Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights* The States Parties to the present Protocol, Considering that in order further to achieve the purposes of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (hereinafter referred to as the Covenant) and the implementation of its provisions it would be appropriate to enable the Human Rights Committee set up in part IV of the Covenant (hereinafter referred to as the Committee) to receive and consider, as provided in the present Protocol, communications from individuals claiming to be victims of violations of any of the rights set forth in the Covenant. Have agreed as follows: * Adopted and opened for signature, ratification and accession by United Nations General Assembly resolution no. 2200A (XXI) of 16 December 1966. The Protocol was opened for signature at New York on 19 December 1966. - Entered into force on 23 March 1976, and has been ratified by 114 countries (as of January 2013). - For more information, please visit: http://treaties.un.org 40