- 15 -
questions arising out of their reports. Such an arrangement also enhances the
likelihood that the State party will be able to provide precise and detailed
information.
25.
In terms of its own working methods, the working group, in the interests
of efficiency, allocates to each of its members initial responsibility for
undertaking a detailed review of a specific number of reports and for putting
before the group a preliminary list of issues. The decision as to how the
reports should be allocated for this purpose is based in part on the preferred
areas of expertise of the member concerned. Each draft is then revised and
supplemented on the basis of observations by the other members of the group
and the final version of the list is adopted by the group as a whole. This
procedure applies equally to both initial and periodic reports.
26.
In preparation for the pre-sessional working group, the Committee has
asked the secretariat to place at the disposal of its members a country
analysis as well as all pertinent documents containing information relevant to
each of the reports to be examined. For this purpose the Committee has
invited all concerned individuals, bodies and non-governmental organizations
to submit relevant and appropriate documentation to the secretariat. It has
also asked the secretariat to ensure that certain types of information are
regularly placed in the relevant files.
27.
In order to ensure that the Committee is as well informed as possible, it
provides opportunities for non-governmental organizations to submit relevant
information to it. They may do this in writing at any time, in accordance
with the appropriate Economic and Social Council procedures. The Committee’s
pre-sessional working group is also open to the submission of information in
person or in writing from any non-governmental organizations, provided that it
relates to matters on the agenda of the working group. In addition, the
Committee sets aside part of the first afternoon at each of its sessions to
enable representatives of non-governmental organizations to provide oral
information. Such information should: (a) focus specifically on the
provisions of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural
Rights; (b) be of direct relevance to matters under consideration by the
Committee; (c) be reliable; and (d) not be abusive. The relevant meeting is
open and provided with interpretation services, but is not covered by summary
records.
28.
As from its eleventh session, the Committee requested the
ensure that any written information formally submitted to it by
non-governmental organizations in relation to the consideration
State party report be made available as soon as possible to the
of the State concerned.
secretariat to
individuals or
of a specific
representative
29.
The lists of issues drawn up by the working group are given directly to a
representative of the States concerned, along with a copy of the Committee’s
most recent report and with a note stating, inter alia, the following:
"The list is not intended to be exhaustive and it should not be
interpreted as limiting or in any other way prejudging the type and range
of questions which members of the Committee might wish to ask. However,
the working group believes that the constructive dialogue which the
Committee wishes to have with the representatives of the State party can