Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly of the States Parties to the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.pdf

Adopted by the General Assembly of the States Parties to the Convention at its first session (UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, 27 to 29 June 2006), amended at its second session (UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, 16 to 19 June 2008) and at its fifth session (UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, 2 to 4 June 2014)

I Participation

Rule 1 Participation

The representatives of all States Parties to the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Convention’) adopted by the General Conference on 17 October 2003, may take part, with the right to vote, in the work of the General Assembly of States Parties (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Assembly’).

Rule 2 Representatives and observers

2.1 The representatives of Member States of UNESCO not party to the Convention, of Associate Members of UNESCO and of permanent observer missions to UNESCO may participate in the work of the Assembly as observers, without the right to vote, and subject to Rule 7.3.

2.2 Representatives of the United Nations and organizations of the United Nations system and other intergovernmental organizations which have concluded mutual representation agreements with UNESCO, as well as observers of intergovernmental and international non-governmental organizations invited by the Director-General, may participate in the work of the Assembly, without the right to vote, and subject to Rule 7.3.

II Organization of the Assembly

Rule 3 Election of officers

The Assembly shall elect a Chairperson, (a) Vice-Chairperson(s) and a Rapporteur.

Rule 4 Duties of the Chairperson

4.1 In addition to exercising the powers which are conferred upon him/her elsewhere by the present Rules, the Chairperson shall open and close each plenary meeting of the Assembly. He/She shall direct the discussions, ensure observance of these Rules, accord the right to speak, put questions to the vote and announce decisions. He/She shall rule on points of order and, subject to the present Rules, shall control the proceedings and the maintenance of order. He/She shall not vote, but he/she may instruct another member of his/her delegation to vote on his/her behalf. 4.2 Should the Chairperson be absent during a meeting, or any part thereof, he/she shall be replaced by a Vice-Chairperson. The Vice-Chairperson acting as Chairperson shall have the same powers and duties as the Chairperson.

III Conduct of Business

Rule 5 Public nature of meetings

Meetings shall be held in public unless decided otherwise by the Assembly.

Rule 6 Quorum

6.1 A quorum shall consist of a majority of the States referred to in Rule 1 and represented at the Assembly.

6.2 The Assembly shall not decide on any matter unless a quorum is present.

Rule 7 Order and time-limit of speakers

7.1 The Chairperson shall call upon speakers in the order in which they signify their wish to speak.

7.2 For the convenience of the discussion, the Chairperson may limit the time to be allowed to each speaker.

7.3 The consent of the Chairperson must be obtained whenever an observer wishes to address the Assembly.

Rule 8 Points of order

8.1 During a discussion, any delegation may raise a point of order; such a point of order shall be immediately decided upon by the Chairperson.

8.2 An appeal may be made against the ruling of the Chairperson. Such an appeal shall be put to the vote immediately and the Chairperson’s ruling shall stand, unless overruled by a majority of the delegations present and voting.