Cmttee/ACRWC/II. Rev 2 Page 3 Rule 10: Transmission of the provisional agenda and basic documents The Secretary shall transmit basic documents relating to items appearing on its Provisional Agenda to the members of the Committee at least one month before the meeting takes place. III. MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE Rule 11: Composition of Committee 1. The Committee is composed of 11 independent members elected by the Assembly of the Union in conformity with Article 33 of the Children's Charter. 2. The position of a member of the Committee is incompatible with any activity that might interfere with the independence or impartiality of such a member or the demands of the office such as working in any intergovernmental organisation, UN Agencies, or a Cabinet Minister or Deputy Minister, member of parliament, Ambassador, or any other politically binding function. 3. In the event of a dispute as to whether an activity is incompatible with the functions of a Member, the Committee shall decide. Rule 12: Term of office The members of the Committee shall be elected and shall serve in conformity with Article 37 of the Children's Charter. Rule 13: Beginning of term of office The members of the Committee elected at the first election shall begin their term of office from the date of their election namely 10 July 2001. In the case of members elected at subsequent elections, their term of office shall begin on the day following the date of expiry of the term of office of the members whom they replace. Rule 14: Filling of casual vacancies 1. The members of the Committee shall be present in person and participate effectively during the whole period of the meeting. In the case of legitimate absence they shall inform the Chairperson of the Committee two weeks before the session. In any case, they shall not be absent for two consecutive sessions. In both cases of absence or failure to fully participate in the work of the Committee, the Committee may decide to bring this matter, through its Chairperson, to the Chairperson of the Commission who shall then declare the post vacant and take immediate action for replacement. 2. If a member of the Committee dies or resigns or declares, for any other cause, that he/she can no longer perform his/her duties as member, the Chairperson of the Committee shall notify the Chairperson of the Commission who shall then declare vacant the seat of that member.