PART ONE. GENERAL RULES I. SESSIONS Sessions Rule 1 The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (hereinafter referred to as “the Committee”) shall hold such sessions as may be required for the effective performance of its functions in accordance with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (hereinafter referred to as “the Convention”). Regular sessions Rule 2 1. The Committee shall hold such regular sessions each year as shall be authorized by the States parties to the Convention. 2. Regular sessions of the Committee shall be convened on dates decided upon by the Committee in consultation with the Secretary-General of the United Nations (hereinafter referred to as “the Secretary-General”), taking into account the calendar of conferences and meetings approved by the General Assembly. Special sessions Rule 3 1. Special sessions of the Committee shall be convened by decision of the Committee or at the request of a State party to the Convention. The Chairperson of the Committee may also convene special sessions: (a) At the request of a majority of members of the Committee; (b) At the request of a State party to the Convention. 2. Special sessions shall be convened as soon as possible at a date fixed by the Chairperson in consultation with the Secretary-General and with the Committee. Pre-sessional working group Rule 4 1. A pre-sessional working group, which shall consist of no more than five members of the Committee designated by the Chairperson in consultation with the Committee at a regular session, and reflecting equitable geographical representation, shall normally be convened prior to each regular session. 98