by the SPT. In particular, when the SPT is not in session, the Bureau may make decisions on urgent or delegated matters on its
behalf. Members shall be consulted on such decisions whenever time and circumstances permit and each such decision shall be
communicated to all members as soon as possible, account being taken of the requirements for confidentiality. The Bureau shall
report to the SPT at each session on any decisions or actions of an urgent or delegated nature which have been taken on behalf of the
SPT since the previous session.
2.The Bureau shall meet as required during regular sessions and in special sessions as necessary to fulfil its obligations and the
mandate of the SPT.
Rule 12Powers of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons
1.The Chairperson shall exercise her or his functions under the authority of the SPT.
2.In accordance with these rules of procedure, the Chairperson shall ensure the orderly conduct of the proceedings of the SPT,
including observance of these rules.
3.The Chairperson shall represent the SPT at the United Nations and other meetings. If the Chairperson is unable to represent the
SPT at such meetings, she or he may designate one of the Vice-Chairpersons. If no Vice-Chairperson is available, with the
permission of the SPT, the Chairperson may designate a member of the SPT, to attend such meetings on behalf of the SPT.
Rule 13Acting Chairperson
1.If, during a session, the Chairperson is unable to be present at a meeting or any part thereof, she or he shall designate a ViceChairperson to act in her or his place.
2.If the Chairperson and the Vice-Chairpersons are simultaneously unable to carry out their duties, or if none has been elected, the
SPT shall entrust such duties to any member of the SPT until such time as the Chairperson or Vice-Chairpersons assume their
functions or are elected. The Secretariat may, if necessary and in consultation with the SPT, call a meeting of the SPT for that
purpose.
3.Any member acting as Chairperson shall have the same powers and duties as the Chairperson.
IV.Secretariat of the SPT
Rule 14Provision of the SPT secretariat
In accordance with article 25, paragraph 2, of the Optional Protocol, the Secretary-General shall provide the necessary staff and
facilities for the effective performance of the functions of the Subcommittee. As such, the SPT shall be provided with a dedicated
secretariat, including a secretary and a team of staff with the capacity to engage in SPT fieldwork.
Rule 15Duties of the SPT secretariat
1.The SPT secretariat shall be responsible for all the necessary arrangements for sessions of the SPT.
2.The Secretariat shall attend all sessions of the SPT and may make oral or written statements at those sessions.
3.The Secretariat shall provide working documents in advance of the sessions to enable the SPT to address all the items on its draft
agenda and to carry out its fieldwork effectively. The Secretariat shall provide the SPT during sessions with all information which the
SPT considers necessary in order for the SPT to fulfil its mandate effectively.
4.The Secretariat shall respond as early as possible to requests made by the Bureau for information, and shall provide draft
correspondence and draft documents upon request as soon as possible.
Rule 16Financial implications of proposals
1.The expenditure incurred by the SPT in the implementation of the Optional Protocol shall be borne by the United Nations.
2.Before any proposal involving additional expenditure to that already approved by the General Assembly is approved by the SPT,
the Secretariat shall prepare and circulate to the members of the SPT, as early as possible, an estimate of the cost involved in the
proposal indicating the additional expenditure is involved. It shall be the duty of the Chairperson to draw the members’ attention to
this estimate and the additional expenditure involved prior to a decision being taken on the proposal.
V.Communications
Rule 17Incoming and outgoing communications
1.The Secretariat shall bring to the attention of the SPT all communications received containing information submitted for
consideration by the SPT.
2.Communications received by individual members of the SPT which relate to the mandate of the SPT shall be forwarded to the
Secretariat.