A/HRC/6/22 page 89 8. The Council thanks the independent expert appointed by the Secretary-General to consider the human rights situation in Haiti for his report (A/HRC/4/3). It encourages the expert to continue his mission and report thereon to the Council at its eighth session. It encourages the Haitian authorities to continue to cooperate with the independent expert and put his recommendations into effect. [See chap. X.] PRST/6/2. The twentieth anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment At the 21st meeting, on 28 September 2007, the President of the Council made a statement reading as follows: 1. The Human Rights Council notes with deep appreciation that the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment has been in force since 26 June 1987 as a central instrument in global efforts to eradicate torture. 2. The Human Rights Council warmly welcomes the work of the Committee against Torture for its impressive contribution to combat torture worldwide. 3. The Human Rights Council urges all States parties to the Convention to comply strictly with their obligations under the Convention. 4. The Human Rights Council urges all States that have not yet done so to become parties to the Convention and to give early consideration to signing and ratifying its Optional Protocol. 5. The Human Rights Council invites all States parties to the Convention that have not yet done so to make the declarations provided for in articles 21 and 22 concerning inter-State and individual communications. 6. The Human Rights Council invites all States parties to the Convention that have not yet done so to notify the Secretary-General of their acceptance of the amendments to articles 17 and 18 as soon as possible in order to enhance the efficiency of the Committee against Torture. 7. The Human Rights Council requests the Secretary-General to ensure, within the overall budgetary framework of the United Nations, the provision of adequate staff and facilities for the bodies and mechanisms involved in combating torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and assisting victims of torture, commensurate with the strong support expressed by Member States for combating torture and assisting victims of torture. [See chap. III.]