From 4eb46a163ee064cd9e96fdbd6c9cd04cc5fecdd6 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Coornhert Date: Fri, 1 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Subject: [PATCH] 2024-03-01 | BWBV0006293 | Algemeen Reglement van de Wereldpostunie --- .../BWBV0006293/README.md | 270 +++++++++--------- 1 file changed, 132 insertions(+), 138 deletions(-) diff --git a/verdrag/algemeen-reglement-van-de-wereldpostunie/BWBV0006293/README.md b/verdrag/algemeen-reglement-van-de-wereldpostunie/BWBV0006293/README.md index f39a1b50b65..5c97b33fa2b 100644 --- a/verdrag/algemeen-reglement-van-de-wereldpostunie/BWBV0006293/README.md +++ b/verdrag/algemeen-reglement-van-de-wereldpostunie/BWBV0006293/README.md @@ -105,52 +105,52 @@ The following entities, if duly designated by the Council of Administration in a The Council of Administration shall have the following functions: -1.1 Supervises all the activities of the Union between Congresses, ensuring compliance with the decisions of Congress, studying questions with respect to governmental policies on postal issues, and taking account of international regulatory developments such as those relating to trade in services and to competition. -1.2 Promotes, coordinates and supervises all forms of postal technical assistance within the framework of international technical cooperation. -1.3 Examines the draft quadrennial Union business plan approved by Congress, and finalizes it by bringing the activities set out in the draft plan for the four-year period into line with the actual resources available. The plan should also, if appropriate, be in line with the results of the prioritization process carried out by Congress. The finalized version of the quadrennial Union business plan, completed and approved by the CA, will then form the basis for the preparation of the annual Programme and Budget as well as for the annual operating plans to be drawn up and implemented by the CA and POC. -1.4 Considers and approves the annual programme and budget and the accounts of the Union, while taking into account the final version of the Union Business Plan, as described in article 107.1.3. -1.5 Authorizes the ceiling of expenditure to be exceeded, if circumstances so require, in accordance with article 145.3 to 5. -1.6 Authorizes election of a lower contribution class, if it is so requested, in accordance with the conditions set out in article 150.6. -1.7 Authorizes a change of geographical group if it is so requested by a member country, taking into account the views expressed by the member countries which are members of the geographical groups concerned. -1.8 Creates or abolishes International Bureau posts financed by the regular budget, taking into account the restrictions imposed by the expenditure ceiling fixed. -1.9 Decides on the contacts to be established with member countries in order to carry out its functions. -1.10 After consulting the Postal Operations Council, decides on the relations to be established with the organizations which are not observers within the meaning of article 105.1 and 105.2.1. -1.11 Considers the reports by the International Bureau on UPU relations with other international bodies and takes the decisions which it considers appropriate on the conduct of such relations and the action to be taken on them. -1.12 Designates in due course, after consulting the Postal Operations Council and the Secretary General, the specialized agencies of the United Nations, international organizations, associations, enterprises and qualified persons to be invited as ad hoc observers to specific meetings of Congress and its Committees when this is in the interest of the Union or the work of the Congress and instructs the Director General of the International Bureau to issue the necessary invitations. -1.13 Designates the member country where the next Congress is to be held in the case provided for in article 101.3. -1.14 Determines in due course and after consulting the Postal Operations Council the number of Committees required to carry out the work of Congress, and specifies their functions. -1.15 Designates, after consulting the Postal Operations Council and subject to the approval of Congress, the member countries prepared: +1.1. Supervises all the activities of the Union between Congresses, ensuring compliance with the decisions of Congress, studying questions with respect to governmental policies on postal issues, and taking account of international regulatory developments such as those relating to trade in services and to competition. +1.2. Promotes, coordinates and supervises all forms of postal technical assistance within the framework of international technical cooperation. +1.3. Examines the draft quadrennial Union business plan approved by Congress, and finalizes it by bringing the activities set out in the draft plan for the four-year period into line with the actual resources available. The plan should also, if appropriate, be in line with the results of the prioritization process carried out by Congress. The finalized version of the quadrennial Union business plan, completed and approved by the CA, will then form the basis for the preparation of the annual Programme and Budget as well as for the annual operating plans to be drawn up and implemented by the CA and POC. +1.4. Considers and approves the annual programme and budget and the accounts of the Union, while taking into account the final version of the Union Business Plan, as described in article 107.1.3. +1.5. Authorizes the ceiling of expenditure to be exceeded, if circumstances so require, in accordance with article 146.3 to 5. +1.6. Authorizes election of a lower contribution class, if it is so requested, in accordance with the conditions set out in article 151.5. +1.7. Authorizes a change of geographical group if it is so requested by a member country, taking into account the views expressed by the member countries which are members of the geographical groups concerned. +1.8. Creates or abolishes International Bureau posts financed by the regular budget, taking into account the restrictions imposed by the expenditure ceiling fixed. +1.9. Decides on the contacts to be established with member countries in order to carry out its functions. +1.10. After consulting the Postal Operations Council, decides on the relations to be established with the organizations which are not observers within the meaning of article 105.1 and 105.2.1. +1.11. Considers the reports by the International Bureau on UPU relations with other international bodies and takes the decisions which it considers appropriate on the conduct of such relations and the action to be taken on them. +1.12. Designates in due course, after consulting the Postal Operations Council and the Secretary General, the specialized agencies of the United Nations, international organizations, associations, enterprises and qualified persons to be invited as ad hoc observers to specific meetings of Congress and its Committees when this is in the interest of the Union or the work of the Congress and instructs the Director General of the International Bureau to issue the necessary invitations. +1.13. Designates the member country where the next Congress is to be held in the case provided for in article 101.3. +1.14. Determines in due course and after consulting the Postal Operations Council the number of Committees required to carry out the work of Congress, and specifies their functions. +1.15. Designates, after consulting the Postal Operations Council and subject to the approval of Congress, the member countries prepared: -1.15.1 to assume the positions of Vice-Chairs of Congress and Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the Committees, taking as much account as possible of the equitable geographical distribution of the member countries; and -1.15.2 to sit on the Restricted Committees of the Congress. -1.16 Designates those of its members that will serve as members of the Consultative Committee. -1.17 Considers and approves, within the framework of its competence, any action considered necessary to safeguard and enhance the quality of and to modernize the international postal service. -1.18 Studies, at the request of Congress, the Postal Operations Council or member countries, administrative, legislative and legal problems concerning the Union or the international postal service; it shall be for the Council of Administration to decide, in the above-mentioned fields, whether it is expedient to undertake the studies requested by member countries between Congresses. -1.19 Formulates proposals which shall be submitted for the approval either of Congress or of member countries in accordance with article 140. -1.20 Submits subjects for study to the Postal Operations Council for examination in accordance with article 113.1.6. -1.21 Reviews and approves, in consultation with the Postal Operations Council, the draft Strategy for presentation to Congress. -1.22 Receives and discusses reports and recommendations from the Consultative Committee and considers recommendations from the Consultative Committee for submission to Congress. -1.23 Provides control over the activities of the International Bureau. -1.24 Approves the annual report on the work of the Union and the annual Financial Operating Reports prepared by the International Bureau and, where appropriate, furnishes observations on them. -1.25 Establishes principles, as may be considered necessary, for the Postal Operations Council to take into account in its study of questions with major financial repercussions (charges, terminal dues, transit charges, basic airmail conveyance rates and the posting abroad of letter-post items), follows closely the study of these questions, and reviews and approves, for conformity with the aforementioned principles, Postal Operations Council proposals relating to these questions. -1.26 Approves, within the framework of its competence, the recommendations of the Postal Operations Council for the adoption, if necessary, of regulations or of a new procedure until such time as Congress takes a decision in the matter. -1.27 Considers the annual report prepared by the Postal Operations Council and any proposals submitted by the Council. -1.28 Approves the four-yearly report prepared by the International Bureau in consultation with the Postal Operations Council, on the performance of member countries in respect of the execution of the Union Strategy approved by the preceding Congress, for submission to the following Congress. -1.29 Establishes the framework for the organization of the Consultative Committee and concurs in the organization of the Consultative Committee, in accordance with the provisions of article 122. -1.30 Establishes criteria for membership of the Consultative Committee and revokes membership in accordance with those criteria, as further detailed in the relevant rules of procedure referred to in article 122. -1.31 Lays down the Financial Regulations of the Union. -1.32 Lays down the rules governing the Reserve Fund. -1.33 Lays down the rules governing the Special Fund. -1.34 Lays down the rules governing the Special Activities Fund. -1.35 Lays down the rules governing the Voluntary Fund. -1.36 Lays down the Staff Regulations and the conditions of service of the elected officials. -1.37 Lays down the Regulations of the Social Fund. -1.38 Exercises, within the context of article 152, overall supervision of the creation and activities of user-funded subsidiary bodies. -1.39 Adopts its Rules of Procedure and the amendments to those Rules. +1.15.1. to assume the positions of Vice-Chairs of Congress and Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the Committees, taking as much account as possible of the equitable geographical distribution of the member countries; and +1.15.2. to sit on the Restricted Committees of the Congress. +1.16. (Deleted.) +1.17. Considers and approves, within the framework of its competence, any action considered necessary to safeguard and enhance the quality of and to modernize the international postal service. +1.18. Studies, at the request of Congress, the Postal Operations Council or member countries, administrative, legislative and legal problems concerning the Union or the international postal service; it shall be for the Council of Administration to decide, in the above-mentioned fields, whether it is expedient to undertake the studies requested by member countries between Congresses. +1.19. Formulates proposals which shall be submitted for the approval either of Congress or of member countries in accordance with article 142. +1.20. Submits subjects for study to the Postal Operations Council for examination in accordance with article 113.1.6. +1.21. Reviews and approves, in consultation with the Postal Operations Council, the draft Strategy for presentation to Congress. +1.22. Receives and discusses proposals, opinions and reports from the Consultative Committee and considers proposals and reports from the Consultative Committee for submission to Congress. +1.23. Provides control over the activities of the International Bureau. +1.24. Approves the annual report on the work of the Union and the annual Financial Operating Reports prepared by the International Bureau and, where appropriate, furnishes observations on them. +1.25. Establishes principles, as may be considered necessary, for the Postal Operations Council to take into account in its study of questions with major financial repercussions (charges, terminal dues, transit charges, basic airmail conveyance rates and the posting abroad of letter-post items), follows closely the study of these questions, and reviews and approves, for conformity with the aforementioned principles, Postal Operations Council proposals relating to these questions. +1.26. Approves, within the framework of its competence, the recommendations of the Postal Operations Council for the adoption, if necessary, of regulations or of a new procedure until such time as Congress takes a decision in the matter. +1.27. Considers the annual report prepared by the Postal Operations Council and any proposals submitted by the Council. +1.28. Approves the four-yearly report prepared by the International Bureau in consultation with the Postal Operations Council, on the performance of member countries in respect of the execution of the Union Strategy approved by the preceding Congress, for submission to the following Congress. +1.29. Establishes the framework for the organization of the Consultative Committee and concurs in the organization of the Consultative Committee, in accordance with the provisions of article 123. +1.30. Establishes criteria for membership of the Consultative Committee and revokes membership in accordance with those criteria, as further detailed in the relevant rules of procedure referred to in article 123. +1.31. Lays down the Financial Regulations of the Union. +1.32. Lays down the rules governing the Reserve Fund. +1.33. Lays down the rules governing the Special Fund. +1.34. Lays down the rules governing the Special Activities Fund. +1.35. Lays down the rules governing the Voluntary Fund. +1.36. Lays down the Staff Regulations and the conditions of service of the elected officials. +1.37. Lays down the Regulations of the Social Fund. +1.38. Exercises, within the context of article 153, overall supervision of the creation and activities of user-funded subsidiary bodies. +1.39. Adopts its Rules of Procedure and the amendments to those Rules. ### Artikel 108 -**1.** At its constituent meeting, which shall be convened and opened by the Chair of Congress, the Council of Administration shall elect four Vice-Chairs from among its members. The Chair and Vice-Chairs shall be member countries from each of the five geographical groups of the Union. +**1.** At its constituent meeting, which shall be convened and opened by the Chair of Congress, the Council of Administration shall elect four Vice-Chairs from among its members. The Chair and four Vice-Chairs shall be member countries from each of the five geographical groups of the Union. **2.** The Council of Administration shall meet twice a year, or additionally on an exceptional basis, at Union headquarters, in accordance with the relevant procedures set forth in its Rules of Procedure. @@ -158,7 +158,7 @@ The Council of Administration shall have the following functions: **4.** The Chair of the Postal Operations Council shall represent that body at meetings of the Council of Administration when the agenda contains questions of interest to the Postal Operations Council. -**5.** The Chair of the Consultative Committee shall represent that organization at meetings of the Council of Administration when the agenda contains questions of interest to the Consultative Committee. +**5.** (Deleted.) ### Artikel 109 @@ -166,16 +166,17 @@ The Council of Administration shall have the following functions: Observers -1.1 To ensure effective liaison between the work of the two bodies, the Postal Operations Council may designate representatives to attend Council of Administration meetings as observers. -1.2 Member countries of the Union which are not members of the Council, as well as the observers and ad hoc observers referred to in article 105, may participate in the plenary sessions and Committee meetings of the Council of Administration, without the right to vote. +1.1. To ensure effective liaison between the work of the two bodies, the Postal Operations Council may designate representatives to attend Council of Administration meetings as observers. +1.2. Member countries of the Union which are not members of the Council, as well as the observers and ad hoc observers referred to in article 105, may participate in the plenary sessions and Committee meetings of the Council of Administration, without the right to vote. +1.3. Members of the Consultative Committee, as well as the other observers and ad hoc observers referred to in article 105, also have the right to attend meetings of the standing groups, task forces and other bodies of the Council of Administration as observers, without the right to vote, subject to the provisions of paragraph 2.3. **2.** Principles -2.1 For logistical reasons, the Council of Administration may limit the number of attendees per observer and ad hoc observer participating. It may also limit their right to speak during the debates. -2.2 Observers and ad hoc observers may, at their request, be allowed to cooperate in the studies undertaken, subject to such conditions as the Council may establish to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of its work. They may also be invited to chair standing groups and task forces when their experience or expertise justifies it. The participation of observers and ad hoc observers shall be carried out without additional expense for the Union. -2.3 In exceptional circumstances, members of the Consultative Committee and ad hoc observers may be excluded from a meeting or a portion of a meeting or may have their right to receive documents restricted if the confidentiality of the subject of the meeting or document so requires. This restriction may be decided on a case-by-case basis by any body concerned or its Chair. The case-by-case situations shall be reported to the Council of Administration and to the Postal Operations Council when matters of interest to the Postal Operations Council are concerned. If it considers this neces- sary, the Council of Administration may subsequently review restrictions, in consultation with the Postal Operations Council where appropriate. +2.1. For logistical reasons, the Council of Administration may limit the number of attendees per observer and ad hoc observer participating. It may also limit their right to speak during the debates. +2.2. Observers and ad hoc observers may, at their request, be allowed to cooperate in the studies undertaken, subject to such conditions as the Council may establish to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of its work. They may also be invited to chair standing groups and task forces when their experience or expertise justifies it. The participation of observers and ad hoc observers shall be carried out without additional expense for the Union. +2.3. In exceptional circumstances, members of the Consultative Committee and ad hoc observers may be excluded from a meeting or a portion of a meeting or may have their right to receive documents restricted if the confidentiality of the subject of the meeting or document so requires. This restriction may be decided on a case-by-case basis by any body concerned, or by its Chair in consultation with the Chair of the Council of Administration and the Secretary General. The case-by-case situations shall be reported to the Council of Administration and to the Postal Operations Council when matters of interest to the Postal Operations Council are concerned. If it considers this necessary, the Council of Administration may subsequently review restrictions, in consultation with the Postal Operations Council where appropriate. Strictly in so far as prospective meetings are concerned, notification of restrictions shall preferably be sent to the members of the Consultative Committee and ad hoc observers concerned at least 14 days in advance of the relevant meeting (or as soon as possible in the case of urgent meetings convened less than 14 days following issuance of the relevant invitation by the International Bureau). Accordingly, such notifications shall not apply in the event of exclusions or document access restrictions deemed necessary in the context of an ongoing meeting of the body concerned. ### Artikel 110 @@ -207,30 +208,30 @@ Principles The Postal Operations Council shall have the following functions: -1.1 Coordinates practical measures for the development and improvement of international postal services. -1.2 Takes, subject to Council of Administration approval within the framework of the latter’s competence, any action considered necessary to safeguard and enhance the quality of and to modernize the international postal service. -1.3 Decides on the contacts to be established with member countries and their designated operators in order to carry out its functions. -1.4 Takes the necessary steps to study and publicize the experiments and progress made by certain member countries and their designated operators in the technical, operational, economic and vocational training fields of interest to other member countries and their designated operators. -1.5 Takes, in consultation with the Council of Administration, appropriate steps in the sphere of technical cooperation with all member countries of the Union and their designated operators and in particular with the new and developing countries and their designated operators. -1.6 Examines any other questions submitted to it by a member of the Postal Operations Council, by the Council of Administration or by any member country or designated operator. -1.7 Receives and discusses reports as well as recommendations from the Consultative Committee and, when matters of interest to the Postal Operations Council are involved, to examines and comments on recommendations from the Consultative Committee for submission to Congress. -1.8 Designates those of its members that will serve as members of the Consultative Committee. -1.9 Conducts the study of the most important operational, commercial, technical, economic and technical cooperation problems which are of interest to all member countries or their designated operators, including questions with major financial repercussions (charges, terminal dues, transit charges, airmail conveyance rates, parcel-post rates, and the posting abroad of letter-post items), and prepares information, opinions and recommendations for action on them. -1.10 Provides input to the Council of Administration for the development of the draft Union Strategy and draft quadrennial Union business plan to be submitted to Congress. -1.11 Studies teaching and vocational training problems of interest to member countries and their designated operators, as well as to the new and developing countries. -1.12 Studies the present position and needs of the new and developing countries and prepares appropriate recommendations on ways and means of improving their postal services. -1.13 Revises the Regulations of the Union; in this regard, the Postal Operations Council shall be subject to Council of Administration guidance on matters of fundamental policy and principle. -1.14 Formulates proposals which shall be submitted for the approval either of Congress or of member countries in accordance with article 140; the approval of the Council of Administration is required when these proposals concern questions within the latter’s competence. -1.15 Examines, at the request of a member country, any proposal which that member country forwards to the International Bureau under article 139, prepares observations on it and instructs the International Bureau to annex these observations to the proposal before submitting it for approval to the member countries. -1.16 Recommends, if necessary, and where appropriate after approval by the Council of Administration and consultation of all the member countries, the adoption of regulations or of a new procedure until such time as Congress takes a decision in the matter. -1.17 Prepares and issues, in the form of recommendations to member countries and their designated operators (or as binding provisions if the Acts of the Union so provide), standards for technological, operational and other processes within its competence where uniformity of practice is essential; it shall similarly issue, as required, amendments to standards it has already set. -1.18 Establishes the framework for the organization of user-funded subsidiary bodies and concurs in the organization of these bodies in accordance with the provisions of article 152. -1.19 Receives and discusses reports from the user-funded subsidiary bodies on an annual basis. -1.20 Adopts its Rules of Procedure and the amendments to those Rules. +1.1. Coordinates practical measures for the development and improvement of international postal services. +1.2. Takes, subject to Council of Administration approval within the framework of the latter’s competence, any action considered necessary to safeguard and enhance the quality of and to modernize the international postal service. +1.3. Decides on the contacts to be established with member countries and their designated operators in order to carry out its functions. +1.4. Takes the necessary steps to study and publicize the experiments and progress made by certain member countries and their designated operators in the technical, operational, economic and vocational training fields of interest to other member countries and their designated operators. +1.5. Takes, in consultation with the Council of Administration, appropriate steps in the sphere of technical cooperation with all member countries of the Union and their designated operators and in particular with the new and developing countries and their designated operators. +1.6. Examines any other questions submitted to it by a member of the Postal Operations Council, by the Council of Administration or by any member country or designated operator. +1.7. Receives and discusses proposals, opinions and reports from the Consultative Committee and, when matters of interest to the Postal Operations Council are involved, examines and comments on proposals and reports from the Consultative Committee for submission to Congress. +1.8. (Deleted.) +1.9. Conducts the study of the most important operational, commercial, technical, economic and technical cooperation problems which are of interest to all member countries or their designated operators, including questions with major financial repercussions (charges, terminal dues, transit charges, airmail conveyance rates, parcel-post rates, and the posting abroad of letter-post items), and prepares information, opinions and recommendations for action on them. +1.10. Provides input to the Council of Administration for the development of the draft Union Strategy and draft quadrennial Union business plan to be submitted to Congress. +1.11. Studies teaching and vocational training problems of interest to member countries and their designated operators, as well as to the new and developing countries. +1.12. Studies the present position and needs of the new and developing countries and prepares appropriate recommendations on ways and means of improving their postal services. +1.13. Revises the Regulations of the Union; in this regard, the Postal Operations Council shall be subject to Council of Administration guidance on matters of fundamental policy and principle. +1.14. Formulates proposals which shall be submitted for the approval either of Congress or of member countries in accordance with article 142; the approval of the Council of Administration is required when these proposals concern questions within the latter’s competence. +1.15. Examines, at the request of a member country, any proposal which that member country forwards to the International Bureau under article 141, prepares observations on it and instructs the International Bureau to annex these observations to the proposal before submitting it for approval to the member countries. +1.16. Recommends, if necessary, and where appropriate after approval by the Council of Administration and consultation of all the member countries, the adoption of regulations or of a new procedure until such time as Congress takes a decision in the matter. +1.17. Prepares and issues, in the form of recommendations to member countries and their designated operators (or as binding provisions if the Acts of the Union so provide), standards for technological, operational and other processes within its competence where uniformity of practice is essential; it shall similarly issue, as required, amendments to standards it has already set. +1.18. Establishes the framework for the organization of user-funded subsidiary bodies and concurs in the organization of these bodies in accordance with the provisions of article 153. +1.19. Receives and discusses reports from the user-funded subsidiary bodies on an annual basis. +1.20. Adopts its Rules of Procedure and the amendments to those Rules. ### Artikel 114 -**1.** At its first meeting, which shall be convened and opened by the Chair of Congress, the Postal Operations Council shall choose from among its members a Chair and four Vice-Chairs, and the Committee Chairs/ Vice-Chairs/Co-Chairs. The Chair and four Vice-Chairs shall be member countries from each of the five geographical groups of the Union. +**1.** At its first meeting, which shall be convened and opened by the Chair of Congress, the Postal Operations Council shall choose from among its members a Chair and four Vice-Chairs, and the Committee Chairs/Vice-Chairs/Co-Chairs. The Chair and four Vice-Chairs shall be member countries from each of the five geographical groups of the Union. **2.** The Postal Operations Council shall meet twice a year, or additionally on an exceptional basis, at Union headquarters, in accordance with the relevant procedures set forth in its Rules of Procedure. @@ -238,7 +239,7 @@ The Postal Operations Council shall have the following functions: **4.** On the basis of the Union Strategy adopted by Congress and, in particular, the part relating to the strategies of the permanent bodies of the Union, the Postal Operations Council shall, at its session following Congress, prepare a basic work programme containing a number of tactics aimed at implementing the strategies. This basic work programme, which shall include a limited number of projects on topical subjects of common interest, shall be revised annually in the light of new realities and priorities. -**5.** The Chair of the Consultative Committee shall represent that organization at meetings of the Postal Operations Council when the agenda contains questions of interest to the Consultative Committee. +**5.** (Deleted.) ### Artikel 115 @@ -246,16 +247,17 @@ The Postal Operations Council shall have the following functions: Observers -1.1 In order to ensure effective liaison between the work of the two bodies, the Council of Administration may designate representatives to attend Postal Operations Council meetings as observers. -1.2 Member countries of the Union which are not members of the Council, as well as the observers and ad hoc observers referred to in article 105, may participate in the plenary sessions and Committee meetings of the Postal Operations Council, without the right to vote. +1.1. In order to ensure effective liaison between the work of the two bodies, the Council of Administration may designate representatives to attend Postal Operations Council meetings as observers. +1.2. Member countries of the Union which are not members of the Council, as well as the observers and ad hoc observers referred to in article 105, may participate in the plenary sessions and Committee meetings of the Postal Operations Council, without the right to vote. +1.3. Members of the Consultative Committee, as well as the other observers and ad hoc observers referred to in article 105, have the right to attend meetings of the standing groups, task forces and other bodies of the Postal Operations Council as observers, without the right to vote, subject to the provisions of paragraph 2.3. **2.** Principles -2.1 For logistical reasons, the Postal Operations Council may limit the number of attendees per observer and ad hoc observer participating. It may also limit their right to speak during the debates. -2.2 Observers and ad hoc observers may, at their request, be allowed to cooperate in the studies undertaken, subject to such conditions as the Council may establish to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of its work. They may also be invited to chair standing groups and task forces when their experience or expertise justifies it. The participation of observers and ad hoc observers shall be carried out without additional expense for the Union. -2.3 In exceptional circumstances, members of the Consultative Committee and ad hoc observers may be excluded from a meeting or a portion of a meeting or may have their right to receive documents restricted if the confidentiality of the subject of the meeting or document so requires. This restriction may be decided on a case-by-case basis by any body concerned or its Chair. The case-by-case situations shall be reported to the Council of Administration and to the Postal Operations Council when matters of interest to the Postal Operations Council are concerned. If it considers this necessary, the Council of Administration may subsequently review restrictions, in consultation with the Postal Operations Council where appropriate. +2.1. For logistical reasons, the Postal Operations Council may limit the number of attendees per observer and ad hoc observer participating. It may also limit their right to speak during the debates. +2.2. Observers and ad hoc observers may, at their request, be allowed to cooperate in the studies undertaken, subject to such conditions as the Council may establish to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of its work. They may also be invited to chair standing groups and task forces when their experience or expertise justifies it. The participation of observers and ad hoc observers shall be carried out without additional expense for the Union. +2.3. In exceptional circumstances, members of the Consultative Committee and ad hoc observers may be excluded from a meeting or a portion of a meeting or may have their right to receive documents restricted if the confidentiality of the subject of the meeting or document so requires. This restriction may be decided on a case-by-case basis by any body concerned, or by its Chair in consultation with the Chair of the Postal Operations Council and the Secretary General. The case-by-case situations shall be reported to the Council of Administration and to the Postal Operations Council. If it considers this necessary, the Council of Administration may subsequently review restrictions, in consultation with the Postal Operations Council where appropriate. Strictly in so far as prospective meetings are concerned, notification of restrictions shall preferably be sent to the members of the Consultative Committee and ad hoc observers concerned at least 14 days in advance of the relevant meeting (or as soon as possible in the case of urgent meetings convened less than 14 days following issuance of the relevant invitation by the International Bureau). Accordingly, such notifications shall not apply in the event of exclusions or document access restrictions deemed necessary in the context of an ongoing meeting of the body concerned. ### Artikel 116 @@ -309,55 +311,64 @@ The Consultative Committee shall consist of: ### Artikel 120 -**1.** Membership of the Consultative Committee shall be determined through a process of application and acceptance established by the Council of Administration and carried out in accordance with article 107.1.30. +**1.** -**1bis.** Any requests for membership of the Consultative Committee as submitted by the entities or high-level figures referred to in article 119 shall be accompanied by the prior written authorization or recommendation of the corresponding Union member country, in accordance with article 119.1bis of that article. +The Consultative Committee shall consist of: -**2.** Each member of the Consultative Committee shall appoint its own representative(s). +1.1. non-governmental organizations (including those representing customers, delivery service providers, postal employees or postal employers); philanthropic entities; standardization, financial and development organizations; suppliers of goods and services to the postal services sector; transportation entities; academic and research institutions; think tanks and similar knowledge-based institutions; and like organizations that have an interest in supporting the mission and objectives of the Union; +1.2. high-level figures from the postal sector recommended by member countries or the bodies of the Union concerned, including the Consultative Committee. + +**2.** All members of the Consultative Committee shall have their principal place of business (and, if so required by the member country concerned, be duly registered) or, in the case of the high-level figures referred to in 1.2, have permanent residence, in a Union member country. + +**3.** The operational costs of the Consultative Committee shall be shared by members of the Consultative Committee, except as otherwise determined by the Council of Administration. In this regard, and as further outlined in the Rules of Procedure of the Consultative Committee, different membership fees may apply depending on the specific legal nature and financial capability of members of the Consultative Committee. + +**4.** The members of the Consultative Committee shall not receive remuneration or any other compensation. ### Artikel 121 +**1.** Membership of the Consultative Committee shall be determined through a process of application and acceptance established by the Council of Administration, in accordance with article 107.1.30. + +**2.** Without prejudice to the requirement set forth in article 120.2, any requests for membership of the Consultative Committee as submitted by the entities or high-level figures referred to in article 120 shall be accompanied by the prior written authorization or recommendation of the corresponding Union member country. + +**2bis.** Revocation of membership of the Consultative Committee shall be determined through a process established by the Council of Administration in accordance with article 107.1.30. + +**3.** Each member of the Consultative Committee shall appoint its own representative(s). + +### Artikel 122 + **1.** The Consultative Committee shall have the following functions: -1.1 Examines documents and reports of the Council of Administration and the Postal Operations Council. In exceptional circumstances, the right to receive certain texts and documents may be restricted if the confidentiality of the subject of the meeting or document so requires, in accordance with articles 109.2.3 and 115.2.3. -1.2 Conducts and contributes to studies of issues of importance to the Consultative Committee’s members. -1.3 Considers issues affecting the postal services sector and issues reports on such issues. -1.4 Provides input to the work of the Council of Administration and the Postal Operations Council, including submitting reports and recommendations and giving opinions to the two Councils. -1.5 Makes recommendations to Congress, subject to the approval of the Council of Administration and, when matters of interest to the Postal Operations Council are involved, subject to examination and comment by the Postal Operations Council. - -### Artikel 122 - -**1.** The Consultative Committee shall reorganize itself after each Congress in accordance with the framework established by the Council of Administration. The Chairman of the Council of Administration shall preside at the organizational meeting of the Consultative Committee, which shall elect its Chairman at that meeting. - -**2.** The Consultative Committee shall determine its internal organization and shall draw up its own rules of procedure, taking into account the general principles of the Union and subject to the concurrence of the Council of Administration after having consulted the Postal Operations Council. - -**3.** The Consultative Committee shall meet once a year. In principle, the meetings will be held at Union headquarters at the same time as meetings of the Postal Operations Council. The date and location of each meeting shall be fixed by the Chairman of the Consultative Committee, in agreement with the Chairmen of the Council of Administration and the Postal Operations Council and the Director General of the International Bureau. +1.1. Examines documents and reports of the Council of Administration and the Postal Operations Council, and their respective bodies. In exceptional circumstances, the right to receive certain texts and documents may be restricted if the confidentiality of the subject of the meeting or document so requires, in accordance with articles 109.2.3 and 115.2.3. +1.2. Conducts and contributes to studies of issues of importance to the Consultative Committee’s members. +1.3. Considers issues affecting the postal sector and provides input on such issues in the form of proposals, opinions and reports to the Council of Administration and Postal Operations Council, and their respective bodies, as appropriate. +1.4. (Deleted.) +1.5. Submits proposals and reports to Congress, subject to the approval of the Council of Administration and in the name of the latter and, when matters of interest to the Postal Operations Council are involved, subject to examination and comments by the Postal Operations Council in accordance with articles 107.1.22 and 113.1.7. ### Artikel 123 -**1.** In order to ensure effective liaison with the bodies of the Union, the Consultative Committee may designate representatives to attend meetings of Congress, the Council of Administration, and the Postal Operations Council, and their respective Committees, as observers without the right to vote. +**1.** The Consultative Committee shall reorganize itself after each Congress in accordance with the framework established by the Council of Administration. The Chair of the Council of Administration shall preside at the organizational meeting of the Consultative Committee, which shall elect its Chair at that meeting. -**2.** Members of the Consultative Committee are invited to plenary sessions and Committee meetings of the Council of Administration and the Postal Operations Council in accordance with article 105. They may also participate in the work of standing groups and task forces under terms established in articles 109.2.2 and 115.2.2. +**2.** The Consultative Committee shall determine its internal organization and shall draw up its own rules of procedure, taking into account the general principles of the Union and subject to the concurrence of the Council of Administration after having consulted the Postal Operations Council. -**3.** The Chairman of the Council of Administration and the Chairman of the Postal Operations Council shall represent those bodies at meetings of the Consultative Committee when the agenda of such meetings contains questions of interest to those bodies. +**3.** The Consultative Committee shall meet at least once a year or additionally as deemed appropriate for its work. The date and location of each meeting shall be fixed by the Chair of the Consultative Committee, in agreement with the Chairs of the Council of Administration and the Postal Operations Council and the Director General of the International Bureau. ### Artikel 124 +**1.** Without prejudice to article 124.2, members of the Consultative Committee have the right to attend meetings of Congress, the Council of Administration, and the Postal Operations Council, as well as their respective Committees, standing groups, task forces and other bodies, as observers without the right to vote, subject to the provisions of articles 109 and 115 and of the Rules of Procedure of Congresses, as relevant to the body concerned. + +**2.** In order to ensure effective liaison with the bodies of the Union, the Consultative Committee shall designate representatives, who shall be the only representatives of the Consultative Committee, to formally provide, on behalf of that body, the input referred to in article 122. Such designated representatives shall have the right to attend, on behalf of the Consultative Committee, meetings of Congress, the Council of Administration and the Postal Operations Council, as well as their respective Committees, standing groups, task forces and other bodies, as observers without the right to vote, subject to the provisions of articles 109 and 115 and of the Rules of Procedure of Congresses, as relevant to the body concerned. + +**3.** The Chair of the Council of Administration and the Chair of the Postal Operations Council shall represent those bodies at meetings of the Consultative Committee when the agenda of such meetings contains questions of interest to those bodies. + +### Artikel 125 + **1.** Member countries of the Union and the observers and ad hoc observers referred to in article 105 may participate in the sessions of the Consultative Committee, without the right to vote. **2.** For logistical reasons, the Consultative Committee may limit the number of attendees per observer and ad hoc observer participating. It may also limit their right to speak during the debates. -**3.** In exceptional circumstances, observers and ad hoc observers may be excluded from a meeting or a portion of a meeting or may have their right to receive documents restricted if the confidentiality of the subject of the meeting or document so requires. This restriction may be decided on a case-by-case basis by any body concerned or its Chair. The case-by-case situations shall be reported to the Council of Administration and to the Postal Operations Council when matters of interest to the Postal Operations Council are concerned. If it considers this necessary, the Council of Administration may subsequently review restrictions, in consultation with the Postal Operations Council where appropriate. - -### Artikel 125 - -**1.** After each session, the Consultative Committee shall inform the Council of Administration and the Postal Operations Council of its activities by sending to the Chairmen of those bodies, inter alia, a summary record of its meetings and its recommendations and views. - -**2.** The Consultative Committee shall make to the Council of Administration an annual activity report, with a copy to the Postal Operations Council. This report shall be included in the documentation of the Council of Administration provided to member countries of the Union, to their designated operators and to the Restricted Unions, in accordance with article 111. - -**3.** The Consultative Committee shall make to Congress a comprehensive report on its work and send it to the member countries and their designated operators at least two months before the opening of Congress. +**3.** In exceptional circumstances, observers and ad hoc observers may be excluded from a meeting or a portion of a meeting of the Consultative Committee or may have their right to receive documents restricted if the confidentiality of the subject of the meeting or document so requires. This restriction may be decided on a case-by-case basis by the Consultative Committee or its Chair, in consultation with the Chair of the Council of Administration and the Secretary General. The case-by-case situations shall be reported to the Council of Administration and to the Postal Operations Council when matters of interest to the Postal Operations Council are concerned. If it considers this necessary, the Council of Administration may subsequently review restrictions, in consultation with the Postal Operations Council where appropriate. Strictly in so far as prospective meetings are concerned, notification of restrictions shall preferably be sent to the observers and ad hoc observers concerned at least 14 days in advance of the relevant meeting (or as soon as possible in the case of urgent meetings convened less than 14 days following issuance of the relevant invitation by the International Bureau). Accordingly, such notifications shall not apply in the event of exclusions or document access restrictions deemed necessary in the context of an ongoing meeting of the body concerned. ## Hoofdstuk II. INTERNATIONAL BUREAU @@ -365,15 +376,11 @@ The Consultative Committee shall have the following functions: ### Artikel 126 -**1.** The Director General and the Deputy Director General of the International Bureau shall be elected by Congress for the period between two successive Congresses, the minimum duration of their term of office being four years. Their term of office shall be renewable once only. Unless Congress decides otherwise, the date on which they take up their duties shall be fixed at 1 January of the year following that in which Congress is held. +**1.** After each session, the Consultative Committee shall inform the Council of Administration and the Postal Operations Council of its activities by sending to the Chairs of those bodies, inter alia, a summary record of its meetings and its recommendations and views. The Chair of the Consultative Committee, or another designated representative of the Consultative Committee, shall also report on the activities of the Consultative Committee at each plenary session of the Council of Administration and the Postal Operations Council respectively. -**2.** At least seven months before the opening of Congress, the Director General of the International Bureau shall send a memorandum to the Governments of member countries inviting them to submit their applications, if any, for the posts of Director General and Deputy Director General and indicating at the same time whether the Director General and Deputy Director General in office are interested in a renewal of their initial term of office. The applications, accompanied by a curriculum vitae, must reach the International Bureau at least two months before the opening of Congress. The candidates must be nationals of the member countries which put them forward. The International Bureau shall prepare the election documents for Congress. The election of the Director General and that of the Deputy Director General shall take place by secret ballot, the first election being for the post of Director General. +**2.** The Consultative Committee shall make to the Council of Administration and the Postal Operations Council an annual activity report. This report shall be included in the documentation of the Council of Administration and the Postal Operations Council provided to member countries of the Union, to their designated operators and to the Restricted Unions, in accordance with articles 111 and 117. -**3.** If the post of Director General falls vacant, the Deputy Director General shall take over the functions of Director General until the expiry of the latter’s term of office; he shall be eligible for election to that post and shall automatically be accepted as a candidate, provided that his initial term of office as Deputy Director General has not already been renewed once by the preceding Congress and that he declares his interest in being considered as a candidate for the post of Director General. - -**4.** If the posts of Director General and Deputy Director General fall vacant at the same time, the Council of Administration shall elect, on the basis of the applications received following notification of the vacancies, a Deputy Director General for the period extending up to the next Congress. With regard to the submission of applications, paragraph 2 shall apply by analogy. - -**5.** If the post of Deputy Director General falls vacant, the Council of Administration shall, on the proposal of the Director General, instruct one of the grade D 2 Directors at the International Bureau to take over the functions of Deputy Director General until the following Congress. +**3.** The Consultative Committee shall make to Congress a comprehensive report on its work and send it to the member countries and their designated operators at least two months before the opening of Congress. ### Artikel 127 @@ -456,7 +463,15 @@ Furthermore, the Director General shall have the following duties: ### Artikel 133 -**1.** The International Bureau shall develop postal technical assistance in all its forms within the framework of international technical cooperation. +**1.** The International Bureau shall be at all times at the disposal of the Council of Administration, the Postal Operations Council, the Consultative Committee and member countries and their designated operators for the purpose of supplying them with any necessary information on questions relating to the service. + +**2.** In particular it shall collect, collate, publish and distribute all kinds of information of interest to the postal service; give an opinion or provide dispute settlement services (in the latter case on a paid basis and in accordance with the relevant procedures adopted by the Council of Administration), at the request of the parties involved, on questions in dispute; act on requests for explanation and amendment of the Acts of the Union; and, in general, carry out such studies and editorial or documentary work as are assigned to it by those Acts or as may be referred to it in the interest of the Union. + +**3.** It shall also conduct inquiries requested by member countries and their designated operators to obtain the views of other member countries, designated operators, members of the Consultative Committee and the public, as appropriate, on particular questions. The result of such inquiries shall not have the status of a vote and shall not be formally binding. + +**4.** It may act as a clearing house in the settlement of accounts of all kinds relating to the postal service. + +**5.** The International Bureau shall ensure the confidentiality and security of commercial data provided by member countries, their designated operators and/or members of the Consultative Committee for the performance of its duties arising from the Acts or decisions of the Union. ### Artikel 134 @@ -560,38 +575,17 @@ Vervallen ### Artikel 146 -**1.** Countries which accede to the Union or are admitted to the status of members of the Union as well as those which leave the Union shall pay their contributions for the whole of the year during which their admission or withdrawal becomes effective. +**1.** Subject to the provisions of paragraphs 2 to 6, the annual expenditure relating to the activities of bodies of the Union may not exceed 38,890,030 Swiss francs for the years 2022 and 2023, and 39,512,270 Swiss francs for the years 2024 and 2025. In the event that the Congress planned for 2025 is postponed, the latter ceiling shall also apply to the post-2025 period -**2.** Member countries shall pay their contributions to the Union’s annual expenditure in advance on the basis of the budget laid down by the Council of Administration. These contributions shall be paid not later than the first day of the financial year to which the budget refers. After that date, the sums due shall be chargeable with interest in favour of the Union at the rate of 5% per annum from the fourth month. +**2.** The expenditure relating to the convening of the next Congress (travelling expenses of the secretariat, transport charges, cost of installing simultaneous interpretation equipment, cost of reproducing documents during the Congress, etc.) shall not exceed the limit of 2,900,000 Swiss francs. -**3.** Where the arrears of mandatory contributions, not including interest, owed to the Union by a member country are equal to or more than the amount of the contributions of that member country for the preceding two financial years, such member country may irrevocably assign to the Union all or part of the credits owed it by other member countries, in accordance with the arrangements laid down by the Council of Administration. The conditions of this assignment of credit shall be determined by agreement reached between the member country, its debtors/creditors and the Union. +**3.** The Council of Administration shall be authorized to exceed the limits laid down in paragraphs 1 and 2 to take account of increases in salary scales, pension contributions or allowances, including post adjustments, approved by the United Nations for application to its staff working in Geneva. -**4.** A member country which, for legal or other reasons, cannot make such an assignment must undertake to conclude a schedule for the amortization of its arrears. +**4.** The Council of Administration shall also be authorized to adjust, each year, the amount of expenditure other than that relating to staff on the basis of the Swiss consumer price index. -**5.** Other than in exceptional circumstances as decided by Congress or the Council of Administration, recovery of arrears of mandatory contributions owed to the Union may not extend over more than ten years. In cases where Congress or the Council of Administration approves a payment agreement longer than twenty years, the minimum amount of the annual arrears contribution should be at least equal to the annual contribution of the member country signatory to the agreement. +**5.** Notwithstanding paragraph 1, the Council of Administration, or in case of extreme urgency, the Director General, may authorize the prescribed limits to be exceeded to meet the cost of major and unforeseen repairs to the International Bureau building, provided however that the amount of the increase does not exceed 125,000 Swiss francs per annum. -**6.** Also in exceptional circumstances, as decided by Congress or the Council of Administration, either body may release a member country from all or part of the interest owed if that country has paid the full principal amount of its debts in arrears. - -**6bis.** In similarly exceptional circumstances, Congress or the Council of Administration may, upon written request of the member country concerned, decide to release that member country from its debts in arrears and immediately lift the automatic sanctions imposed against it, subject to payment of an amount at least equivalent to one half of the total amount of debts in arrears (excluding any interest incurred thereon) owed by that member country. - -**6ter.** - -Congress or the Council of Administration may also, upon written request of a member country with long-standing debts in arrears, decide to exceptionally release that member country from its debts in arrears and immediately lift the automatic sanctions imposed against it, provided the member country concerned pays its last five years of mandatory contributions to the Union’s annual expenditure (including the current financial year and excluding any interest incurred thereon). - -6ter.1 For the purposes of paragraph 6ter, “long-standing debts in arrears” shall be defined as any amounts in arrears (including interest) pertaining to mandatory contributions to the Union’s annual expenditure incurred over a period longer than the last five financial years. -6ter.2 Equally for the purposes of paragraph 6ter and specifically in the case of least developed countries and small island developing states as defined in article 150.1, Congress or the Council of Administration may exceptionally determine that the “last five years of mandatory contributions” of the member country concerned shall be calculated on the basis of the current contribution class to which that member country belongs, in which case the relevant current contribution class amount shall be multiplied five times. - -**6quater.** In the case of least developed countries and small island developing states, as defined in article 150.1, that are authorized to benefit from either of the exceptional payment arrangements out-lined in paragraphs 6bis and 6ter of this article, at least 50% of the amounts paid by the member country concerned shall be earmarked for Union-led postal technical assistance projects aimed at benefiting that same member country. - -**6quinquies.** Any principal or interest amounts released in the framework of the exceptional payment arrangements outlined in paragraphs 6bis and 6ter of this article shall not be cancelled, but set aside and provisioned by the Union in accordance with its relevant financial rules. In the event the member country concerned subsequently falls under automatic sanctions, the aforementioned amounts shall once more be registered by the Union, with immediate effect, as debts in arrears for the member country in question. - -**7.** A member country may also be released, within the framework of an amortization schedule approved by the Council of Administration for its accounts in arrears, from all or part of the interest accumulated or to accrue; such release shall, however, be subject to the full and punctual execution of the amortization schedule within an agreed period of ten years at most. - -**8.** The provisions under paragraphs 3 to 7 apply by analogy to the translation costs billed by the International Bureau to member countries belonging to the language groups. - -**9.** The International Bureau shall send bills to member countries at least three months before their due date. The original bills shall be sent to the correct address provided by the member country concerned. Electronic copies of the bills shall be sent via e-mail as pre-advice or alerts. - -**10.** Furthermore, the International Bureau shall provide member countries with clear information each time it charges them interest on overdue payment of particular bills, so that member countries can easily verify to which bills the interest corresponds. +**6.** If the credits authorized in paragraphs 1 and 2 prove inadequate to ensure the smooth running of the Union, these limits may only be exceeded with the approval of the majority of the member countries of the Union. Any consultation shall include a complete description of the facts justifying such a request. ### Artikel 147