8. Based on the above, the Committee submits to the Court the following issues ror determination: a. Whethe r the Committee has standing to request an advisory opinion under Ariicle 4 (1) of the Protocol; b. Whethe r the Committee, as an 'African Intergovernmental Organization', is included within the meaning of Article 5 (1) (e) of the Protoco l; c. Whethe r Article 5 (1) (e) should be interpreted in line with the mandate s of the African Court and the Committee; and d. Whethe r the standing of the Committee before the Cou1t under Article 5 (1) (e) ofthe Protocol is in line with the object and purpose of this Protocol. ll. PROCEDURE 9. The request dated ll Novemb er 2013, was received at lhc Registry of the Court on 25 Novemb er 2013. The Registry aclmowledged receipt by letter dated 26 Novemb er 2013. 10. During its 31 st Ordinary Session, held between 25 Novemb er and 6 Decemb er 20 l3, the Court decided to transmit the request by the Committee to Membe r States of the African Union, the African Commission on Human and Peoples ' Rights (hereinafter the "African Commission"), and other interested entities, pursuant to Rule 69 of the Rules and that, in accordance with Rule 70, they should be given a deadline of 90 days within which to subm.it their observat]ons, if any. 5