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CESCR
22nd Session
1 May
Afternoon
HR/ESC/00/11/Rev.1


The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights this afternoon approved the request of the Government of Portugal to delay consideration of its third periodic report until a future session.

Alvaro de Mendonca e Moura, Permanent Representative of Portugal to the United Nations and other international organizations at Geneva, explained to Committee members that his country had requested a postponement three months ago because of commitments involving, among other things, Portugal’s chairing of the European Union.

After a brief debate, the Committee experts approved the request, and rescheduled Portugal for its session from 20 November to 8 December. Portugal has to respond in writing whether that time will be convenient.

As one of 143 States parties to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Portugal must submit periodic reports to the Committee on how it was implementing the provisions of the treaty.

Following the decision to reschedule the report, the Committee then held a short discussion on a draft general comment which it is considering on the right to health -- Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The experts will debate this draft general comment on 8 May.

The Committee will reconvene on Tuesday, 2 May at 3 p.m. to begin consideration of the initial report of Egypt.


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