COMMITTEE ON NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS C0NTINUES CONSIDERATION OF REQUESTS FOR RECLASSIFICATION OF CONSULTATIVE STATUS

Press Release
NGO/322

COMMITTEE ON NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS C0NTINUES CONSIDERATION OF REQUESTS FOR RECLASSIFICATION OF CONSULTATIVE STATUS

This morning the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations, a 19-member standing body of the Economic and Social Council, continued considering requests by non-governmental organizations for reclassification of their consultative status with the Council.

The Committee first decided to recommend reclassifying the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy from roster to special status. Non-governmental organizations with consultative status with the Council are either general, special or roster status, with different privileges and obligations accorded to each. Those with general status can propose items for the Council’s agenda, attend and speak at meetings and circulate statements. Groups with special status can attend meetings and circulate limited statements, while those on roster can attend meetings. Organizations with general and special status must submit reports every four years on their activities in support of the United Nations.

The Committee left pending its decisions on the International Humanist and Ethical Union; Medecins sans Frontieres; and International Peace Bureau. Regarding the first group, Algeria’s representative asked about the meaning of certain phrases contained in the application, including “controversial moral and social issues” and “supernatural power”. On Medecins sans Frontieres, the Committee’s decision will be taken after receipt of written confirmation that the organization would refer to Hong Kong as a special administrative zone of China. It decided to do this, in accordance with its usual procedure, even though China’s representative said his delegation was willing to recommend reclassification in advance of that confirmation. Regarding the International Peace Bureau, questions were raised about its administrative expenses, sources of revenue and the organization’s actions in the Committee on Human Rights.

After a 10-minute suspension and extended discussion, the Committee decided to send a communication to the Universidad Latinoamericana de la Libertad Friedrich Hayek indicating that it could send a representative to answer questions by Monday, 23 January, at 10 a.m.

Delegates stated that it would be extremely beneficial to have a representative of the organization present to respond to questions. Chile’s representative said that since the session lasted through 28 January, a representative could come by that date. Cuba’s representative, however, suggested that the group be contacted immediately, and reminded of the 21 January deadline

Committee on NGOs - 2 - Press Release NGO/322 719th Meeting (AM) 19 January 2000

originally transmitted to all organizations whose applications were being considered. Her delegation had made repeated attempts to contact the organization to obtain answers to serious questions raised during the Committee’s June session.

Comments and questions were expressed this morning by the representatives of Algeria, China, Ireland, Sudan, Cuba, Chile, Russian Federation, Tunisia, United States, India, Pakistan, Colombia, Ethiopia, Turkey, Lebanon and Senegal. The Chief of the Non-Governmental Organizations Section, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Hanifa Mezoui, responded to Committee members’ questions.

The Committee will continue considering non-governmental organizations’ requests today at 3 p.m.

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