I. ORGANIZATIONAL AND OTHER MATTERS A. States parties to the Convention 1. As at 16 May 2008, the closing date of the fortieth session of the Committee against Torture (hereinafter referred to as “the Committee”), there were 145 States parties to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (hereinafter referred to as “the Convention”). The Convention was adopted by the General Assembly in resolution 39/46 of 10 December 1984 and entered into force on 26 June 1987. 2. Since the last report Thailand has become party to the Convention. The list of States which have signed, ratified or acceded to the Convention is contained in annex I to the present report. The list of States parties that have declared that they do not recognize the competence of the Committee provided for by article 20 of the Convention is provided 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. 3. The text of the declarations, reservations or objections made by States parties with respect to the Convention may be found in the United Nations website (www.un.org - Site index treaties). B. Sessions of the Committee 4. The Committee against Torture has held two sessions since the adoption of its last annual report. The thirty-ninth session (781st to 810th meetings) was held at the United Nations Office at Geneva from 5 to 23 November 2007, and the fortieth session (811th to 836th meetings) was held from 28 April to 16 May 2008. An account of the deliberations of the Committee at these two sessions is contained in the relevant summary records (CAT/C/SR.781-836). C. Membership and attendance at sessions 5. The eleventh meeting of the States parties to the Convention against Torture, which took place in Geneva on 8 October 2007, held elections to replace five members whose term of office expired on 31 December 2007. The list of members with their term of office appears in annex IV to the present report. D. Solemn declaration by the newly elected members 6. At the 811th meeting on 28 April 2008, Ms. Myrna Kleopas and Mr. Adoulaye Gaye, made the solemn declaration upon assuming their duties, in accordance with rule 14 of the rules of procedure. E. Election of officers 7. At the fortieth session, on 28 April 2008, the Committee elected Mr. Claudio Grossman as Chairperson and Ms. Saadia Belmir, Mr. Luis Gallegos and Ms. Nora Sveaass as vice-chairpersons and Ms. Myrna Kleopas as rapporteur. 1