Revised Guidelines for the Consideration of Communications
ii. When the Committee determines to call any witness, expert or other person, the
Secretary shall send a written call to the witness or expert concerned. The invitation
to the hearing shall indicate:
a) The parties to the Communication;
b) A summary of the facts or issues in relation to which the Committee desires
to hear the witness or expert.
iii. Any such person may, if they do not have sufficient knowledge of the working
languages of the Committee, be authorised to speak in any other language to be
interpreted in one of the Working Languages of the Committee.
iv. The Chairperson or any member delegated by the Chairperson shall preside
over the hearing, and shall verify the identity of the witnesses or experts or other
persons appearing for a hearing. V. Prior to proceeding to the hearing the witnesses
or experts or other persons appearing for a hearing, the Chairperson or the presiding
member of the Committee shall remind them to make truthful statements and provide
all relevant information in accordance with the best of their knowledge, findings and
sincere belief.
6) Children’s participation
i. The Committee shall take measures to ensure the effective and meaningful participation
of the child or children concerned by the consideration of the Communications.
ii. When the child is capable of expressing his opinions, he should be heard by the
Committee through a child friendly process.
7) Protection of persons participating in hearings
The State Party to the Communication shall make an undertaking not to victimise
or persecute the Complainant and/or any person representing them, the witnesses
or experts or experts or carry out any reprisals against their family members, because
of their statements or opinions given before the Committee.
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