Rules
of Procedure of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Contents
Rule |
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Part one |
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���������� I.���� Sessions.....................................................................
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1.������ Sessions.................................................................
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2.������ Regular sessions...........................................................
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3.������ Special sessions...........................................................
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4.������ Pre-sessional working group..................................................
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5.������ Place of sessions..........................................................
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6.������ Notification of opening date of sessions......................................... |
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II.���� Agenda......................................................................
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7.������ Provisional agenda.........................................................
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8.������ Transmission of the provisional agenda.........................................
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9.������ Adoption of the agenda.....................................................
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10.���� Revision of the agenda......................................................
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III.���� Members of the Committee�������������������������������������������������������
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11.���� Members of the Committee...................................................
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12.���� Term of office.............................................................
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13.���� Casual vacancies..........................................................
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14.���� Filling casual vacancies......................................................
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15.���� Solemn declaration.........................................................
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IV.���� Officers......................................................................
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16.���� Election of officers of the Committee............................................
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17.���� Term of office.............................................................
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18.���� Functions of the Chairperson.................................................
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19.���� Absence of the Chairperson at meetings of
the Committee............................ |
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20.���� Replacement of officers......................................................
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V.���� Secretariat |
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21.���� Duties of the Secretary-General................................................
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22.���� Statements...............................................................
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23.���� Financial implications.......................................................
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VI.���� Languages...................................................................
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24.���� Official languages..........................................................
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25.���� Interpretation.............................................................
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26.���� Language of documents.....................................................
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VII.���� Records.....................................................................
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27.���� Records.................................................................
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VIII.���� Conduct of business............................................................
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28.���� Public and private meetings...................................................
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29.���� Quorum.................................................................
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30.���� Powers of the Chairperson...................................................
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IX.���� Voting.......................................................................
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31.���� Adoption of decisions......................................................
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32.���� Voting rights..............................................................
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33.���� Equally divided votes.......................................................
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34.���� Method of voting..........................................................
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35.���� Conduct during voting and explanation of
vote....................................
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36.���� Division of proposals.......................................................
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37.���� Order of voting on amendments...............................................
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38.���� Order of voting on proposals.................................................
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39.���� Method of election.........................................................
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40.���� Conduct of elections for filling one elective
place.................................. |
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X.���� Subsidiary bodies..............................................................
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41.���� Subsidiary bodies..........................................................
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XI.���� Annual report of the Committee |
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42.���� Annual report of the Committee................................................
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XII.���� Distribution of reports and other official
documents� |
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43.���� Distribution of reports and other official
documents................................ |
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XIII.���� Participation of specialized agencies and
bodies of the United Nations and of intergovernmental and non-governmental
organizations................................................... |
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44.���� Participation of specialized agencies and
bodies of the United Nations and of intergovernmental and non-governmental
organizations............................................ |
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45.���� Specialized agencies........................................................
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46.���� Intergovernmental organizations and United
Nations bodies.......................... |
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47.���� Non-governmental organizations...............................................
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Part two |
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XIV.���� Reports of States parties under article
18 of the Convention |
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48.���� Submission of reports under article 18 of
the Convention............................. |
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49.���� Failure to submit or late submission of
reports..................................... |
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50.���� Request for additional information..............................................
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51.���� Examination of reports.......................................................
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52.���� Suggestions and general recommendations.......................................
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53.���� Concluding comments.......................................................
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54.���� Working methods for examining reports..........................................
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XV.���� General discussion.............................................................
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55.���� General discussion.........................................................
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Part three |
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XVI.���� Procedures for the consideration of communications
received under the Optional Protocol� |
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56.���� Transmission of communications to the Committee�� |
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57.���� List and register of communications� |
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58.���� Request for clarification or additional
information.................................. |
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59.���� Summary of information.....................................................
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60.���� Inability of a member to take part in the
examination of a communication�� |
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61.���� Withdrawal of a member.....................................................
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62.���� Establishment of working groups and designation
of rapporteurs |
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63.���� Interim measures...........................................................
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64.���� Method of dealing with communications� |
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65.���� Order of communications |
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66.���� Separate consideration of admissibility
and merits.................................. |
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67.���� Conditions of admissibility of communications� |
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68.���� Authors of communications..................................................
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69.���� Procedures with regard to communications
received� |
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70.���� Inadmissible communications.................................................
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71.���� Additional procedures whereby admissibility
may be considered separately from the merits... |
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72.���� Views of the Committee on admissible communications��� |
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73.���� Follow-up to the views of the Committee� |
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74.���� Confidentiality of communications.............................................
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75.���� Communiqu�s.............................................................
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XVII.���� Proceedings under the inquiry procedure
of the Optional Protocol.......................... |
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76.���� Applicability..............................................................
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77.���� Transmission of information to the Committee� |
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78.���� Register of information......................................................
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79.���� Summary of information.....................................................
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80.���� Confidentiality............................................................
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81.���� Meetings related to proceedings under article
8 |
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82.���� Preliminary consideration of information
by the Committee |
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83.���� Examination of information���������������������������������������������������
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84.���� Establishment of an inquiry...................................................
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85.���� Cooperation of the State party concerned� |
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86.���� Visits...................................................................
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87.���� Hearings.................................................................
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88.���� Assistance during an inquiry.................................................
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89.���� Transmission of findings, comments or suggestions� |
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90.���� Follow-up action by the State party� |
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91.���� Obligations under article 11 of the Optional
Protocol� |
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Part four |
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XVIII.���� Interpretation and amendments |
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92.���� Headings................................................................
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93.���� Amendments.............................................................
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94.���� Suspension...............................................................
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���������������� Part one
General rules
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I.��� Sessions
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Rule 1
Sessions
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The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (hereinafter
referred to as the Committee) shall hold such sessions as may
be required for the effective performance of its functions in accordance with
the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
(hereinafter referred to as the Convention).
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Rule 2
Regular sessions
1.�������
The Committee shall hold such regular sessions each year as shall be
authorized by the States parties to the Convention.
2.�������
Regular sessions of the Committee shall be convened on dates decided
upon by the Committee in consultation with the Secretary-General of the United
Nations (hereinafter referred to as the Secretary-General), taking
into account the calendar of conferences and meetings approved by the General
Assembly.
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Rule 3
Special sessions
1.�������
Special sessions of the Committee shall be convened by decision of
the Committee or at the request of a State party to the Convention. The Chairperson
of the Committee may also convene special sessions:
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(a)����� At the request of a majority of members of
the Committee;
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(b)����� At the request of a State party to the Convention.
2.�������
Special sessions shall be convened as soon as possible at a date fixed
by the Chairperson in consultation with the Secretary-General and with the
Committee.
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Rule 4
Pre-sessional working group
1.�������
A pre-sessional working group, which shall consist of no more than
five members of the Committee designated by the Chairperson in consultation
with the Committee at a regular session, and reflecting equitable geographical
representation, shall normally be convened prior to each regular session.
2.�������
The pre-sessional working group shall formulate a list of issues and
questions on substantive issues arising from reports submitted by States parties
in accordance with article 18 of the Convention and submit that list of issues
and questions to the States parties concerned.
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Rule 5
Place of sessions
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Sessions of the Committee shall normally be held at the Headquarters
or the other offices of the United Nations. Another venue for a session may
be proposed by the Committee in consultation with the Secretary-General.
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Rule 6
Notification of opening date of sessions
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The Secretary-General shall notify members of the Committee of the
date, duration and place of the first meeting of each session. Such notification
shall be sent, in the case of a regular session, at least six weeks in advance.
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II.��� Agenda
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Rule 7
Provisional agenda
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The provisional agenda for each regular or special session shall be
prepared by the Secretary-General in consultation with the Chairperson of
the Committee, in conformity with the relevant provisions of the Convention,
and shall include:
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(a)����� Any item decided upon by the Committee at
a previous session;
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(b)����� Any item proposed by the Chairperson of the
Committee;
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(c)����� Any item proposed by a member of the Committee;
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(d)����� Any item proposed by a State party to the
Convention;
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(e)����� Any item proposed by the Secretary-General
relating to her or his functions under the Convention or the present rules
of procedure.
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Rule 8
Transmission of the provisional agenda
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The provisional agenda and the basic documents relating to each item
thereof, the report of the pre-sessional working group, the reports of States
parties submitted under article 18 of the Convention and the responses by
States parties to issues raised by the pre-sessional working group shall be
prepared in all of the official languages of the United Nations by the Secretary-General,
who shall endeavour to have the documents transmitted to members of the Committee
at least six weeks prior to the opening of the session.
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Rule 9
Adoption of the agenda
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The first item on the provisional agenda for any session shall be the
adoption of the agenda.
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Rule 10
Revision of the agenda
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During a session, the Committee may amend the agenda and may, as appropriate,
delete or defer items by the decision of a majority of the members present
and voting. Additional items of an urgent nature may be included in the agenda
by a majority of the members.
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III.��� Members of the Committee
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Rule 11
Members of the Committee
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Members of the Committee may not be represented by alternates.
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Rule 12
Term of office
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The term of office of members begins:
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(a)����� On the 1st day of January of the year after
their election by the meeting of States parties and shall end on the 31st
day of December four years later;
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(b)����� On the date of the approval by the Committee,
if appointed to fill a casual vacancy, and shall end on the date of expiration
of the term of office of the member or members being replaced.
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Rule 13
Casual vacancies
1.�������
A casual vacancy may occur through death, the inability of a Committee
member to perform her or his function as a member of the Committee or the
resignation of a member of the Committee. The Chairperson shall immediately
notify the Secretary-General who shall inform the State party of the member
so that action may be taken in accordance with article 17, paragraph 7, of
the Convention.
2.�������
Notification of the resignation of a member of the Committee shall
be in writing to the Chairperson or to the Secretary-General, and action shall
be taken in accordance with article 17, paragraph 7, of the Convention only
after such notification has been received.
3.�������
A member who is unable to attend meetings of the Committee shall inform
the Secretary-General as early as possible and, if this inability is likely
to be extended, the member should resign.
4.�������
When a member of the Committee is consistently unable to carry out
her or his functions for any cause other than absence of a temporary nature,
the Chairperson shall draw the above rule to her or his attention.
5.�������
Where a member of the Committee has rule 13, paragraph 4, drawn to
her or his attention and does not resign in accordance with that rule, the
Chairperson shall notify the Secretary-General who shall then inform the State
party of the member to enable action to be taken in accordance with article
17, paragraph 7, of the Convention.
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Rule 14
Filling casual vacancies
1.�������
When a casual vacancy within article 17, paragraph 7, of the Convention
occurs in the Committee, the Secretary-General shall immediately request the
State party that had nominated that member to appoint, within a period of
two months, another expert from among its nationals to serve for the remainder
of the predecessors term.
2.�������
The name and curriculum vitae of the expert so appointed shall be transmitted
by the Secretary-General to the Committee for approval. Upon approval of the
expert by the Committee, the Secretary-General shall notify the States parties
of the name of the member of the Committee filling the casual vacancy.
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Rule 15
Solemn declaration
����������
Upon assuming their duties, members of the Committee shall make the
following solemn declaration in open Committee:
���������� I solemnly declare that I shall perform my duties and
exercise powers as a member of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination
against Women honourably, faithfully, impartially and conscientiously.
�����������
IV.��� Officers
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Rule 16
Election of officers of the Committee
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The Committee shall elect from among its members a Chairperson, three
Vice-Chairpersons and a Rapporteur with due regard to equitable geographical
representation.
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Rule 17
Term of office
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The officers of the Committee shall be elected for a term of two years
and be eligible for re-election provided that the principle of rotation is
upheld. None of them, however, may hold office if she or he ceases to be a
member of the Committee.
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Rule 18
Functions of the Chairperson
1.�������
The Chairperson shall perform the functions conferred upon her or him
by these rules of procedure and the decisions of the Committee.
2.�������
In the exercise of those functions the Chairperson shall remain under
the authority of the Committee.
3.�������
The Chairperson shall represent the Committee at United Nations meetings
in which the Committee is officially invited to participate. If the Chairperson
is unable to represent the Committee at such a meeting, she or he may designate
another officer of the Committee or, if no officer is available, another member
of the Committee, to attend on her or his behalf.
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Rule 19
Absence of the Chairperson at meetings of the Committee
1.�������
If the Chairperson is unable to be present at a meeting or any part
thereof, she or he shall designate one of the Vice-Chairpersons to act in
her or his place.
2.�������
In the absence of such a designation, the Vice-Chairperson to preside
shall be chosen according to the names of the Vice-Chairpersons as they appear
in English alphabetical order.
3.�������
A Vice-Chairperson acting as a Chairperson shall have the same powers
and duties as the Chairperson.
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Rule 20
Replacement of officers
����������
If any of the officers of the Committee ceases to serve or declares
her or his inability to continue serving as a member of the Committee or for
any reason is no longer able to act as an officer, a new officer from the
same region shall be elected for the unexpired term of her or his predecessor.
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V.��� Secretariat
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Rule 21
Duties of the Secretary-General
1.�������
At the request or by decision of the Committee and approval by the
General Assembly:
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(a)����� The secretariat of the Committee and of such
subsidiary bodies established by the Committee (the Secretariat)
shall be provided by the Secretary-General;
����������
(b)����� The Secretary-General shall provide the Committee
with the necessary staff and facilities for the effective performance of its
functions under the Convention;
����������
(c)����� The Secretary-General shall be responsible
for all necessary arrangements for meetings of the Committee and its subsidiary
bodies.
2.�������
The Secretary-General shall be responsible for informing the members
of the Committee without delay of any questions that may be brought before
it for consideration or of any other developments that may be of relevance
to the Committee.
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Rule 22
Statements
����������
The Secretary-General or her or his representative shall be present
at all meetings of the Committee and may make oral or written statements at
such meetings or at meetings of its subsidiary bodies.
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Rule 23
Financial implications
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Before any proposal that involves expenditure is approved by the Committee
or by any of its subsidiary bodies, the Secretary-General shall prepare and
circulate to the members of the Committee or subsidiary body as early as possible,
an estimate of the cost involved in the proposal. It shall be the duty of
the Chairperson to draw the attention of members to this estimate and to invite
discussion on it when the proposal is considered by the Committee or subsidiary
body.
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VI.��� Languages
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Rule 24
Official languages
����������
Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish shall be the
official languages of the Committee.
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Rule 25
Interpretation
1.�������
Statements made in an official language shall be interpreted into the
other official languages.
2.�������
Any speaker addressing the Committee in a language other than one of
the official languages shall normally provide for interpretation into one
of the official languages. Interpretation into the other official languages
by interpreters of the Secretariat shall be based upon the interpretation
given in the first official language.
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Rule 26
Language of documents
1.�������
All official documents of the Committee shall be issued in the official
languages of the United Nations.
2.�������
All formal decisions of the Committee shall be made available in the
official languages of the United Nations.
���������
VII.��� Records
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Rule 27
Records
1.�������
The Secretary-General shall provide the Committee with summary records
of its proceedings, which shall be made available to the members.
2.�������
Summary records are subject to correction, to be submitted to the Secretariat
by participants in the meetings in the language in which the summary record
is issued. Corrections to the records of the meetings shall be consolidated
in a single corrigendum to be issued after the conclusion of the relevant
session.
3.�������
The summary records of public meetings shall be documents for general
distribution unless in exceptional circumstances the Committee decides otherwise.
4.�������
Sound recordings of meetings of the Committee shall be made and kept
in accordance with the usual practice of the United Nations.
��������
VIII.��� Conduct of business
���������������������������
Rule 28
Public and private meetings
1.�������
The meetings of the Committee and its subsidiary bodies shall be held
in public unless the Committee decides otherwise.
2.�������
Meetings at which concluding comments on reports of States parties
are discussed, as well as meetings of the pre-sessional working group and
other working groups, shall be closed unless the Committee decides otherwise.
3.�������
No person or body shall, without the permission of the Committee, film
or otherwise record the proceedings of the Committee. The Committee shall,
if necessary, and before giving such permission, seek the consent of any State
party reporting to the Committee under article 18 of the Convention to the
filming or other recording of the proceedings in which it is engaged.
���������������������������
Rule 29
Quorum
����������
Twelve members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum.
���������������������������
Rule 30
Powers of the Chairperson
1.�������
The Chairperson shall declare the opening and closing of each meeting
of the Committee, direct the discussion, ensure observance of the present
rules, accord the right to speak, put questions to the vote and announce decisions.
2.�������
The Chairperson, subject to the present rules, shall have control over
the proceedings of the Committee and over the maintenance of order at its
meetings.
3.�������
The Chairperson may, in the course of the discussion of an item, including
the examination of reports submitted under article 18 of the Convention, propose
to the Committee the limitation of the time to be allowed to speakers, the
limitation of the number of times each speaker may speak on any question and
the closure of the list of speakers.
4.�������
The Chairperson shall rule on points of order. She or he shall also
have the power to propose adjournment or closure of the debate or adjournment
or suspension of a meeting. Debate shall be confined to the question before
the Committee, and the Chairperson may call a speaker to order if her or his
remarks are not relevant to the subject under discussion.
5.�������
During the course of the debate, the Chairperson may announce the list
of speakers and, with the consent of the Committee, declare the list closed.
�����������
IX.��� Voting
���������������������������
Rule 31
Adoption of decisions
1.�������
The Committee shall endeavour to reach its decisions by consensus.
2.�������
If and when all efforts to reach consensus have been exhausted, decisions
of the Committee shall be taken by a simple majority of the members present
and voting.
���������������������������
Rule 32
Voting rights
1.�������
Each member of the Committee shall have one vote.
2.�������
For the purpose of these rules, members present and voting
means members casting an affirmative or negative vote. Members who abstain
from voting are considered as not voting.
���������������������������
Rule 33
Equally divided votes
����������
If a vote is equally divided on a matter other than an election, the
proposal shall be regarded as having been rejected.
���������������������������
Rule 34
Method of voting
1.�������
Subject to rule 39 of the present rules, the Committee shall normally
vote by show of hands, except that any member may request a roll-call, which
shall then be taken in the English alphabetical order of the names of the
members of the Committee, beginning with the member whose name is drawn by
lot by the Chairperson.
2.�������
The vote of each member participating in a roll-call shall be inserted
in the record.
���������������������������
Rule 35
Conduct during voting and explanation of vote
����������
After voting has commenced, it shall not be interrupted unless a member
raises a point of order in connection with the actual conduct of the voting.
Brief statements by members consisting solely of explanations of vote may
be permitted by the Chairperson before the voting has commenced or after the
voting has been completed.
���������������������������
Rule 36
���������������������������
Division of proposals
����������
Parts of a proposal shall be voted on separately if a member requests
that the proposal be divided. Those parts of the proposal that have been approved
shall then be put to the vote as a whole; if all operative parts of a proposal
have been rejected, the proposal shall be considered to have been rejected
as a whole.
���������������������������
Rule 37
���������������������������
Order of voting on amendments
1.�������
When an amendment to a proposal is moved, the amendment shall be voted
on first. When two or more amendments to a proposal are moved, the Committee
shall first vote on the amendment furthest removed in substance from the original
proposal and then on the amendment next furthest removed therefrom and so
on until all amendments have been put to the vote. If one or more amendments
are adopted, the amended proposal shall then be voted upon.
2.�������
A motion is considered an amendment to a proposal if it merely adds
to, deletes from or revises part of the proposal.
���������������������������
Rule 38
���������������������������
Order of voting on proposals
1.�������
If two or more proposals relate to the same question, the Committee
shall, unless it decides otherwise, vote on the proposals in the order in
which they have been submitted.
2.�������
The Committee may, after each vote on a proposal, decide whether to
vote on the next proposal.
3.�������
Any motions requiring that no decision be taken on the substance of
such proposals shall, however, be considered as previous questions and shall
be put to the vote before those proposals.
���������������������������
Rule 39
���������������������������
Method of election
����������
An election shall be held by secret ballot, unless the Committee decides
otherwise in the case of an election to fill a place for which there is only
one candidate.
���������������������������
Rule 40
���������������������������
Conduct of elections for filling one elective place
1.�������
When only one elective place is to be filled and no candidate obtains
in the first ballot the majority required, a second ballot shall be taken,
which shall be restricted to the two candidates who obtained the largest number
of votes.
2.�������
If in the second ballot the votes are equally divided, and a majority
is required, the Chairperson shall decide between the candidates by drawing
lots. If a two-thirds majority is required, the balloting shall be continued
until one candidate secures two thirds of the votes cast provided that, after
the third inconclusive ballot, votes may be cast for any eligible member.
3.�������
If three such unrestricted ballots are inconclusive, the next three
ballots shall be restricted to the two candidates who obtained the greatest
number of votes in the third of the unrestricted ballots, and the following
three ballots thereafter shall be unrestricted, and so on until a member is
elected.
������������
X.��� Subsidiary bodies
���������������������������
Rule 41
Subsidiary bodies
1.�������
The Committee may set up ad hoc subsidiary bodies and will define their
composition and mandates.
2.�������
Each subsidiary body shall elect its own officers and will, mutatis
mutandis, apply the present rules of procedure.
�����������
XI.��� Annual report of the Committee
���������������������������
Rule 42
Annual report of the Committee
1.�������
As provided in article 21, paragraph 1, of the Convention, the Committee
shall submit to the General Assembly, through the Economic and Social Council,
an annual report on its activities which shall contain, inter alia, the concluding
comments of the Committee relating to the report of each State party, and
information relating to its mandate under the Optional Protocol to the Convention.
2.�������
The Committee shall also include in its report suggestions and general
recommendations, together with any comments received from States parties.
���������
XII.��� Distribution of reports and other official
documents
���������������������������
Rule 43
Distribution of reports and other official documents
1.�������
Reports, formal decisions, pre-sessional documents and all other official
documents of the Committee and its subsidiary bodies shall be documents for
general distribution unless the Committee decides otherwise.
2.�������
Reports and additional information submitted by States parties under
article 18 of the Convention shall be documents for general distribution.
��������
XIII.��� Participation of specialized agencies and bodies
of the United Nations and of intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations
���������������������������
Rule 44
Participation of specialized agencies and bodies of the United Nations and
of intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations
����������
The Secretary-General shall notify each specialized agency and United
Nations body as early as possible of the opening date, duration, place and
agenda of each session of the Committee and of the pre-sessional working group.
���������������������������
Rule 45
���������������������������
Specialized agencies
1.�������
In accordance with article 22 of the Convention, the Committee may
invite specialized agencies to submit reports on the implementation of the
Convention in areas falling within the scope of their activities. Any such
reports shall be issued as pre-sessional documents.
2.�������
Specialized agencies shall be entitled to be represented at meetings
of the Committee or of the pre-sessional working group when the implementation
of such provisions of the Convention as fall within the scope of their activities
is being considered. The Committee may permit representatives of the specialized
agencies to make oral or written statements to the Committee or to the pre-sessional
working group, and to provide information appropriate and relevant to the
Committees activities under the Convention.
���������������������������
Rule 46
���������������������������
Intergovernmental organizations and United Nations bodies
����������
Representatives of intergovernmental organizations and United Nations
bodies may be invited by the Committee to make oral or written statements
and provide information or documentation in areas relevant to the Committees
activities under the Convention, to meetings of the Committee or to its pre-sessional
working group.
���������������������������
Rule 47
���������������������������
Non-governmental organizations
����������
Representatives of non-governmental organizations may be invited by
the Committee to make oral or written statements and to provide information
or documentation relevant to the Committees activities under the Convention
to meetings of the Committee or to its pre-sessional working group.
����������������
Part two
Rules relating to the functions of the Committee
���������
XIV.��� Reports of States parties under article 18
of the Convention
���������������������������
Rule 48
Submission of reports under article 18 of the Convention
1.�������
The Committee shall examine the progress made in the implementation
of the Convention through the consideration of reports of States parties submitted
to the Secretary-General on legislative, judicial, administrative and other
measures.
2.�������
In order to assist States parties in their reporting tasks, the Committee
shall issue general guidelines for the preparation of initial reports and
of periodic reports, taking into account the consolidated guidelines, common
to all the human rights treaty bodies, for the first part of initial and periodic
reports of States parties.
3.�������
Taking into account the consolidated guidelines relating to the reports
required under United Nations human rights treaties, the Committee may formulate
general guidelines as to the form and content of the initial and periodic
reports of States parties required under article 18 of the Convention and
shall, through the Secretary-General, inform the States parties of the Committees
wishes regarding the form and content of such reports.
4.�������
A State party reporting at a session of the Committee may provide additional
information prior to the consideration of the report by the Committee, provided
that such information reaches the Secretary-General no later than four months
prior to the opening date of the session at which the report of the State
party is to be considered.
5.�������
The Committee may request a State party to submit a report on an exceptional
basis. Such reports shall be limited to those areas on which the State party
has been requested to focus its attention. Except when the Committee requests
otherwise, such reports shall not be submitted in substitution for an initial
or periodic report. The Committee shall determine the session at which an
exceptional report shall be considered.
���������������������������
Rule 49
Failure to submit or late submission of reports
1.�������
At each session of the Committee, the Secretary-General shall notify
the Committee of all cases of non-submission of reports and additional information
under rules 48 and 50 of the present rules. In such cases, the Committee may
transmit to the State party concerned, through the Secretary-General, a reminder
concerning the submission of the report or the additional information.
2.�������
If, after the reminder referred to in paragraph 1 of the present rule,
the State party does not submit the report or the additional information sought,
the Committee may include a reference to this effect in its annual report
to the General Assembly.
3.�������
The Committee may allow States parties to submit a combined report
comprising no more than two overdue reports.
���������������������������
Rule 50
���������������������������
Request for additional information
1.�������
When considering reports submitted by a State party under article 18
of the Convention, the Committee, and in particular its pre-sessional working
group, shall first satisfy itself that, in accordance with the Committees
guidelines, the report provides sufficient information.
2.�������
If, in the opinion of the Committee, or of the pre-sessional working
group, a report of a State party does not contain sufficient information,
it may request the State concerned to furnish such additional information
as required, indicating the time limit within which the information should
be submitted.
3.�������
The questions or comments forwarded by the pre-sessional working group
to the State party whose report is under consideration and the response of
the State party thereto shall, in accordance with the present rule, be circulated
to members of the Committee prior to the session at which the report is to
be examined.
���������������������������
Rule 51
���������������������������
Examination of reports
1.�������
At each session, the Committee, based on the list of reports awaiting
consideration, shall decide which reports of States parties it will consider
at its subsequent session, bearing in mind the duration of the subsequent
session and the criteria of date of submission and geographical balance.
2.�������
The Committee, through the Secretary-General, shall notify the States
parties as early as possible of the opening date, duration and place of the
session at which their respective reports will be examined. The States parties
shall be requested to confirm in writing, within a specified time, their willingness
to have their reports examined.
3.�������
The Committee at each session shall also establish and circulate to
the States parties concerned a reserve list of reports for consideration at
its subsequent session in the event that a State party invited in accordance
with the present rule is unable to present its report. In such case, the State
party chosen from the reserve list shall be invited by the Committee, through
the Secretary-General, to present its report without delay.
4.�������
Representatives of the States parties shall be invited to attend the
meetings of the Committee at which their reports are to be examined.
5.�������
If a State party fails to respond to an invitation to have a representative
attend the meeting of the Committee at which its report is being examined,
consideration of the report shall be rescheduled for another session. If,
at such a subsequent session, the State party, after due notification, fails
to have a representative present, the Committee may proceed with the examination
of the report in the absence of the representative of the State party.
���������������������������
Rule 52
���������������������������
Suggestions and general recommendations
1.�������
In accordance with article 21, paragraph 1, of the Convention, and
on the basis of its examination of reports and information received from States
parties, the Committee may make general recommendations addressed to States
parties.
2.�������
The Committee may make suggestions addressed to bodies other than States
parties arising out of its consideration of reports of States parties.
���������������������������
Rule 53
���������������������������
Concluding comments
1.�������
The Committee may, after consideration of the report of a State party,
make concluding comments on the report with a view to assisting the State
party in implementing its obligations under the Convention. The Committee
may include guidance on the issues on which the next periodic report of the
State party should be focused.
2.�������
The Committee shall adopt the concluding comments before the closure
of the session at which the report of the State party was considered.
���������������������������
Rule 54
���������������������������
Working methods for examining reports
����������
The Committee shall establish working groups to consider and suggest
ways and means of expediting its work and of implementing its obligations
under article 21 of the Convention.
����������
XV.��� General discussion
���������������������������
Rule 55
General discussion
����������
In order to enhance understanding of the content and implications of
the articles of the Convention or to assist in the elaboration of general
recommendations, the Committee may devote one or more meetings of its regular
sessions to a general discussion of specific articles of or themes relating
to the Convention.
����������������
Part three
Rules of procedure for the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination
of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
��������
XVI.��� Procedures for the consideration of communications
received under the Optional Protocol
���������������������������
Rule 56
���������������������������
Transmission of communications to the Committee
1.�������
The Secretary-General shall bring to the attention of the Committee,
in accordance with the present rules, communications that are, or appear to
be, submitted for consideration by the Committee under article 2 of the Optional
Protocol.
2.�������
The Secretary-General may request clarification from the author or
authors of a communication as to whether she, he or they wish to have the
communication submitted to the Committee for consideration under the Optional
Protocol. Where there is doubt as to the wish of the author or authors, the
Secretary-General will bring the communication to the attention of the Committee.
3.�������
No communication shall be received by the Committee if it:
����������
(a)����� Concerns a State that is not a party to the
Protocol;
����������
(b)����� Is not in writing;
����������
(c)����� Is anonymous.
���������������������������
Rule 57
���������������������������
List and register of communications
1.�������
The Secretary-General shall maintain a permanent register of all communications
submitted for consideration by the Committee under article 2 of the Optional
Protocol.
2.�������
The Secretary-General shall prepare lists of the communications submitted
to the Committee, together with a brief summary of their contents.
���������������������������
Rule 58
Request for clarification or additional information
1.�������
The Secretary-General may request clarification from the author of
a communication, including:
����������
(a)����� The name, address, date of birth and occupation
of the victim and verification of the victims identity;
����������
(b)����� The name of the State party against which
the communication is directed;
����������
(c)����� The objective of the communication;
����������
(d)����� The facts of the claim;
����������
(e)����� Steps taken by the author and/or victim to
exhaust domestic remedies;
����������
(f)������ The extent to which the same matter is being
or has been examined under another procedure of international investigation
or settlement;
����������
(g)����� The provision or provisions of the Convention
alleged to have been violated.
2.�������
When requesting clarification or information, the Secretary-General
shall indicate to the author or authors of the communication a time limit
within which such information is to be submitted.
3.�������
The Committee may approve a questionnaire to facilitate requests for
clarification or information from the victim and/or author of a communication.
4.�������
A request for clarification or information shall not preclude the inclusion
of the communication in the list provided for in rule 57 above.
5.�������
The Secretary-General shall inform the author of a communication of
the procedure that will be followed and in particular that, provided that
the individual or individuals consent to the disclosure of her identity to
the State party concerned, the communication will be brought confidentially
to the attention of that State party.
���������������������������
Rule 59
Summary of information
1.�������
A summary of the relevant information obtained with respect to each
registered communication shall be prepared and circulated to the members of
the Committee by the Secretary-General at the next regular session of the
Committee.
2.�������
The full text of any communication brought to the attention of the
Committee shall be made available to any member of the Committee upon that
members request.
���������������������������
Rule 60
Inability of a member to take part in the examination of a communication
1.�������
A member of the Committee may not take part in the examination of a
communication if:
����������
(a)����� The member has a personal interest in the
case;
����������
(b)����� The member has participated in the making
of any decision on the case covered by the communication in any capacity other
than under the procedures applicable to this Optional Protocol;
����������
(c)����� The member is a national of the State party
concerned.
2.�������
Any question that may arise under paragraph 1 above shall be decided
by the Committee without the participation of the member concerned.
���������������������������
Rule 61
Withdrawal of a member
����������
If, for any reason, a member considers that she or he should not take
part or continue to take part in the examination of a communication, the member
shall inform the Chairperson of her or his withdrawal.
���������������������������
Rule 62
Establishment of working groups and designation of rapporteurs
1.�������
The Committee may establish one or more working groups, each comprising
no more than five of its members, and may designate one or more rapporteurs
to make recommendations to the Committee and to assist it in any manner in
which the Committee may decide.
2.�������
In the present part of the rules, reference to a working group or rapporteur
is a reference to a working group or rapporteur established under the present
rules.
3.�������
The rules of procedure of the Committee shall apply as far as possible
to the meetings of its working groups.
���������������������������
Rule 63
Interim measures
1.�������
At any time after the receipt of a communication and before a determination
on the merits has been reached, the Committee may transmit to the State party
concerned, for its urgent consideration, a request that it take such interim
measures as the Committee considers necessary to avoid irreparable damage
to the victim or victims of the alleged violation.
2.�������
A working group or rapporteur may also request the State party concerned
to take such interim measures as the working group or rapporteur considers
necessary to avoid irreparable damage to the victim or victims of the alleged
violation.
3.�������
When a request for interim measures is made by a working group or rapporteur
under the present rule, the working group or rapporteur shall forthwith thereafter
inform the Committee members of the nature of the request and the communication
to which the request relates.
4.�������
Where the Committee, a working group or a rapporteur requests interim
measures under this rule, the request shall state that it does not imply a
determination of the merits of the communication.
���������������������������
Rule 64
Method of dealing with communications
1.�������
The Committee shall, by a simple majority and in accordance with the
following rules, decide whether the communication is admissible or inadmissible
under the Optional Protocol.
2.�������
A working group may also declare that a communication is admissible
under the Optional Protocol, provided that it is composed of five members
and all of the members so decide.
���������������������������
Rule 65
Order of communications
1.�������
Communications shall be dealt with in the order in which they are received
by the Secretariat, unless the Committee or a working group decides otherwise.
2.�������
The Committee may decide to consider two or more communications jointly.
���������������������������
Rule 66
Separate consideration of admissibility and merits
����������
The Committee may decide to consider the question of admissibility
of a communication and the merits of a communication separately.
���������������������������
Rule 67
Conditions of admissibility of communications
����������
With a view to reaching a decision on the admissibility of a communication,
the Committee, or a working group, shall apply the criteria set forth in articles
2, 3 and 4 of the Optional Protocol.
���������������������������
Rule 68
Authors of communications
1.�������
Communications may be submitted by individuals or groups of individuals
who claim to be victims of violations of the rights set forth in the Convention,
or by their designated representatives, or by others on behalf of an alleged
victim where the alleged victim consents.
2.�������
In cases where the author can justify such action, communications may
be submitted on behalf of an alleged victim without her consent.
3.�������
Where an author seeks to submit a communication in accordance with
paragraph 2 of the present rule, she or he shall provide written reasons justifying
such action.
���������������������������
Rule 69
Procedures with regard to communications received
1.�������
As soon as possible after the communication has been received, and
provided that the individual or group of individuals consent to the disclosure
of their identity to the State party concerned, the Committee, working group
or rapporteur shall bring the communication confidentially to the attention
of the State party and shall request that State party to submit a written
reply to the communication.
2.�������
Any request made in accordance with paragraph 1 of the present rule
shall include a statement indicating that such a request does not imply that
any decision has been reached on the question of admissibility of the communication.
3.�������
Within six months after receipt of the Committees request under
the present rule, the State party shall submit to the Committee a written
explanation or statement that relates to the admissibility of the communication
and its merits, as well as to any remedy that may have been provided in the
matter.
4.�������
The Committee, working group or rapporteur may request a written explanation
or statement that relates only to the admissibility of a communication but,
in such cases, the State party may nonetheless submit a written explanation
or statement that relates to both the admissibility and the merits of a communication,
provided that such written explanation or statement is submitted within six
months of the Committees request.
5.�������
A State party that has received a request for a written reply in accordance
with paragraph 1 of the present rule may submit a request in writing that
the communication be rejected as inadmissible, setting out the grounds for
such inadmissibility, provided that such a request is submitted to the Committee
within two months of the request made under paragraph 1.
6.�������
If the State party concerned disputes the contention of the author
or authors, in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Optional Protocol,
that all available domestic remedies have been exhausted, the State party
shall give details of the remedies available to the alleged victim or victims
in the particular circumstances of the case.
7.�������
Submission by the State party of a request in accordance with paragraph
5 of the present rule shall not affect the period of six months given to the
State party to submit its written explanation or statement unless the Committee,
working group or rapporteur decides to extend the time for submission for
such a period as the Committee considers appropriate.
8.�������
The Committee, working group or rapporteur may request the State party
or the author of the communication to submit, within fixed time limits, additional
written explanations or statements relevant to the issues of the admissibility
or merits of a communication.
9.�������
The Committee, working group or rapporteur shall transmit to each party
the submissions made by the other party pursuant to the present rule and shall
afford each party an opportunity to comment on those submissions within fixed
time limits.
���������������������������
Rule 70
Inadmissible communications
1.�������
Where the Committee decides that a communication is inadmissible, it
shall, as soon as possible, communicate its decision and the reasons for that
decision through the Secretary-General to the author of the communication
and to the State party concerned.
2.�������
A decision of the Committee declaring a communication inadmissible
may be reviewed by the Committee upon receipt of a written request submitted
by or on behalf of the author or authors of the communication, containing
information indicating that the reasons for inadmissibility no longer apply.
3.�������
Any member of the Committee who has participated in the decision regarding
admissibility may request that a summary of her or his individual opinion
be appended to the Committees decision declaring a communication inadmissible.
���������������������������
Rule 71
Additional procedures whereby admissibility may be considered separately from
the merits
1.�������
Where the issue of admissibility is decided by the Committee or a working
group before the State partys written explanations or statements on
the merits of the communication are received, that decision and all other
relevant information shall be submitted through the Secretary-General to the
State party concerned. The author of the communication shall, through the
Secretary-General, be informed of the decision.
2.�������
The Committee may revoke its decision that a communication is admissible
in the light of any explanation or statements submitted by the State party.
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Rule 72
Views of the Committee on admissible communications
1.�������
Where the parties have submitted information relating both to the admissibility
and to the merits of a communication, or where a decision on admissibility
has already been taken and the parties have submitted information on the merits
of that communication, the Committee shall consider and shall formulate its
views on the communication in the light of all written information made available
to it by the author or authors of the communication and the State party concerned,
provided that this information has been transmitted to the other party concerned.
2.�������
The Committee or the working group set up by it to consider a communication
may, at any time in the course of the examination, obtain through the Secretary-General
any documentation from organizations in the United Nations system or other
bodies that may assist in the disposal of the communication, provided that
the Committee shall afford each party an opportunity to comment on such documentation
or information within fixed time limits.
3.�������
The Committee may refer any communication to a working group to make
recommendations to the Committee on the merits of the communication.
4.�������
The Committee shall not decide on the merits of the communication without
having considered the applicability of all of the admissibility grounds referred
to in articles 2, 3 and 4 of the Optional Protocol.
5.�������
The Secretary-General shall transmit the views of the Committee, determined
by a simple majority, together with any recommendations, to the author or
authors of the communication and to the State party concerned.
6.�������
Any member of the Committee who has participated in the decision may
request that a summary of her or his individual opinion be appended to the
Committees views.
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Rule 73
Follow-up to the views of the Committee
1.�������
Within six months of the Committees issuing its views on a communication,
the State party concerned shall submit to the Committee a written response,
including any information on any action taken in the light of the views and
recommendations of the Committee.
2.�������
After the six-month period referred to in paragraph 1 of the present
rule, the Committee may invite the State party concerned to submit further
information about any measures the State party has taken in response to its
views or recommendations.
3.�������
The Committee may request the State party to include information on
any action taken in response to its views or recommendations in its subsequent
reports under article 18 of the Convention.
4.�������
The Committee shall designate for follow-up on views adopted under
article 7 of the Optional Protocol a rapporteur or working group to ascertain
the measures taken by States parties to give effect to the Committees
views and recommendations.
5.�������
The rapporteur or working group may make such contacts and take such
action as may be appropriate for the due performance of their assigned functions
and shall make such recommendations for further action by the Committee as
may be necessary.
6.�������
The rapporteur or working group shall report to the Committee on follow-up
activities on a regular basis.
7.�������
The Committee shall include information on any follow-up activities
in its annual report under article 21 of the Convention.
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Rule 74
Confidentiality of communications
1.�������
Communications submitted under the Optional Protocol shall be examined
by the Committee, working group or rapporteur in closed meetings.
2.�������
All working documents prepared by the Secretariat for the Committee,
working group or rapporteur, including summaries of communications prepared
prior to registration and the list of summaries of communications, shall be
confidential unless the Committee decides otherwise.
3.�������
The Committee, working group or rapporteur shall not make public any
communication, submissions or information relating to a communication prior
to the date on which its views are issued.
4.�������
The author or authors of a communication or the individuals who are
alleged to be the victim or victims of a violation of the rights set forth
in the Convention may request that the names and identifying details of the
alleged victim or victims (or any of them) not be published.
5.�������
If the Committee, working group or rapporteur so decides, the name
or names and identifying details of the author or authors of a communication
or the individuals who are alleged to be the victim or victims of a violation
of rights set forth in the Convention shall not be made public by the Committee,
the author or the State party concerned.
6.�������
The Committee, working group or rapporteur may request the author of
a communication or the State party concerned to keep confidential the whole
or part of any submission or information relating to the proceedings.
7.�������
Subject to paragraphs 5 and 6 of the present rule, nothing in this
rule shall affect the right of the author or authors or the State party concerned
to make public any submission or information bearing on the proceedings.
8.�������
Subject to paragraphs 5 and 6 of the present rule, the Committees
decisions on admissibility, merits and discontinuance shall be made public.
9.�������
The Secretariat shall be responsible for the distribution of the Committees
final decisions to the author or authors and the State party concerned.
10.�����
The Committee shall include in its annual report under article 21 of
the Convention a summary of the communications examined and, where appropriate,
a summary of the explanations and statements of the States parties concerned,
and of its own suggestions and recommendations.
11.�����
Unless the Committee decides otherwise, information furnished by the
parties in follow-up to the Committees views and recommendations under
paragraphs 4 and 5 of article 7 of the Optional Protocol shall not be confidential.
Unless the Committee decides otherwise, decisions of the Committee with regard
to follow-up activities shall not be confidential.
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Rule 75
Communiqu�s
����������
The Committee may issue communiqu�s regarding its activities under
articles 1 to 7 of the Optional Protocol, through the Secretary-General, for
the use of the information media and the general public.
������� XVII.��� Proceedings under the inquiry procedure of
the Optional Protocol
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Rule 76
Applicability
����������
Rules 77 to 90 of the present rules shall not be applied to a State
party that, in accordance with article 10, paragraph 1, of the Optional Protocol,
declared at the time of ratification or accession to the Optional Protocol
that it does not recognize the competence of the Committee as provided for
in article 8 thereof, unless that State party has subsequently withdrawn its
declaration in accordance with article 10, paragraph 2, of the Optional Protocol.
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Rule 77
Transmission of information to the Committee
����������
In accordance with the present rules, the Secretary-General shall bring
to the attention of the Committee information that is or appears to be submitted
for the Committees consideration under article 8, paragraph 1, of the
Optional Protocol.
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Rule 78
Register of information
����������
The Secretary-General shall maintain a permanent register of information
brought to the attention of the Committee in accordance with rule 77 of the
present rules and shall make the information available to any member of the
Committee upon request.
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Rule 79
Summary of information
����������
The Secretary-General, when necessary, shall prepare and circulate
to members of the Committee a brief summary of the information submitted in
accordance with rule 77 of the present rules.
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Rule 80
Confidentiality
1.�������
Except in compliance with the obligations of the Committee under article
12 of the Optional Protocol, all documents and proceedings of the Committee
relating to the conduct of the inquiry under article 8 of the Optional Protocol
shall be confidential.
2.�������
Before including a summary of the activities undertaken under articles
8 or 9 of the Optional Protocol in the annual report prepared in accordance
with article 21 of the Convention and article 12 of the Optional Protocol,
the Committee may consult with the State party concerned with respect to the
summary.
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Rule 81
Meetings related to proceedings under article 8
����������
Meetings of the Committee during which inquiries under article 8 of
the Optional Protocol are considered shall be closed.
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Rule 82
Preliminary consideration of information by the Committee
1.�������
The Committee may, through the Secretary-General, ascertain the reliability
of the information and/or the sources of the information brought to its attention
under article 8 of the Optional Protocol and may obtain additional relevant
information substantiating the facts of the situation.
2.�������
The Committee shall determine whether the information received contains
reliable information indicating grave or systematic violations of rights set
forth in the Convention by the State party concerned.
3.�������
The Committee may request a working group to assist it in carrying
out its duties under the present rule.
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Rule 83
Examination of information
1.�������
If the Committee is satisfied that the information received is reliable
and indicates grave or systematic violations of rights set forth in the Convention
by the State party concerned, the Committee shall invite the State party,
through the Secretary-General, to submit observations with regard to that
information within fixed time limits.
2.�������
The Committee shall take into account any observations that may have
been submitted by the State party concerned, as well as any other relevant
information.
3.�������
The Committee may decide to obtain additional information from the
following:
����������
(a)����� Representatives of the State party concerned;
����������
(b)����� Governmental organizations;
����������
(c)����� Non-governmental organizations;
����������
(d)����� Individuals.
4.�������
The Committee shall decide the form and manner in which such additional
information will be obtained.
5.�������
The Committee may, through the Secretary-General, request any relevant
documentation from the United Nations system.
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Rule 84
Establishment of an inquiry
1.�������
Taking into account any observations that may have been submitted by
the State party concerned, as well as other reliable information, the Committee
may designate one or more of its members to conduct an inquiry and to make
a report within a fixed time limit.
2.�������
An inquiry shall be conducted confidentially and in accordance with
any modalities determined by the Committee.
3.�������
Taking into account the Convention, the Optional Protocol and the present
rules of procedure, the members designated by the Committee to conduct the
inquiry shall determine their own methods of work.
4.�������
During the period of the inquiry, the Committee may defer the consideration
of any report that the State party concerned may have submitted pursuant to
article 18 of the Convention.
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Rule 85
Cooperation of the State party concerned
1.�������
The Committee shall seek the cooperation of the State party concerned
at all stages of an inquiry.
2.�������
The Committee may request the State party concerned to nominate a representative
to meet with the member or members designated by the Committee.
3.�������
The Committee may request the State party concerned to provide the
member or members designated by the Committee with any information that they
or the State party may consider relates to the inquiry.
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Rule 86
Visits
1.�������
Where the Committee deems it warranted, the inquiry may include a visit
to the territory of the State party concerned.
2.�������
Where the Committee decides, as a part of its inquiry, that there should
be a visit to the State party concerned, it shall, through the Secretary-General,
request the consent of the State party to such a visit.
3.�������
The Committee shall inform the State party concerned of its wishes
regarding the timing of the visit and the facilities required to allow those
members designated by the Committee to conduct the inquiry to carry out their
task.
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Rule 87
Hearings
1.�������
With the consent of the State party concerned, visits may include hearings
to enable the designated members of the Committee to determine facts or issues
relevant to the inquiry.
2.�������
The conditions and guarantees concerning any hearings held in accordance
with paragraph 1 of the present rule shall be established by the designated
members of the Committee visiting the State party in connection with an inquiry,
and the State party concerned.
3.�������
Any person appearing before the designated members of the Committee
for the purpose of giving testimony shall make a solemn declaration as to
the veracity of her or his testimony and the confidentiality of the procedure.
4.�������
The Committee shall inform the State party that it shall take all appropriate
steps to ensure that individuals under its jurisdiction are not subjected
to ill-treatment or intimidation as a consequence of participating in any
hearings in connection with an inquiry or with meeting the designated members
of the Committee conducting the inquiry.
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Rule 88
Assistance during an inquiry
1.�������
In addition to the staff and facilities that shall be provided by the
Secretary-General in connection with an inquiry, including during a visit
to the State party concerned, the designated members of the Committee may,
through the Secretary-General, invite interpreters and/or such persons with
special competence in the fields covered by the Convention as are deemed necessary
by the Committee to provide assistance at all stages of the inquiry.
2.�������
Where such interpreters or other persons of special competence are
not bound by the oath of allegiance to the United Nations, they shall be required
to declare solemnly that they will perform their duties honestly, faithfully
and impartially, and that they will respect the confidentiality of the proceedings.
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Rule 89
Transmission of findings, comments or suggestions
1.�������
After examining the findings of the designated members submitted in
accordance within rule 84 of the present rules, the Committee shall transmit
the findings, through the Secretary-General, to the State party concerned,
together with any comments and recommendations.
2.�������
The State party concerned shall submit its observations on the findings,
comments and recommendations to the Committee, through the Secretary-General,
within six months of their receipt.
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Rule 90
Follow-up action by the State party
1.�������
The Committee may, through the Secretary-General, invite a State party
that has been the subject of an inquiry to include, in its report under article
18 of the Convention, details of any measures taken in response to the Committees
findings, comments and recommendations.
2.�������
The Committee may, after the end of the period of six months referred
to in paragraph 2 of rule 89 above, invite the State party concerned, through
the Secretary-General, to inform it of any measures taken in response to an
inquiry.
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Rule 91
Obligations under article 11 of the Optional Protocol
1.�������
The Committee shall bring to the attention of the States parties concerned
their obligation under article 11 of the Optional Protocol to take appropriate
steps to ensure that individuals under their jurisdiction are not subjected
to ill-treatment or intimidation as a consequence of communicating with the
Committee under the Optional Protocol.
2.�������
Where the Committee receives reliable information that a State party
has breached its obligations under article 11, it may invite the State party
concerned to submit written explanations or statements clarifying the matter
and describing any action it is taking to ensure that its obligations under
article 11 are fulfilled.
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Part four
Interpretative rules
����� XVIII.��� Interpretation and amendments
���������������������������
Rule 92
Headings
����������
For the purpose of the interpretation of the present rules, the headings,
which were inserted for reference purposes only, shall be disregarded.
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Rule 93
Amendments
����������
The present rules may be amended by a decision of the Committee taken
by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting, and at least twenty-four
(24) hours after the proposal for the amendment has been circulated, provided
that the amendment is not inconsistent with the provisions of the Convention.
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Rule 94
Suspension
����������
Any of the present rules may be suspended by a decision of the Committee
taken by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting, provided
such suspension is not inconsistent with the provisions of the Convention
and is restricted to the circumstances of the particular situation requiring
the suspension.