Chapter I ORGANIZATIONAL AND OTHER MATTERS A. States parties to the Convention 1. As at 19 May 2000, the closing date of the twenty-fourth session of the Committee against Torture, there were 119 States parties to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, five more than at the time of the adoption of the previous annual report on 14 May 1999. The Convention was adopted by the General Assembly in resolution 39/46 of 10 December 1984 and opened for signature and ratification in New York on 4 February 1985. It entered into force on 26 June 1987 in accordance with the provisions of its article 27. The list of States which have signed, ratified or acceded to the Convention is contained in annex I to the present report. The States parties that have declared that they do not recognize the competence of the Committee provided for by article 20 of the Convention are listed in annex II. The States parties that have made declarations provided for in articles 21 and 22 of the Convention are listed in annex III. 2. The text of the declarations, reservations or objections made by States parties with respect to the Convention, are reproduced in document CAT/C/2/Rev.5. Updated information in that regard may be found at the United Nations Website (www.un.org - human rights - treaties - Sample access - Status of multilateral treaties deposited with the Secretary-General - chap. IV.9). B. Opening and duration of the sessions 3. The Committee against Torture has held two sessions since the adoption of its previous annual report. The twenty-third and twenty-fourth sessions of the Committee were held at the United Nations Office at Geneva from 8 to 19 November 1999 and from 1 to 19 May 2000. 4. At its twenty-third session, the Committee held 19 meetings (391st to 409th meetings) and at its twentyfourth session, the Committee held 29 meetings (410th to 438th meetings). An account of the deliberations of the Committee at its twenty-third and twenty-fourth sessions is contained in the relevant summary records (CAT/C/SR.391-438). C. Membership and attendance 5. In accordance with article 17 of the Convention, the Seventh Meeting of States parties to the Convention was convened by the Secretary-General at the United Nations Office at Geneva, on 24 November 1999. The following five members of the Committee were elected for a term of four years beginning on 1 January 2000: Mr. Peter Thomas Burns Mr. Guibril Camara Ms. Felice Gaer Mr. Alejandro Gonzalez Poblete Mr. Andreas Mavrommatis 6. In accordance with article 17, paragraph 6, of the Convention and rule 13 of the rules of procedure of the Committee, Mr. Bent Sorensen, by a letter dated 22 December 1999, informed the Secretary-General of his 1