Introduction 1
PART Ⅰ Concept and institution 13
1 The conceptual framework 15
Ⅰ Two sides of the concept 15
Ⅱ Framework of enquiry 21
Ⅲ Assessment 56
2 The institutional framework 59
Ⅰ Establishment 59
Ⅱ Structure 65
Ⅲ Legal status 108
Ⅳ Meetings 127
Ⅴ Decision-making process 136
Ⅵ Assessment 146
PART Ⅱ Jurisdiction and functions 149
3 The reporting procedure 151
Ⅰ The foundation 153
Ⅱ The mechanism 156
Ⅲ Assessment 307
4 The inter-State communication procedure 325
Ⅰ The foundation 326
Ⅱ The mechanism 344
Ⅲ Assessment 381
5 The individual communication procedure 386
Ⅰ The foundation 389
Ⅱ The mechanism 397
Ⅲ The Casework 606
Ⅳ Assessment 610
PART Ⅲ Limitations and evaluation 631
6 Limitations and effectiveness 633
Ⅰ Limitations 636
Ⅱ Effectiveness 774
Ⅲ Assessment 789
7 Conclusions and recommendations 791
Appendices 827
Ⅰ International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 827
Ⅱ Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 847
Ⅲ Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty 852
Ⅳ Rules of Procedure of the Human Rights Committee 856
Ⅴ States Parties to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 881
Ⅵ States Parties to the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 884
Ⅶ States Parties to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 886
Ⅷ Model Communication under the Optional Protocol 888
Ⅸ Members of the Human Rights Committee 891
Index 894