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HR/CT/99/31
18 October 1999


HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE ADOPTS GUIDELINES FOR STATE REPORTS UNDER INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS


The Human Rights Committee this afternoon adopted consolidated guidelines for State reports under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which will replace all earlier versions issued by the Committee.

In its introduction, the draft guidelines stressed that, under article 40 of the International Covenant, every State party, upon ratifying the Covenant, submit an initial report within a year of the Covenant's entry into force for that State.

The guidelines also detailed aspects that should be included in the reports submitted by States parties for consideration by the Committee. According to the guidelines, the report should deal specifically with every article of the Covenant, and it should explain whether the Covenant was incorporated into domestic law, and if not, whether the Constitution guaranteed Covenant rights. Further, information should be given about the judicial, administrative or other competent authorities having jurisdiction in respect of Covenant rights.

The guidelines alerted States that practices on subsequent periodic reports had changed. Originally, the Committee wanted reports submitted every five years, but the guidelines said that Committee’s, during concluding observations, would tell States the specific date its next report should be issued. The guidelines also stated that objective of the follow-up report should be a continuation and up-dating of the previous dialogue, with emphasis made towards fulfilment of the State party's obligations under the Covenant.

The guidelines will enter into force on 31 December 1999.

When the Committee reconvenes at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, 19 October, it will take up the fourth periodic report of Norway (document CCPR/C/115/Add.2).