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F. Other matters

Article 13 – Mediation or other processes to resolve disputes

In order to prevent or resolve disputes or to avoid proceedings before a judicial authority affecting children,

Parties shall encourage the provision of mediation or other processes to resolve disputes and the use of such

processes to reach agreement in appropriate cases to be determined by Parties.

Article 14 – Legal aid and advice

Where internal law provides for legal aid or advice for the representation of children in proceedings before a

judicial authority affecting them, such provisions shall apply in relation to the matters covered by Articles 4 and 9.

Article 15 – Relations with other international instruments

This Convention shall not restrict the application of any other international instrument which deals with specific

issues arising in the context of the protection of children and families, and to which a Party to this Convention is,

or becomes, a Party.

Chapter III – Standing Committee

Article 16 – Establishment and functions of the Standing Committee

1 A Standing Committee is set up for the purposes of this Convention.

2 The Standing Committee shall keep under review problems relating to this Convention. It may, in particular:

a Consider any relevant questions concerning the interpretation or implementation of the Convention. The

Standing Committee's conclusions concerning the implementation of the Convention may take the form of a

recommendation; recommendations shall be adopted by a three-quarters majority of the votes cast;

b Propose amendments to the Convention and examine those proposed in accordance with Article 20;

c Provide advice and assistance to the national bodies having the functions under paragraph 2 of Article 12

and promote international co-operation between them.

Article 17 – Composition

1 Each Party may be represented on the Standing Committee by one or more delegates. Each Party shall

have one vote.

2 Any State referred to in Article 21, which is not a Party to this Convention, may be represented in the

Standing Committee by an observer. The same applies to any other State or to the European Community after

having been invited to accede to the Convention in accordance with the provisions of Article 22.

3 Unless a Party has informed the Secretary General of its objection, at least one month before the meeting,

the Standing Committee may invite the following to attend as observers at all its meetings or at one meeting or

part of a meeting:

– Any State not referred to in paragraph 2 above;

– The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child;

– The European Community;

– Any international governmental body;

– Any international non-governmental body with one or more functions mentioned under paragraph 2 of

Article 12;

– Any national governmental or non-governmental body with one or more functions mentioned under

paragraph 2 of Article 12.