Annex VI WORKING METHODS OF THE COMMITTEE AGAINST TORTURE WHEN CONSIDERING REPORTS UNDER ARTICLE 19 OF THE CONVENTION Introduction 1. The Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment was adopted in 1984 and entered into force on 26 June 1987. At its first meeting, held in Geneva in April 1988, the Committee adopted its rules of procedure and defined its working methods, in conformity with article 18 of the Convention. The increasing number of ratifications and the practice developed in the performance of its functions has required of the Committee to keep its rules of procedure and working methods under constant review, in order to enhance effectiveness and coordination. The current rules of procedure were last amended in 2002.a 2. Under article 19 of the Convention each State party must submit to the Committee reports on the measures taken to implement its obligations under the Convention. The initial report must be submitted within one year after the entry into force of the Convention for the State concerned. Thereafter, reports on subsequent developments taking place in connection with the Convention (periodic reports) must be submitted every four years. Guidelines for reporting by States parties 3. The Committee has adopted reporting guidelines to assist States parties in the preparation of initial and periodic reports.b The guidelines are kept under review in the light of the Committee’s own experience and the efforts of harmonization being conducted by all human rights treaty monitoring bodies. 4. The Committee attaches great importance to the inclusion in State party reports of information related to the de facto implementation of the Convention as well as factors and difficulties affecting such implementation. The Committee also welcomes the involvement of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights and non-governmental organizations in the process of consultations leading to the preparation of reports by States parties. Scheduling reports for examination and lists of issues 5. At each session the Committee selects, among the reports received, those to be examined at its following two sessions. In making the selection the Committee usually follows the chronological order of submission, while giving priority to initial reports over periodic ones. At the same time, the Committee appoints two of its members to act as rapporteurs for each country report. One member can act as rapporteur for more than one report during the same session. 111