(a) If a State Party to the present Protocol considers that another State Party

is not fulfilling its obligations under the Covenant, it may, by written

communication, bring the matter to the attention of that State Party. The

State Party may also inform the Committee of the matter. Within three

months after the receipt of the communication the receiving State shall

afford the State that sent the communication an explanation, or any other

statement in writing clarifying the matter, which should include, to the

extent possible and pertinent, reference to domestic procedures and

remedies taken, pending or available in the matter;

(b) If the matter is not settled to the satisfaction of both States Parties

concerned within six months after the receipt by the receiving State of the

initial communication, either State shall have the right to refer the matter to

the Committee, by notice given to the Committee and to the other State;

(c) The Committee shall deal with a matter referred to it only after it has

ascertained that all available domestic remedies have been invoked and

exhausted in the matter. This shall not be the rule where the application of

the remedies is unreasonably prolonged;

(d) Subject to the provisions of subparagraph (c) of the present paragraph

the Committee shall make available its good offices to the States Parties

concerned with a view to a friendly solution of the matter on the basis of the

respect for the obligations set forth in the Covenant;

(e) The Committee shall hold closed meetings when examining

communications under the present article;

(f) In any matter referred to it in accordance with subparagraph (b) of the

present paragraph, the Committee may call upon the States Parties

concerned, referred to in subparagraph (b), to supply any relevant

information;

(g) The States Parties concerned, referred to in subparagraph (b) of the

present paragraph, shall have the right to be represented when the matter is

being considered by the Committee and to make submissions orally and/or

in writing;

(h) The Committee shall, with all due expediency after the date of receipt of

notice under subparagraph (b) of the present paragraph, submit a report, as

follows:

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