ARTICLE 27 Amendments 1. Any State Party may propose amendments to this Protocol. 2. Proposals for amendments to this Protocol shall be made to the Executive Secretary who shall duly notify all Member States of the proposed amendments at least thirty (30) days in advance of consideration of the amendments by the States Parties. Such notice may be waived by the Member States. 3. Amendments to this Protocol shall be adopted by a decision of three quarters of all the State Parties and shall become effective thirty (30) days after such adoption. ARTICLE 28 Signature This Protocol shall be signed by the duly authorised representatives of the Member States. ARTICLE 29 Ratification This Protocol shall be subject to ratification by the Member States in accordance with their respective constitutional procedures. ARTICLE 30 Entry into Force This Protocol shall enter into force thirty (30) days after the deposit of instruments of ratification by two-thirds of the Member States. ARTICLE 31 Accession This Protocol shall remain open for accession by any Member State. ARTICLE 32 Withdrawal 1. Any State Party may withdraw from this Protocol upon the expiration of twelve (12) months from the date of giving written notice to the Executive Secretary to that effect. 2. Any State Party that has withdrawn pursuant to paragraph 1 shall cease to enjoy all rights and benefits under this Protocol upon the withdrawal becoming effective. 19

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