases in almost 80 countries. For reasons well beyond the control of the Working Group, only about 20 per cent of those cases have been clarified. Nevertheless, the extent to which the Working Group, through its patient and persistent contacts with the Governments concerned, may have prevented more cases from occurring cannot be quantified. The fact that it was able to contribute to the clarification of cases, especially within the framework of its urgent action procedure, and thus possibly to the saving of human lives, has been considered sufficient reason for the Human Rights Council to continue to renew its mandate. Moreover, the mechanism of the Working Group should be seen as a reflection of international concern and action. It should equally be seen as forming part of a long-term process leading to the elimination of major human rights violations, a process which includes the creation of widespread public awareness of human rights-related issues and the provision of advisory services and technical assistance to Governments for the promotion and protection of human rights. G. Protection of relatives and witnesses The Working Group is also concerned with the protection of relatives of disappeared persons, their legal counsel, witnesses to disappearances or their family, members of organizations of relatives and other nongovernmental organizations, human rights defenders or individuals concerned with disappearances. In cases of persecution, intimidation or reprisals against these persons, the Working Group appeals to the Government concerned to take all necessary steps to protect their fundamental rights and to investigate the cases thoroughly in order to put an end to the intimidation or reprisals. Prompt intervention is often required to protect relatives, witnesses and other persons involved in a disappearance. Accordingly, allegations of intimidation, persecution or reprisals are transmitted directly to the relevant Ministers of Foreign Affairs by the most direct and rapid means. The Working Group has authorized its Chairperson to transmit such information between sessions. 20