NGO COMMITTEE APPROVES TWO ORGANIZATIONS FOR CONSULTATIVE STATUS WITH ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL, DEFERS ACTION ON FOUR OTHERS

Committee on NGOs

2001 Session

4^th Meeting (PM)

NGO COMMITTEE APPROVES TWO ORGANIZATIONS FOR CONSULTATIVE STATUS

WITH ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL, DEFERS ACTION ON FOUR OTHERS

The Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) this afternoon approved the applications of two organizations for consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, and deferred those of four others, as it continued its consideration of deferred applications.

The applications of the European Roma Rights Centre and the Elizabeth Seton Federation (Sisters of Charity Federation) were approved for special consultative status, while those of the Swedish Organization of Disabled Persons International Aid Association, the Millennium Institute, A Centre for the World Religions and the Antioch Christian Centre were deferred to a later date, pending the receipt of further information.

On the application of the Millennium Institute, an international organization engaged in the field of sustainable development and seeking special consultative status, further clarifications were sought by the Committee with regard to the organization’s nature, aims and finances.  China’s representative noted that the NGO had in its communications referred to “Taiwan” and he requested that it correct that reference to “Taiwan Province of China”.

In connection with the Committee’s consideration of the application of

A Centre for the World Religions, an international organization based in Germany and seeking special consultative status, it heard from the representative of that NGO, who stated that the main thrust of the organization was inter-faith cooperation, and not seeking to diminish or eliminate national sovereignty within the context of a new world order, a concern raised by several delegations.    

Believing that many of the world’s conflicts stemmed from religious differences, the NGO brought people of different religious backgrounds together through meditation techniques and seminars, with the aim of creating respect for each other’s point of view, he added.  It was also engaged in providing humanitarian aid through several programmes in India. 

The 19-member Committee, a standing body of the Economic and Social Council established in 1946, considers applications submitted by NGOs for consultative status and their requests for reclassification; considers quadrennial reports submitted by those organizations; implements the provisions of Council resolution 1996/31 and the monitoring of consultative relationships; and considers other issues as requested by the Council. 

Non-governmental, non-profit voluntary organizations can be admitted into consultative status with the Council if they meet the requirements detailed in Council resolution 1996/31, regarding matters, including the organization’s activities, decision-making processes and resources.

The non-governmental organizations with consultative status are classified under the "general", "special" or "roster" categories.  Those with general status can propose items for the Council agenda, attend and speak at meetings and circulate statements.  Those with special status can attend meetings and circulate statements, while those on the roster can only attend meetings.  Organizations with general and special status must report every four years on their activities in support of the United Nations.

Statements were also made this afternoon by the representatives of the Russian Federation, France, Germany, Pakistan, China, Turkey, Sudan, Senegal, Algeria, India, Chile and Ethiopia.  Also, the representative of the United Kingdom spoke in his capacity as observer.

The Committee will meet again at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, 9 May, to continue its consideration of deferred applications for consultative status.

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