Method of dealing with communications Rule 64 1. The Committee shall, by a simple majority and in accordance with the following rules, decide whether the communication is admissible or inadmissible under the Optional Protocol. 2. A working group may also declare that a communication is admissible under the Optional Protocol, provided that all members eligible to participate so decide. Order of communications Rule 65 1. Communications shall be dealt with in the order in which they are received by the Secretariat, unless the Committee or a working group decides otherwise. 2. The Committee may decide to consider two or more communications jointly. Separate consideration of admissibility and merits Rule 66 The Committee may decide to consider the question of admissibility of a communication and the merits of a communication separately. Conditions of admissibility of communications Rule 67 With a view to reaching a decision on the admissibility of a communication, the Committee, or a working group, shall apply the criteria set forth in articles 2, 3 and 4 of the Optional Protocol. Authors of communications Rule 68 1. Communications may be submitted by individuals or groups of individuals who claim to be victims of violations of the rights set forth in the Convention, or by their designated representatives, or by others on behalf of an alleged victim where the alleged victim consents. 116