E/1999/27 E/CN.6/1999/10 “Therefore, the Austrian delegation takes the view that the Committee will accept communications concerning each and every substantive provision set forth in the Convention and will examine whether the State party has taken all necessary steps to fulfill the obligations as stipulated in the Convention. Thus, the Committee — in interpreting the term ‘rights’ referred to in article 2 of the optional protocol — could use as source of inspiration the case law of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. “Furthermore, the Austrian delegation is of the opinion that — during its examination of a communication — the Committee is free to place itself at the disposal of the parties concerned with a view to facilitating settlement of the matter on the basis of respect for the rights and obligations as defined in the Convention.” Cameroon “The Cameroonian delegation associates itself with the delegations which have preceded it in commending you for the determination which you have displayed throughout the work of our Commission, a determination which has enabled us to reach an outcome that gives us cause for satisfaction today. Cameroon is bound to become a party to the optional protocol, just as it accepts the oversight mechanism for the implementation of the International Labour Organization instruments to which it is a party. “As regards article 17 of the protocol, however, we can understand the misgivings expressed by some delegations, given that the principle of reservation is set forth in various international instruments, thereby endowing them with a degree of flexibility which permits States to ratify them while denouncing any provisions found troublesome. “Everyone should understand, however, that we are dealing here with a special case: the advancement of women. We hope that the protocol will be widely disseminated at the national level, and that all who support the advancement of women and respect for their basic rights will recognize the merits of this protocol, including its article 17.” Canada “Canada understands that an act or failure to act by a State party which gives rise to violations of rights or obligations under CEDAW may be the basis for a communication or inquiry pursuant to the protocol. “With respect to the question of standing in article 2, Canada understands that the CEDAW Committee has the authority to determine the question of consent according to the particular circumstances of each case, and that the Committee should interpret article 2 in a way no less favourable than the existing practice and procedures of other human rights treaty bodies.” China “The Government of China attaches great importance to the protection of women’s rights and supports the efforts of the international community in eliminating discrimination against women, including the elaboration of an optional protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. The delegation of China hopes that the optional protocol would be widely accepted by States with different social, cultural or historical background so as to contribute positively to the elimination of discrimination against women. “On Article 2: 60