If a complaint is submitted for the first time, the Committee may in some cases invite the State party concerned to take so-called "interim measures" to prevent irreparable harm to the alleged victim while her complaint is under consideration. These measures are aimed at ensuring that the relevant rights of the parties are respected before the Committee decides on the complaint.
For example, States are encouraged to refrain from carrying out the death penalty or extraditing individuals before the Committee considers the compatibility with the Covenant of such actions, the consequences of which cannot be corrected.