A/RES/54/4
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Noting that the Beijing Platform for Action also called on all States that have not yet ratified or acceded
to the Convention to do so as soon as possible so that universal ratification of the Convention can be achieved
by the year 2000,
1. Adopts and opens for signature, ratification and accession the Optional Protocol to the Convention,
the text of which is annexed to the present resolution;
2. Calls upon all States that have signed, ratified or acceded to the Convention to sign and ratify or to
accede to the Protocol as soon as possible;
3. Stresses that States parties to the Protocol should undertake to respect the rights and procedures
provided by the Protocol and cooperate with the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against
Women at all stages of its proceedings under the Protocol;
4. Stresses also that in the fulfilment of its mandate as well as its functions under the Protocol, the
Committee should continue to be guided by the principles of non-selectivity, impartiality and objectivity;
5. Requests the Committee to hold meetings to exercise its functions under the Protocol after its entry
into force, in addition to its meetings held under article 20 of the Convention; the duration of such meetings
shall be determined and, if necessary, reviewed by a meeting of the States parties to the Protocol, subject to
the approval of the General Assembly;
6. Requests the Secretary-General to provide the staff and facilities necessary for the effective
performance of the functions of the Committee under the Protocol after its entry into force;
7. Also requests the Secretary-General to include information on the status of the Protocol in her or his
regular reports submitted to the General Assembly on the status of the Convention.
28th plenary meeting
6 October 1999
ANNEX
Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of
All Forms of Discrimination against Women
The States Parties to the present Protocol,
Noting that the Charter of the United Nations reaffirms faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity
and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women,
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