Cmttee/ACRWC/II. Rev 2 Page 1 PART ONE: GENERAL RULES I. SESSIONS Rule 1: Meetings of the African Committee The African Committee on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (hereinafter referred to as “the Committee”) shall hold meetings as may be required for the effective performance of its functions in accordance with the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (hereinafter referred to as “the Children's Charter”). Rule 2: Ordinary sessions 1. The Committee shall normally hold two ordinary sessions annually not exceeding two weeks. 2. Ordinary sessions of the Committee shall be convened on dates decided by the Chairperson of the Committee in consultation with the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (hereinafter referred to as the "Chairperson of the Commission"), taking into account the calendar of conferences approved by the policy organs of the AU. Rule 3: Extraordinary sessions 1. Extraordinary sessions of the Committee shall be convened by the Chairperson, if the Committee so decides. When the Committee is not in session, the Chairperson may convene extraordinary sessions of the Committee in consultation with the Bureau. The Chairperson of the Committee shall also convene extraordinary sessions: (a) (b) At the written request of a simple majority of the members of the Committee; At the written request of a State party to the Children's Charter. 2. Extraordinary sessions shall be convened as soon as possible on a date fixed by the Chairperson, in consultation with the Chairperson of the Commission and with the Bureau of the Committee. Rule 4: Place of sessions Sessions of the Committee shall normally be held at the Headquarters of the African Union. The Committee may, in consultation with the Chairperson of the Commission, decide to hold a session in another place. Rule 5: Notification of dates of sessions 1. The Secretary of the Committee, hereinafter called "the Secretary", shall, in consultation with the Chairperson of the Committee, notify the members of the