CAT/C/3/Rev.6 Rule 18 Position of Chairperson in relation to the Committee 1. The Chairperson shall perform the functions conferred upon him/her by the Committee and by these rules of procedure. In exercising his/her functions as Chairperson, the Chairperson shall remain under the authority of the Committee. 2. Between sessions, at times when it is not possible or practical to convene a special session of the Committee in accordance with rule 3, the Chairperson is authorized to take action to promote compliance with the Convention on the Committee’s behalf if he/she receives information which leads him/her to believe that it is necessary to do so. The Chairperson shall report on the action taken to the Committee at its following session at the latest. Rule 19 Acting Chairperson 1. If during a session the Chairperson is unable to be present at a meeting or any part thereof, he/she shall designate one of the Vice-Chairpersons to act in his/her place. 2. In the event of the absence or temporary disability of the Chairperson, one of the Vice-Chairpersons shall serve as Chairperson, in the order of precedence determined by their seniority as members of the Committee; where they have the same seniority, the order of seniority in age shall be followed. 3. If the Chairperson ceases to be a member of the Committee in the period between sessions or is in any of the situations referred to in rule 21, the Acting Chairperson shall exercise this function until the beginning of the next ordinary or special session. Rule 20 Powers and duties of the Acting Chairperson A Vice-Chairperson acting as Chairperson shall have the same powers and duties as the Chairperson. Rule 21 Replacement of officers If any of the officers of the Committee ceases to serve or declares his/her inability to continue serving as a member of the Committee or for any reason is no longer able to act as an officer, a new officer shall be elected for the unexpired term of his/her predecessor. V. Secretariat Rule 22 Duties of the Secretary-General 1. Subject to the fulfilment of the financial obligations undertaken by States parties in accordance with article 18, paragraph 5, of the Convention, the secretariat of the Committee and of such subsidiary bodies as may be established by the Committee (hereinafter referred to as “the secretariat”) shall be provided by the Secretary-General. 11