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Instruments  b   $35;AGMU]c11.A.1.a.(1)(a)i)a)  :gd'UKUS.,CCC  33+B.++b >uQ!XB  _! ++P++7!_HRI_/MC/1995/2  page  2    (2gd$ C!UKUS.,  TRX<6&X3' Letter 6&A43'T:::  33+B.++b >uQ!XB    &gd(UKUS.,CCC  33+B.++b >uQ!XB  _ ++++7  _HRI_/MC/1995/2    page  3    ($    / } C!UKUS.,@ @ T@RX<6&X3' Letter 6&A43'TCCC  33+@@B.++b >uQ!XB@@  _3333Ӏ  1  /Thisinformationdoesnotincludereportswhichmayhavebeen  submittedtotheCommitteebetween1November1994and30June1995.("2n$ C!UKUS.,  TRX<6&X3' Letter 6&A43'T:::  33+B.++b >uQ!XB  332NX:+Ҁ  0  /(!2$ C!UKUS.,  TRX<6&X3' Letter 6&A43'T:::  33+B.++b >uQ!XB  33332NX:+Ҁ  0  / CRight ParRight-Aligned Paragraph NumbersI.A.1.a.(1)(a)i)a)@a)#|d (t$UKUS.,  TRX<6&X3' Letter 6&A43'T:::  33+B.++b >uQ!XB dHP LaserJet 4P,,,,,,0!3#37=CIQYag1.a.i.(1)(a)(i)1)a)Hi)ʋh0 [/T HڞU C!UKUS.,  TRX<6&X3' Letter 6&A43'TCCC  33+B.++b >uQ!XB  _  R?+?D''F dEF ??D''QG dEQG ?_01]MIz|_ p @X@E_X__C3 UNITED R NATIONS 05_OKz|2n ` @X@E?2nJ?2n06]MIz|   p @X@E     353C35! ??++7! E +?7! +??!    Distr. W     GENERAL p     _HRI_/MC/1995/2       15August1995  s      Original:ENGLISH S   SixthMeetingofChairpersons   ЀofTreatyBodies r Geneva,18-22September1995 9 Item6oftheprovisionalagenda R @t t IMPROVINGTHEOPERATIONOFTHEHUMANRIGHTSTREATYBODIES U @%ReportoftheSecretary-General 5 @>>.Introduction q B.++b >uQ!+B 8(43H2   1  .3   b Initsresolution37/44of3December1982,theGeneralAssemblydecided Q toincludeonitsagendathequestionofthereportingobligationsofStates  partiesunderUnitedNationshumanrightsinstruments.Sincethen,the  GeneralAssemblyhasconsideredandexpresseditsconcernoverproblems T  relatingtothereportingobligationsundervarioushumanrightsinstruments, m! aswellastheireffectivemonitoringbythebodiescreatedunderthem,andat 4" subsequentsessionshasadoptedrelevantresolutionsreflectingsuchconcerns # (mostrecently,GeneralAssemblyresolutions48/120and49/178). p$ 2   2  .3   b ThefirstmeetingoftheChairpersonsofthebodiesentrustedwiththe P!& considerationofreportssubmittedundertherelevanthumanrightsinstruments "' tookplaceatGenevaon16and17August1984.Theresultsofthatmeeting "( arecontainedindocumentA/39/484.TheSecond,Third,FourthandFifth #S ) MeetingsoftheChairpersonswereheldatGenevafrom10to14October1988, l$!* from1to5October1990,from12to16October1992,andfrom19 3%!+ to23September1994,respectively.Thereportsofthosemeetingsare %", containedindocumentsA/44/98,A/45/636,A/47/628andA/49/537.TheSixth &o#- MeetingofChairpersonshasbeenconvenedbytheSecretaryGeneralpursuantto '6$. GeneralAssemblyresolution49/178,whichendorsedtherecommendationofthe O($/ chairpersonsthattheirmeetingshenceforthbeheldannually. )%0 ..+*R'GE.9518407(E)  .+2 7 7bR 7  b}_9_B.++b >uQ!++7B@ Followupactionontheconclusionsandrecommendations  Ѐ@ "oftheFifthMeetingofChairpersons  2   3  .3   b ThereportoftheFifthMeetingofChairpersonswasconsideredbythe )U GeneralAssemblyatitsfortyninthsession.Developmentsrelatingdirectly  totheissuesdiscussedandtheconclusionsandrecommendationscontainedin  thereportarediscussedbelow. ~  @  1.Promotionoftheinternationalhumanrightsinstruments  8 (a) b Towardsuniversalratification    2   4  .3   b TheWorldConferenceonHumanRightsrecommendedthat,whenthe (T  GeneralAssemblyreviewstheprogressachievedinimplementingtheVienna   DeclarationandProgrammeofActionin1998ontheoccasionofthefiftieth   anniversaryoftheUniversalDeclarationofHumanRights,specialattention }  shouldbepaidtoassessingtheprogressmadetowardsthegoalofuniversal Dp  ratification.TheConferencealsorecommendedthattheSecretaryGeneral,in  7  consultationwiththetreatybodies,consideropeningadialoguewithStates   nothavingaccededtointernationalhumanrightstreaties,inorderto  identifyobstaclesandtoseekwaysofovercomingthem. ` 2   5  .3   b InaccordancewiththerecommendationoftheWorldConference,the  SecretaryGeneral,inSeptember1994,sentletterstoallMemberStateswhich  hadnotratifiedalloftheprincipalhumanrightstreatiestoencouragethem | todosoattheearliestpossibledate.By30June1995,23responseshad Co beenreceived.Regionalmeetingsandstudiesarebeingpreparedonobstacles  6 thatStatesmayencounterinconsideringtheratificationofinternational  humanrightsinstrumentsandontheissueofreservations.  2   6  .3   b TheWorldConferencealsocalledforuniversalratificationofthe &R ConventionontheRightsoftheChildby1995andoftheConventiononthe  EliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomenbytheyear2000.   Accordingly,inthefirsthalfof1995,theSecretary-GeneralandtheHigh {! CommissionerforHumanRightssentlettersto Stateswhichwerenotpartiesto Bn" theConventionontheRightsoftheChild,encouragingthemtoratifythe  5# Convention.LetterswerealsosentbytheHighCommissionertoResident  $ RepresentativesoftheUnitedNationsDevelopmentProgrammesuggesting,and !% invitingsuggestionson,possiblewaystoencourageratificationofthis ^"& instrument.Asof30June1995,fiveGovernmentshadresponded.Further %#Q' effortstowardsuniversalratificationoftheConventionontheRightsofthe #( ChildarebeingjointlyandactivelypursuedbytheSecretary-General,UNICEF, $) theHighCommissionerforHumanRightsandtheCommitteeontheRightsofthe z% * Child,includingregionalconsultationsandfieldvisits. A&m!+ 2   7  .3   b Inaddition,theHumanRightsCommittee,theCommitteeagainstTorture, '"- andtheCommitteeontheEliminationofRacialDiscriminationactively (#. encourageStatespartiestomakedeclarationsinacceptanceoftherespective ])$/ optionalarticlesduringtheirconsiderationofStatepartyreports. $*P%0 2   8  .3   b TheCommissiononHumanRights,initsmostrecentresolutionsonthe +&2 statusofhumanrightsinstruments(1995/21,1995/22,1995/37and1995/79), y,'3 againurgedallStateswhichhadnotyetdonesotoaccedetothe @-l(4 _;_InternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights,theInternational  CovenantonEconomic,SocialandCulturalRights,theConventionagainst  TortureandOtherCruel,InhumanorDegradingTreatmentorPunishment,the b InternationalConventionontheProtectionoftheRightsofAllMigrant )U WorkersandMembersofTheirFamiliesandtheConventionontheRightsofthe  Childandtomakedeclarationsinfavouroftherelevantoptionalarticlesand  optionalprotocolsthereto.Initsresolution1995/85,theCommission ~  stressedthatStatesconsiderratifyingtheConventionontheEliminationof E q AllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomenbytheyear2000.  8 (b) b Reservations    2   9  .3   b TheWorldConferenceonHumanRightsencouragedallStatestoconsider (T  limitingtheextentofanyreservationstheylodgedtointernationalhuman   rightsinstruments,formulateanyreservationsaspreciselyandnarrowlyas   possible,ensurethatnoneisincompatiblewiththeobjectandpurposeofthe }  relevanttreatyandregularlyreviewreservationswithaviewtowithdrawing Dp  them.TheConferencealsoexpressedsupportforfindingwaysandmeansof  7  addressingthelargenumberofreservations,specificallytotheConventionon   theEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomenandthe  ConventionontheRightsoftheChildandurgedStatestowithdraw ` reservationsthatwerecontrarytotheobjectandpurposeofthose 'S Conventions.  2   10  .3   b TheCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomenhasona | numberofoccasionsraisedtheissueofreservationsandconsistently Co encouragedStatestoreviewandwithdrawthereservationstheyenteredupon  6 theirratificationoftheConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsof  DiscriminationagainstWomen.TheCommitteehasexpressedconcernregarding  theextenttowhichimplementationoftheobligationsassumedbyStates _ partiesisimpededbytheirreservations,andhasconveyeditsconcernonthis &R issuetotheStatesparties,totheCommissionontheStatusofWomenandto  theCommissiononHumanRights,aswellastotheothertreatybodies.It   alsodecidedtoamenditsguidelinesforthepreparationofinitialand {! periodicreportstorequestthatinformationonsubstantivereservationsbe Bn" includedinthereportsofthoseStatespartiesthathaveenteredsuch  5# reservations.  $ 2   11  .3   b TheHumanRightsCommitteeandtheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild ^"& consistentlyaddressthequestionofreservationsmadebyStatespartiesto %#Q' theInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRightsandtheConventionon #( theRightsoftheChildduringtheirconsiderationofStatepartyreports.In $) theirconcludingobservationsafterconsiderationofthosereports,the z% * Committees,whennecessary,expresstheirconcernwithregardtoreservations A&m!+ ofabroadandvaguenatureorotherwisecontrarytointernationallaw. '4", 2   12  .3   b AtitsfiftysecondsessionheldinOctober1994,theHumanRights (#. CommitteeadopteditsGeneralComment24onissuesrelatingtoreservations ])$/ madeuponratificationoraccessiontotheCovenantortheOptionalProtocols $*P%0 thereto,orrelatingtodeclarationsunderarticle41oftheCovenant.The *&1 GeneralCommentidentifiesthoseprinciplesofinternationallawthatapplyto +&2 themakingofreservationsandbyreferencetowhichtheiracceptabilityisto y,'3 betestedandtheirpurporttobeinterpreted.Addressingitsownrolein @-l(4 relationtoreservations,theCommitteemadecertainrecommendationstoStates  partiestoreviewtheirreservationsandalsotothoseStatesthatarenotyet  partiestointernationalhumanrightsinstrumentsaboutlegalandhumanrights b policyconsiderationstobeborneinmindshouldtheyconsiderratifyingor )U accedingwithreservations.  (c) b SuccessionofStatesinrelationtohumanrightsobligations ~  2   13  .3   b ItmayberecalledthattheChairpersonsofthehumanrightstreaty  8 bodies,attheirFifthMeeting,expressedtheviewthatsuccessorStatesare    automaticallyboundbyobligationsunderinternationalhumanrights    instrumentsfromtheirrespectivedateofindependence,andthatrespectof a   theirobligationsshouldnotdependonadeclarationofconfirmation. (T  2   14  .3   b Inthisconnection,itmaybenotedthatatitslastsession,the   CommissiononHumanRights,initsresolution1995/18,reiterateditscallto }  successorStateswhichhadnotyetdonesotoconfirmthattheycontinuedto Dp  beboundbyobligationsunderinternationalhumanrightstreaties.Inthe  7  sameresolution,theCommissionrequestedthehumanrightstreatybodiesto   considerfurtherthecontinuingapplicabilityoftherespectiveinternational  humanrightstreatiestosuccessorStates,withtheaimofassistingthemin ` meetingtheirobligations. 'S 2   15  .3   b Allofthe20newStatessuccessorstotheformerYugoslaviaandthe  formerSovietUnion,haveallconfirmedtheirsuccession,accessionor | ratificationofatleastoneoftheprincipalhumanrightstreaties.Itmay Co benotedthatalloftheseStateshaveratified,succeededoraccededtothe  6 ConventionontheRightsoftheChild.BoththeCzechRepublicandSlovakia  havesucceededtoalloftheprincipaltreatiesthathadbeenratifiedbythe  formerCzechoslovakia. _ (d) b Formulationofnewnormsandinstruments  2   16  .3   b TheWorldConferenceonHumanRightscalledfortheelaborationofa {! numberofnewnormsandinstruments.Itcalled,inparticular,onthe Bn" CommissiononHumanRights,incooperationwiththeCommitteeonEconomic,  5# SocialandCulturalRights,tocontinuetheexaminationoftheissueof  $ optionalprotocolstotheInternationalCovenantonEconomic,Socialand !% CulturalRights.TheCommitteehasbeguntodraftanoptionalprotocolthat ^"& wouldauthorizetheCommitteetoreceivecommunicationsconcerning %#Q' infringementsoftheeconomic,socialandculturalrightsprovidedforinthe #( Covenant.TheCommitteeconsideredthismatteratitslastthreesessionsand $) willconsideritagainatitsthirteenthsessioninNovember1995.The z% * CommitteeexpectstobeabletosubmitadrafttotheCommissionatits A&m!+ fifty-secondsessionin1996. '4", 2   17  .3   b TheWorldConferencealsoencouragedthedevelopmentofadditional (#. approachestostrengthentheenjoymentofeconomic,socialandcultural ])$/ rights,suchasasystemofindicatorstomeasureprogressintherealization $*P%0 oftherightssetforthintheInternationalCovenantonEconomic,Socialand *&1 CulturalRights.TheCommissiononHumanRights,initsresolutions1994/20 +&2 and1995/15,recommendedthattheCentreforHumanRightsconveneexpert y,'3 seminarsforchairpersonsofthehumanrightstreatymonitoringbodiesand @-l(4 representativesofspecializedagenciesandnongovernmentalorganizations,  _focused_Ԁonspecificeconomic,socialandculturalrights,withaviewto  clarifyingtheparticularcontentofthoserights.TheEconomicandSocial b Council,atitssubstantivesessioninJuly1995,endorsedthis )U recommendation.  2   18  .3   b Withrespecttotheeradicationoftorture,theWorldConferencecalled ~  fortheearlyadoptionofanoptionalprotocoltotheConventionagainst E q TortureandOtherCruel,InhumanorDegradingTreatmentorPunishmentaimedat  8 establishingapreventivesystemofregularvisitstoplacesofdetention,    whichisunderelaborationbyanopen-endedworkinggroupoftheCommissionon    HumanRights.Theworkinggrouphasheldthreesessionstodateandwillmeet a   priortothefifty-secondsessionoftheCommission,in1996,topursueits (T  work.TheCommitteeagainstTorturehasprovidedsuggestionsconcerningthe   drafttextoftheoptionalprotocolandhasdesignatedoneofitsmembersas   itsobserverinthesessionsoftheworkinggroup. }  2   19  .3   b TheWorldConferencealsosuggestedthattheCommissionontheStatusof  7  WomenandtheCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomen   examinethepossibilityofintroducingtherightofpetitionthroughthe  preparationofanoptionalprotocoltotheConventionontheEliminationof ` AllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomen.TheCommittee,atitsthirteenth 'S sessionin1994,requestedthattheCommissionontheStatusofWomenconvene  ameetingofindependentexpertstodevelopadraftoptionalprotocoltothe  Convention.Atthemeeting,whichwasconvenedin1994,expertsfrom | differentregionswithbackgroundsindifferentlegalsystemspreparedadraft Co optionalprotocolthatservedasabasisfordiscussionattheCommittee's  6 fourteenthsessionin1995.TheresultsoftheCommittee'sdiscussionare  containedinitsSuggestion7appearinginitsannualreport(A/50/38).The  CommissionontheStatusofWomen,atitsthirty-ninthsessioninApril1995, _ consideredtheCommittee'ssuggestionandrequestedthattheSecretary-General &R inviteGovernmentsandcompetentorganizationstosubmittheirviewsonthis  question.TheCommissionfurtherdecidedtoestablishanopen-endedworking   groupatitsfortiethsessioninApril1996toconsiderthereporttobe {! submittedbytheSecretary-General. Bn" 2   20  .3   b PursuanttoarequestemanatingfromtheWorldConferenceonHuman  $ Rights,theCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildpreparedapreliminarydraft !% optionalprotocolontheinvolvementofchildreninarmedconflicts.Pursuant ^"& toresolutions1994/91oftheCommissiononHumanRightsand1994/10ofthe %#Q' EconomicandSocialCouncil,anopenendedintersessionalworkinggroupof #( theCommissionwasestablishedtoelaboratesuchadraftoptionalprotocolon $) thebasisofthepreliminarydraftpreparedbytheCommittee.TheCommission, z% * atitsfifty-firstsession,initsresolution1995/79,requestedthe A&m!+ Secretary-GeneraltotransmitthereportoftheworkinggrouptoGovernments, '4", relevantspecializedagencies,theCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildand '"- otherrelevantparties,includingMs._Gra a_ԁ_Machel_,theexpertappointedto (#. undertakethestudyontheimpactofarmedconflictsonchildren,andto ])$/ invitetheircommentsthereon. $*P%0 2   21  .3   b Pursuanttoresolutions1994/90oftheCommissiononHumanRights +&2 and1994/9oftheEconomicandSocialCouncil,anotheropenendedworking y,'3 groupwasestablishedtoelaborate,incollaborationwiththeSpecial @-l(4 Rapporteuronthesaleofchildren,childprostitutionandchildpornography  andtheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild,guidelinesforapossibledraft  optionalprotocoltotheConventionontheRightsoftheChildonthesaleof b children,childprostitutionandchildpornography,aswellasbasicmeasures )U fortheirpreventionanderadication.Theworkinggroupsubmittedthe  guidelinesfortheproposeddraftoptionalprotocoltotheCommissionatits  fifty-firstsessioninMarch1995.Initsresolution1995/78,theCommission ~  decidedthattheworkinggroupshouldelaborate,inclosecooperationwiththe E q SpecialRapporteurandtheCommittee,adraftoptionalprotocolbasedonthe  8 guidelinescontainedinitsreport(E/CN.4/1995/95,annexI).A    representativeoftheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildwasinvitedto    attendthenextsessionoftheworkinggroup. a   2   22  .3   b Asat15July1995,theInternationalConventionontheProtectionofthe   RightsofAllMigrantWorkersandMembersofTheirFamilieshadbeenratified   byfiveStatesandsignedbytwomore.Itrequires15moreratificationsto }  enterintoforce. Dp  (e) b Promotionofhumanrightseducation   2   23  .3   b ConsideringCommissiononHumanRightsresolution1994/51,inwhichthe ` CommissioninvitedtheSecretaryGeneraltosubmittotheGeneralAssemblya 'S planofactionforadecadeforhumanrightseducation,theGeneralAssembly,  initsresolution49/184of23December1994,welcomedthePlanofActionfor  theUnitedNationsDecadeforHumanRightsEducation,containedinthereport | oftheSecretary-General(A/49/261andAdd.1)andproclaimedthe10-year Co periodbeginningon1January1995theUnitedNationsDecadeforHumanRights  6 Education.  2   24  .3   b ThePlanofActionemphasizedthespecialroleofthetreatybodiesin _ formulatingappropriaterecommendationstoStatespartieswiththeaimof &R buildingauniversalcultureofhumanrights.Allofthetreatybodies,in  theirconcludingobservations,regularlyencourageStatespartiestogive   considerationtotheinclusionoftherespectiveinternationalhumanrights {! instrumentintheschoolandtrainingcurriculafortheprofessionsrelevant Bn" tothatinstrument.Statespartiesarealsoencouragedtomakethe  5# instrumentswellknownandaccessiblewithintheframeworkofnonformal  $ education. !% 2   25  .3   b TheCommitteeagainstTorture,onanumberofoccasions,hasemphasized %#Q' theneedtoestablisheducational,informationalandtrainingprogrammes #( regardingtheprohibitionoftortureformedicalpersonnel,judges,law $) enforcementofficialsandpolice,prisonandmilitarypersonnel.The z% * CommitteeonEconomic,SocialandCulturalRights,atitseleventhsessionin A&m!+ November1994,devoteditsdayofgeneraldiscussiontothetopicofhuman '4", rightseducation.TheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildhasrecently '"- encouragedStatespartiestousetheDecadetolaunchnationwidecampaignsto (#. sensitizethegeneralpublictotheprovisionsandprinciplesofthe ])$/ ConventionontheRightsoftheChild. $*P%0   y,'3 2   26  .3   b Inaddition,thechairpersonsinformallyagreedtoconsiderdraftinga   generalcommentonhumanrightseducationwhich,afterbeingadoptedbyall  thetreatybodiesindividually,couldbecomethefirstgeneralcomment b applyingtothewholetreatysystem. )U @  .2.Reporting  (a) b Overduereports E q 2   27  .3   b ThecontinuingproblemofoverdueStatereportsisofgreatconcernto    allofthetreatybodies.Inparticularmorethan80percentoftheStates    partiesarelateinsubmittingtheirreportsundertheInternationalCovenant a   onEconomic,SocialandCulturalRightsandtheInternationalConventionon (T  theEliminationofAllFormsofRacialDiscrimination.Thetreatybodies   regularlyrecommendthatinpreparingreportsStatespartiesseekassistance,   whichisavailableuponrequest,fromthetechnicalcooperationservicesof }  theCentreforHumanRights,andperiodicallysendreminderstoStatesparties Dp  whosereportsareoverdue.Theyalsoincludeinformationonoverduereports  7  intheirannualreportstotheGeneralAssemblyor,inthecaseofthe   CommitteeonEconomic,SocialandCulturalRights,totheEconomicandSocial  Council. ` 2   28  .3   b TheCommitteeontheEliminationofRacialDiscriminationhasalso  establishedaprocedurewhereby,withregardtoStatespartieswhosereports  aremostoverdue,itexaminesthesituationinthatStatepartybasedonthe | lastreportsubmitted.TheCommitteehasdecidedtoconductsecondreviews, Co atitsfortyseventhsessioninAugust1995,ofthesituationsinStates  6 partieswhichhavenotsubmittedareportfollowinganearlierreview.  2   29  .3   b Inthecaseoflongoverdueinitialreports,theCommitteeonEconomic, _ SocialandCulturalRightsproceedstoexaminethesituationinthatState &R partyonthebasisofallavailableinformation.IfaStatepartyindicates  thatareportwillbesubmitted,theChairmanisauthorizedtodefer   considerationofthesituationinthatStatepartyfornolongerthanone {! session. Bn" 2   30  .3   b Ateachspringsession,theofficersoftheHumanRightsCommitteemeet  $ withthePermanentRepresentativesofStatespartieswhosereportsaremore !% thanfouryearsoverduetostresstheimportanceoftheirfulfillingtheir ^"& reportingobligationsandtoassesswhetherassistancecouldbeprovidedby %#Q' theCentreforHumanRightstothateffect. #( 2   31  .3   b TheCommitteeonTorturehasdecidedthat,inthecaseofStatesparties z% * whosereportsaremorethan12monthsoverdue,theChairmanoftheCommittee A&m!+ mayberequestedtodiscussreportingobligationsortoaddressaletteron '4", thisquestiontotheMinisterforForeignAffairsoftheStateparty '"- concerned. (#. 2   32  .3   b Seminarsandtrainingcoursesonreportingprocedureswereorganizedboth $*P%0 attheregionallevelandunderthefellowshipprogrammeoftheCentrefor *&1  HumanRightsin1994andothersareplannedfor1995.Programmesof +&2 collaborationinthisregardhavebeendevelopedbetweentheCentre,the  InternationalTrainingCentreoftheInternationalLabourOrganizationandthe  AssociationforCulturalandTechnicalCooperation(_ACCT_). b  (b) b Backloginconsideringreports  2   33  .3   b Asat30June1995,thetreatybodiesfacedacumulativebacklog ~  of113reports.Ofthisnumber,38werereportspendingconsiderationbythe E q CommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomen.= <  1  /    ׀The  8 Committeehasrepeatedlyindicatedthatthelimitationonthedurationofits    sessionstonotmorethantwoweeksannually,asprovidedintheConvention,    hadbecomeaseriousobstacleandthatthetemporaryextensionofsessionsto a   threeweekscouldnotbeexpectedtoeliminatethebacklog.Accordingly,it (T  recommendedtotheStatespartiestotheConventionontheEliminationofAll   FormsofDiscriminationagainstWomenandtotheCommissionontheStatusof   Womenthatarticle20oftheConventionbeamendedtoallowtheCommitteeto }  meetannuallyforsuchperiodsoftimeasnecessarytoallowfortheeffective Dp  performanceofitsfunctionsundertheConvention.TheCommissiononthe  7  StatusofWomenendorsedthatrecommendationatitsthirtyninthsession,in   March1995.AspecialmeetingoftheStatespartiestotheConventionwas  heldon22May1995,whichadoptedtheamendmenttoarticle20ofthe ` Convention,decidedthattheamendmentwouldenterintoforcewhenapprovedby 'S theGeneralAssemblyandacceptedbyatwothirdsmajorityoftheStates  parties.  2 !  34  .3   b TheCommitteeonEconomic,SocialandCulturalRightshas16reports Co pendingconsideration,whichwillrequireatleastthreesessionstoexamine.  6 OnseveraloccasionstheCommitteedrewattentiontothefactthat,although  itsworkloadhasconsistentlyrequiredittoholdtwosessionsannually,only  oneregularsessionwasforeseenbytheEconomicandSocialCouncil,andthat _ asecondannualsessionhadbeenapprovedeachyearonanexceptionalbasis &R foranumberofyears.Atitssubstantivesessionof1995,heldinJuly1995,  theCouncilcarriedoutitsfiveyearreviewofthecomposition,organization   andadministrativearrangementsoftheCommitteeandauthorizedtheholdingof {! asecondsessionbytheCommitteeonaregularbasisfrom1996. Bn" 2 "  35  .3   b TheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildhas21reportspending  $ consideration,whichwillrequireatleastthreesessionstoexamine.In !% responsetotheCommittee'sproposaltoholdanadditionalsessioneachyear ^"& asanurgentsolutiontothesituation,theGeneralAssembly,inits %#Q' resolution49/211of23December1994,approvedtherecommendationregarding #( theincreasetothreeofthenumberofannualsessionsoftheCommitteeas $) from1995,aswellasthenumberofsessionsofitspre-sessionalworking z% * group. A&m!+ 2 #  36  .3   b TheHumanRightsCommitteehad20reportsawaitingconsideration,of '"- which5wereexaminedatitsfifty-fourthsessioninJuly1995.Atits (#. currentpace,theCommitteewillrequirethreesessionstoclearitsbacklog. ])$/ TheCommitteeagainstTorturehasnobacklog.TheCommitteeonthe $*P%0 EliminationofRacialDiscriminationhasabacklogof18documentssubmitted  byStatesparties,containingatotalof55reports.Atthecurrentpaceat  whichtheCommitteeexaminesStatereports,theexaminationofallofthemis b likelytobeconcludedatthefortyeighthsessioninMarch1996. )U (c) b ReportingburdenonStates  2 $  37  .3   b ThequestionofthereportingburdenonStateshasbeenraisedbythe E q CommissiononHumanRightsonseveraloccasions,mostrecentlyinits  8 resolution1995/92,inwhichiturgedthetreatybodiesandtheirchairpersons    tocontinuetoexaminewaysofreducingtheduplicationofreportingrequired    underthedifferentinstruments,aswellasgenerallyreducingthereporting a   burdenonStatesparties.Towardsthisend,theCommissioninthesame (T  resolutionandtheGeneralAssemblyinresolution49/178urgedthetreaty   bodiesandtheirchairpersonsto:    b (a) Identifywherecrossreferencingcouldbeusedinreportwriting; Dp   b (b) Recommend,whereappropriate,thedesignationofspecificnational   administrativeunitstocoordinatereportstoalltreatybodies;   b (c) CoordinateamongthemselvesandtheInternationalLabour 'S Organizationtoidentifyoverlapbetweenrespectiveinstrumentsand  conventions;and   b (d) Considertheutilityofsinglecomprehensivereportsandof Co replacingperiodicreportswithspecificallytailoredorthematicreports.  6 2 %  38  .3   b Thetreatybodiesandtheirchairpersonswererequestedtoreporttothe  Commissionontheresultsoftheirexaminationofthesematters. _ (d) b Roleofnongovernmentalorganizations  2 &  39  .3   b Initsresolution1995/92,theCommissiononHumanRightsrecognizedthe {! importantroleplayedbynongovernmentalorganizationsintheeffective Bn" implementationofallhumanrightsinstruments.  5# 2 '  40  .3   b TheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild,initsrulesofprocedure, !% providesforprecisewaysofcooperationwithnongovernmentalorganizations. ^"& Cooperationincludestheirroleinincreasingpublicawarenessofthe %#Q' Convention,developingeducationalandresearchprogrammes,aswellas #( ensuringfollowuptothedecisionsandrecommendationsoftheCommittee. $) Nongovernmentalorganizationsarealsoinvitedtoprovideexpertadviceto z% * thepresessionalworkinggroupoftheCommittee. A&m!+ 2 (  41  .3   b TheCommitteeontheEliminationofRacialDiscriminationalsooperates '"- closelywith_NGOs_.DuringtheCommittee'sfortysixthsessioninMarch1995, (#. ameetingofnongovernmentalorganizationsontheworkoftheCommitteewas ])$/ attendedby20nongovernmentalorganizationsandthreemembersofthe $*P%0 Committee. *&1   y,'3 _2 )  42  .3   b TheCommitteeonEconomic,SocialandCulturalRightshasformally   incorporatedthecontributionsofNGOsinitsproceedingsbyallowingthemto  makepresentationstotheCommittee'spresessionalworkinggroupandbefore b theCommitteeitselfatthebeginningofeachsession. )U 2 *  43  .3   b TheCommitteeagainstTorture,astheothertreatybodies,hasdeveloped  thepracticeofinviting,generallytwomonthsbeforetheCommittee's ~  sessions,thoseNGOsthatcloselyfollowtheactivitiesoftheCommitteeto E q submitinformationconcerningStatespartieswhosereportshavebeenscheduled  8 forconsideration.Further,underarticle20oftheConventionagainst    Torture,nongovernmentalorganizationshaveanimportantroleinproviding    theCommitteewithinformationrelatingtoitsconfidentialinquirieson a   systematicpracticesoftorture. (T  @0 0 3.Earlywarningandpreventiveprocedures   2 +  44  .3   b Initsresolution1995/92,theCommissionwelcomedallappropriate Dp  measuresthehumanrightstreatybodiesmighttake,withintheirmandates,in  7  responsetosituationsofmassivehumanrightsviolations,includingbringing   thoseviolationstotheattentionoftheHighCommissionerforHumanRights,  theSecretaryGeneralandUnitedNationsbodiescompetentinthefieldof ` humanrights,andrequestedtheHighCommissioner,actingwithinhismandate, 'S tocoordinateandconsultthroughouttheUnitedNationssysteminthatregard.  2 ,  45  .3   b SinceitsfortyfourthsessioninMarch1994,theCommitteeonthe | EliminationofRacialDiscriminationhasincorporatedinitsagendaanitem Co entitled"Earlywarningandurgentprocedures".Underthisagendaitem,the  6 CommitteemayreviewthehumanrightssituationinStatespartiesthatgive  causeforspecialconcern,andStateslistedunderthisagendaitemremain  listeduntiltheCommitteedecidesthattheirhumanrightssituationnolonger _ requiresit.AtitsfortyfifthsessioninJuly1994,theCommittee &R consideredthehumanrightssituationinfiveStatespartiesfromwhichthe  Committeehadeitherrequestedurgentreportsoronwhichithadtakenother   appropriateactionwithinitsmandate.Accordingly,thehumanrights {! situationinthosefiveStatespartiesandinfiveothersnewlyaddedunder Bn" thesameagendaitemwereconsideredatthefortysixthsessioninMarch1995.  5# 2 -  46  .3   b Inthelightofeventsthatindicatethattheenjoymentofhumanrights !% protectedundertheCovenanthavebeenseriouslyaffectedincertainStates ^"& parties,theHumanRightsCommitteehas,sinceitsfortyfirstsessionin %#Q' April1991,beguntorequestsuchStatespartiestosubmitspecialurgent #( reportsonthesituation,generallywithinthreemonths.Inaddition,when $) theconsiderationofaninitialorperiodicreportrevealsagravehuman z% * rightssituation,theCommitteemayrequesttheStatepartyconcernedto A&m!+ receiveamissionconsistingofoneormoremembersoftheCommitteeinorder '4", toresumeitsdialoguewiththeStateparty,developafullerunderstandingof '"- thesituationandmakeappropriatesuggestionsorrecommendations.In1994, (#. twosuchreportswererequested. ])$/ 2 .  47  .3   b TheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildemphasizesaspiritofdialogue *&1 andcooperationinthedevelopmentofearlywarningandpreventiveprocedures. +&2 TheCommitteehasrecentlydrawnitsconcernabouttheplightofchildrenin y,'3 RwandatotheattentionoftheSpecialRapporteuroftheCommissiononHuman @-l(4 RightsonthesituationofhumanrightsinRwanda.TheSpecialRapporteur  welcomedtheCommittee'ssuggestionthatheincludeinhisfuturereportsa  separatechapterontherightsofthechild.Healsoexpressedhisreadiness b toaddressthequestionoftheinstrumentalizationandvictimizationof )U childrenbytheconflict,includingintheareaofjuvenilejustice.@4  @ !4.Externalrelationsoftreatybodies ~  (a) b IntegrationwithintheUnitedNationsfamilyoforganizationsandbodies  8 2 /  48  .3   b Initsresolution1995/92andpreviousresolutionsontheeffective    implementationofinternationalhumanrightsinstruments,theCommissionon a   HumanRightsinvitedthespecializedagenciesandotherUnitedNationsbodies (T  andthetreatybodiestodevelopeffectivemeansforfurthercooperation   betweenthem,bearinginmindtheresponsibilitiesoftheHighCommissioner   forHumanRights.Accordingly,eachofthetreatybodieshasbeguntoaddress }  thisissueandregularlyreceivesinformationfromtheUnitedNations Dp  specializedagenciesandbodiesandfromSpecialRapporteursoftheCommission  7  onHumanRightsregardingspecificStatepartiesunderconsideration.The   viewsofthetreatybodiesontheseandotherissueswereconveyedbythe  ChairmanoftheFifthMeetingofChairpersonsofTreatyBodiestothe ` CommissionatitsfiftyfirstsessioninFebruary1995. 'S 2 0  49  .3   b TheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildholdsmeetingswith  UnitedNationsbodiesandspecializedagenciesandothercompetentbodiesona | regularbasis,atleastonceayear,andhasrecommendedthatafocalpointon Co theConventionbeestablishedwithineachrelevantUnitedNationsbodyor  6 specializedagencytoenhanceexistingcoordination.Oneimportantarea  identifiedforfurtherintegrationisthefieldofadvisoryservicesand  technicalcooperation.AttherequestoftheCommitteeontheRightsofthe _ Child,theHighCommissionerforHumanRightshastakentheinitiativeinthe &R organizationofregularinter-agencymeetingstoenhanceinternational  cooperationinimplementingthetechnicalcooperationrelatedrecommendations   oftheCommittee. {! 2 1  50  .3   b CooperationbetweentheCommitteeontheEliminationofRacial  5# DiscriminationandtheInternationalLabourOrganization(ILO)hasbeen  $ strengthenedsignificantlyduringrecentsessions.Inaddition,atits !% forty-sixthsessioninMarch1995,theCommitteeconducteddialoguewiththe ^"& SpecialRapporteuroftheSubCommissiononcontemporaryformsofracism, %#Q' racialdiscrimination,xenophobiaandrelatedintoleranceandtheSpecial #( RapporteuroftheCommissiononthesituationofhumanrightsintheformer $) Yugoslavia.Mattersdiscussedundertheagendaitementitled"Earlywarning z% * andpreventiveaction"havebeenbroughttotheattentionoftheHigh A&m!+ CommissionerforHumanRights.On8August1995,theCommitteeheldajoint '4", meetingwiththeSubCommissiononPreventionofDiscriminationandProtection '"- ofMinoritiesanditsSpecialRapporteuroncontemporaryformsofracism, (#. racialdiscrimination,xenophobiaandrelatedintolerance. ])$/ 2 2  51  .3   b Atitsfiftysecondsession,inOctober1994,theHumanRightsCommittee *&1 decidedtoinvitethereafterrepresentativesofspecializedagenciesandother +&2  UnitedNationsbodiestomakeoralpresentationstotheCommittee's y,'3 pre-sessionalworkinggrouponarticle40oftheInternationalCovenanton   CivilandPoliticalRights,whichconductspreliminaryreviewsofperiodic  reportsscheduledtobeconsideredbytheplenary. b 2 3  52  .3   b TheCommitteeagainstTorturehasdevelopedclosecooperationand  collaborationwithUnitedNationsmechanismsdealingwithmeasurestocombat  torture,suchastheSpecialRapporteuroftheCommissiononHumanRightson ~  thequestionoftortureandtheUnitedNationsVoluntaryFundforVictimsof E q Torture.Inparticular,itdrawstheattentionofreportingStatestothe  8 activitiesoftheVoluntaryFundandencouragesthemtomakegenerous    contributionstoit.    (b) b Cooperationwithothertreatybodies (T  2 4  53  .3   b Eachtreatybodysystematicallyreceivesinformationonthedeliberations   andcommentsthattheothertreatybodiesmakeuponconcludingtheir }  examinationofStatepartyreportsandhumanrightssituations. Dp  2 5  54  .3   b Inaddition,theCommitteeagainstTorturehasdevelopedclose   cooperationintheexchangeofinformationwiththeEuropeanCommitteeforthe  PreventionofTortureestablishedbytheCouncilofEuropeundertheEuropean ` ConventionforthePreventionofTortureandInhumanorDegradingTreatmentor 'S Punishment.  (c) b Provisionofpublicinformation | 2 6  55  .3   b Thetreatybodieshavestressedtheimportanceofincreasingawarenessof  6 theirworkinordertoincreasetheenjoymentoftherightscoveredunderthe  variousinstruments.Initsresolution49/178,theGeneralAssemblywelcomed  therecommendationoftheFifthMeetingoftheChairpersonsoftheTreaty _ BodiesthatthetreatybodiesurgetheStatespartiestotranslate,publish &R andmakeavailabletothemediathefulltextoftheconcludingobservations  ontheirreportstothetreatybodies.Inthesameresolution,theAssembly   requestedtheHighCommissionerforHumanRightstoensurethatrecentreports {! andthesummaryrecordsofcommitteediscussionspertainingtothem,aswell Bn" asconcludingobservationsandfinalcommentsofthetreatybodies,weremade  5# availableintheUnitedNationsinformationcentresinthecountries  $ submittingthosereports.TheAssemblyalsoinvitedtheDepartmentofPublic !% InformationoftheSecretariattopublishattheendofeachyear,asa ^"& separatevolume,acompilationofallconcludingobservationsadoptedduring %#Q' thatyearbytreatybodiesandrequestedtheHighCommissionertoensurethat #( theManualonHumanRightsReportingwasupdatedattheearliestopportunity $) inalltheofficiallanguages,andthatdueregardwaspaidtothe z% * recommendationsoftheFifthMeetingofChairpersons.Actionhasbeen A&m!+ initiatedtorevisetheManualandtoincludeachapterontheConventionon '4", theRightsoftheChild.Initsresolution49/187,theGeneralAssemblyurged '"- theDepartmentofPublicInformationtocontinuetouseUnitedNations (#. informationcentresforthepurposeoftimelydisseminationofbasic ])$/ informationandreferencematerialsonhumanrightsandfundamentalfreedoms, $*P%0 includingthereportsofStatespartiesunderinternationalhumanrights *&1 instruments. +&2   y,'3 2 7  56  .3   b Inadditiontotheserecommendations,someofthetreatybodieshave   beguntoengageinotheractivitiestoincreaseawarenessoftheirwork.The  CommitteeonEconomic,SocialandCulturalRightsiscurrentlyexaminingways b toproducepublicinformationvideosaboutitsactivitieswiththe )U collaborationoftheDepartmentofPublicInformation.Ithasagreedthat,at  leastonemonthbeforeaStatereportsubmittedundertheInternational  CovenantonEconomic,SocialandCulturalRightsisconsidered,thetextof ~  thatreportshouldbemadeavailableattheUnitedNationsinformationcentre E q responsibleforthereportingcountry,alongwithapressreleaseindicating  8 themainissuestobedealtwithinrelationtothatreport.Inaddition,the    CentreforHumanRightshasbeenrequestedtoreviseandreissueFactSheet    No.16ontheworkoftheCommittee.TheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild a   hasassignedoneofitsmemberstodraftguidelinesfortherevisionofthe (T  Centre'sFactSheetNo.10ontherightsofthechild.   2 8  57  .3   b Membersofthevarioustreatybodiescontinuedtoparticipatein }  conferencesandseminarsinwhichtheywereabletodrawattentiontotheir Dp  monitoringactivities.  7  @)5.Secretariatsupport  (a) b Staffingrequirementsandfacilities 'S 2 9  58  .3   b TheHumanRightsCommitteeandtheCommitteeagainstTortureintheir  respectivereportstotheGeneralAssembly(A/49/44andA/50/44)emphasized | thatthegreatercomplexityandmoreintensivepaceoftheiroperations, Co resultingfromtheincreasednumberofStatesparties,aswellasfrom  6 qualitativechangesintheirmethodsofwork,haveaddedsignificantlytothe  workloadoftheSecretariatinrelationtothemonitoringofStatesparties'  reports.Accordingly,theCommitteesrequestedtheSecretary-Generaltotake _ thenecessarystepstoensureasubstantialincreaseinthespecializedstaff &R assignedtoservicetheCommittees.  2 :  59  .3   b TheCommitteeonEconomic,SocialandCulturalRightshasonseveral {! occasionsdrawnattentiontothelackofspecialiststaffinthefieldof Bn" economic,socialandculturalrightswithintheCentre,whichimpedesits  5# abilitytoengageinresearchandotheractivities.Atitstwelfthsession,  $ theCommitteerequestedthaturgentmeasuresbetakentoensureatleasta !% minimalamountofexpertassistancetotheCommittee.Italsoraisedthe ^"& issueofthelackofresourceanddocumentationfacilitiesforitsmembers %#Q' duringCommitteesessions.TheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildhasalso #( requestedonseveraloccasionsthatsecretariatsupporttotheCommitteebe $) strengthened. z% * 2 ;  60  .3   b InaccordancewiththerelevantrecommendationsmadebytheChairpersons, '4", theCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomenrecommended '"- atitslatestsession,inFebruary1995,thattheCommitteeshouldbe (#. relocatedtoGenevaandthatservicingbeprovidedbytheCentreforHuman ])$/ Rights. $*P%0  @-l(4 (b) b Computerization  2 <  61  .3   b PursuanttoCommissiononHumanRightsresolution1989/46,ataskforce b oncomputerizationwasestablishedtoexaminethequestionofcomputerization )U oftheworkofthetreaty-monitoringbodies.Initsfinalreporttothe  Commission(E/CN.4/1990/39)theTaskForcerecommendedcomputerizationto  facilitatecompliancebyStatespartieswiththeirreportingobligationsand ~  toincreasetheefficiencyofthetreatybodiesand,inthatregard,urged E q thatadatabasebedevelopedforthetreatybodies.  8 2 =  62  .3   b Initsresolution1990/21of23February1990,theCommissiononHuman    RightshavingconsideredthereportoftheTaskForceonComputerizationand a   recommendedtotheStatesMembersoftheUnitedNations,particularlythose (T  StateswhichwerepartiestotheUnitedNationshumanrightsinstruments,to   makegenerouscontributionstocovertheinitialone-timecostoftheproposed   databasesystem. }  Ѐ2 >  63  .3   b InaccordancewiththisandsubsequentresolutionsoftheCommissionon  7  HumanRights,theEconomicandSocialCouncilandtheGeneralAssembly,   in1992,theSecretaryGeneralcorrespondedwiththeStatesMembersofthe  UnitedNationsrequestinggenerouscontributionsfortheestablishmentofthe ` proposeddatabase.Asat1July1995,oftheUS$508,500initiallyrequired, 'S accordingtothereportoftheTaskForce,toestablishtheproposeddatabase,  onlyUS$111,643hadbeenreceivedincontributionsfromMemberStates.  2 ?  64  .3   b Subsequently,theCommissionhasrepeatedonseveraloccasions,most Co recentlyinitsresolution1995/92,itsrequesttotheSecretary-Generalthat  6 heseekvoluntarycontributionsfromtheStatesMembersoftheUnitedNations.  Initsresolution48/120,theGeneralAssemblyrepeateditsrequesttothe  Secretary-Generaltogivehighprioritytoestablishingacomputerized _ database.Inthelightoftheforegoingandtheinsufficientleveloffunds &R received,theSecretary-General,inJuly1995,sentasecondinvitationto  MemberStatestocontributetotheestablishmentofthedatabase.   2 @  65  .3   b Thefull-textinformationretrievalanddatabasesystembeingdeveloped Bn" fortheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildjointlybytheCentreandthe  5# UnitedNationsChildren'sFundwillserveasamodelforthedatabasetobe  $ developedforalloftheUnitedNationshumanrightstreatybodies. !% @%6.Financingoftreatybodies %#Q' 2 A  66  .3   b Itmayberecalledthat,inaccordancewiththerelevantamendments $) adoptedrespectivelybytheStatespartiestotheInternationalConventionon z% * theEliminationofAllFormsofRacialDiscriminationandbytheStates A&m!+ partiestotheConventionagainstTortureandOtherCruel,Inhumanor '4", DegradingTreatmentorPunishment,andendorsedbytheGeneralAssemblyinits '"- resolution47/111,theCommitteeontheEliminationofRacialDiscrimination (#. andtheCommitteeagainstTorturehavebeenfinancedundertheregularbudget ])$/ oftheUnitedNationsasfromJanuary1994.By30June1995,17States $*P%0 partiesofthe86requiredfortheentryintoforceoftheamendmenttothe *&1 InternationalConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofRacial +&2  Discriminationand16Statespartiesofthe45requiredfortheentryinto y,'3 forceoftheamendmenttotheConventionagainstTortureandOtherCruel,   InhumanorDegradingTreatmentorPunishmenthadnotifiedthe  Secretary-Generaloftheiracceptance. b 2 B  67  .3   b TheCommitteeonEconomic,SocialandCulturalRightshasrequestedthat  theEconomicandSocialCouncilapprovetheallocationofadditionalresources  thatwouldenabletheCommitteetocarryoutitsfunctionsbetterandthat ~  wouldremedyinequitiesrelativetotheothertreatybodies.Duringits E q substantivesessionof1995,inJuly1995,theEconomi