Committee on NGOs

19^th & 20^th Meetings (AM & PM)

NGO Committee Approves Consultative Status for Two Organizations,

 

Postpones Consideration of 62 Others, as Session Continues

 

Recommending special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council for two groups today, the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) also postponed consideration of 62 other applications pending receipt of additional information.

General, special or roster status with the Council is granted in accordance with such criteria as the applicant’s mandate, governance and financial regime.  Organizations enjoying general and special consultative status can attend the Council’s meetings and circulate statements.  Those with general status can also speak at meetings and propose items for the Council’s agenda.  NGOs with roster status can only attend meetings.

The Committee recommended special consultative status for the following NGOS:

Global Afrikan Congress, a national organization in Canada, seeking to function as a source of information, technical support and consultation for member organizations working for social justice, good governance, human and democratic rights, economic parity and the restoration of human dignity — following a recommendation by Burundi that such status be granted.

After the Committee took that decision and moved on to one more application, the representative of Egypt requested the Committee reconsider its decision, since the organization had not provided written answers to questions posed yesterday.  After the Chair noted that a decision had already been made, the delegations of the United States and Israel expressed support for proceeding and letting the decision stand, while the representatives of China and Burundi expressed support for Egypt’s request.

Citing a lack of consensus, the Chair said the Committee would proceed without reconsidering its decision.  Angola’s representative suggested, however, that the NGO should still submit written answers to the question, since the NGO Committee merely recommended consultative status be granted, while the Economic and Social Council made the final decision.

Imam Ali’s Popular Students Relief Society — which is a national organization based in Iran that provides practical strategies to deal with the social problems of women, children and families — following a presentation during the Committee’s hour-long question-and-answer period by one of its founders.  Noting that she had started the NGO in 1999 with a few friends from Sharif University, she said it now had 1,000 members at Sharif.  Responding to a question from Cuba, she said her group had changed the location of its headquarters since the Committee posed its questions and she would be happy to provide details on its current location.

In terms of the organization’s work, she said it engaged students on a voluntary basis to feed malnourished children and build relief houses in poorer areas of Tehran, among other cities.  It had built one house, called Iranian House, where children were fed, educated, tutored, and provided support to their parents, particularly their mothers.  The organization was also collaborating with UNICEF to stop the execution of people younger than 18—years of age. It had also begun to provide rehabilitation for the addicted parents of the children it served.  Another project targeted children who were not enrolled in school because they did not have the proper identification cards.  Finally, she said the organization sought to change the overall culture of poverty, by joining university students with children from poor neighbourhoods, including through sports.

Following this explanation, the Committee granted special consultative status to the organization.  Because no other organizations with applications pending before the Committee were present, the Committee concluded its question-and-answer period.

Pending receipts of answers to delegates’ questions, it postponed its consideration of applications submitted by:

American Cancer Society — a national organization from the United States that aims to save the lives of people with cancer through finding cures and fighting back — as Cuba’s representative said the organization had not answered all of the Committee’s questions and requested it do so following a strong recommendation for granting it special consultative status by the United Kingdom.

American Humanist Association — a national organization in the United States, working to increase public awareness and acceptance of Humanism — after Burundi’s representative requested more details about the work the organization would contribute to the Council.  Egypt’s representative also asked the Secretariat to forward questions posed during informal sessions to the organization.  Other questions addressed membership fees and the organization’s views regarding United Nations activities on human rights and non-discrimination.  Requests were made for a detailed breakdown of the group’s budget, as well as examples of its educational activities.

Amuta for NGO Responsibility — a national organization in Israel that works to advance vigorous discussions on the reports and activities of human rights and humanitarian non-governmental organizations in the framework of the Arab-Israeli conflict — as Sudan’s representative requested further clarification on its budget and Cuba’s representative asked what the organization’s stance was on article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention.  More information was requested on the organization’s networking activities, its research methodology, its projects related to the prevention of religious intolerance, and its relationship with NGO Monitor.

Association of World Reindeer Herders — a Norway-based international organization, which seeks to promote professional, cultural and commercial contact between the World Reindeer Herders — as the representative of China asked if they participated in any way in the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and Cuba’s delegate requested further details on how they determined membership.

Bridging the Gulf — an international organization based in the Netherlands, that supports initiatives in the Gulf region in the areas of human security, human rights, women’s rights and the development of civil societies — as Qatar’s representative asked what the mention of “work through proxy” meant, who the organization was in contact with in various Gulf States, including Qatar, what its activities were, and, if a survey had been undertaken, what its results were.  Sudan’s delegate requested further information on the NGO’s work regarding the development of women’s rights.  Cuba’s representative requested further details about the organization’s accreditation by another NGO, while Egypt’s delegate requested details on the actual materials propagated by the NGO.

Bureau international pour le respect des droits de l’homme au Sahara Occidental — a national organization from Switzerland, which aims to take part in the efforts towards the global fight for human rights — after Qatar’s representative asked the organization to explain its understanding of Western Sahara and its history, how it was dealt with by the Security Council and that body’s resolutions, as well as what the NGO was doing to implement those resolutions.  Also, what was the organization’s relationship to various parties in the region, including the Frente POLISARIO, and what did it mean when it said it was “fighting” for human rights?

The observer from Switzerland noted that this organization was qualified as an NGO from the North, but its work specifically targeted a region in Africa.  Saying it was his understanding that the organization met with representatives in Geneva, he wondered, like Qatar, if the organization was concerned with prisoners of war detained by both sides.  Was the organization trying to put those prisoners in contact with civil society on both sides?  Sudan’s delegate asked if the organization had a local branch, and what the exact nature of its work was – including if it was advocacy work.  Egypt’s representative asked for a breakdown of their operational expenditures, as well as clarification on the budget item for travel expenses.

Celtic League — an international organization based in Ireland that supports the struggle of the Celtic Nations through peaceful means — as Cuba’s representative asked if it was extending its work to the rest of the European Union.  More information was also requested on its plan open an office in Argentina, its potential plans to extend work to Latin America, its membership by country and continent and its plans to advance its stated goals.

Center for Global Community and World Law — a United States-based international organization that conducts project-based research, education and consultation to promote the establishment of a peaceful, just and sustainable global society — after Burundi’s representative asked for more information about a study the organization carried out on the Rwandan genocide, as well as other studies done in other African countries.  Pakistan’s delegate also asked about the organization’s relationship with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Centre for Equality Rights in Accommodation — a national organization in Canada, which works to address poverty and homelessness in Ontario and Canada – as Egypt’s representative asked for more information on the reference to Robert’s Rules of Order.

Centrum Mot Rasism — a national organization from Sweden, seeking to work against racism, discrimination, xenophobia, homophobia, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, Antiziganism and Afro-phobia — as Burundi asked what the organization meant when it used the term anti-democratic.  Other questions touched on the NGO’s website, its claim of independence despite State funding, and its understanding of the term “sexual orientation”, as well as other terms that delegates said did not enjoy international recognition.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide — a United Kingdom-based national organization, seeking to pursue freedom of religion for all — as a request was made for the Committee to consider the written questions the organization submitted following yesterday’s questions and answers.  The United Kingdom representative expressed support for its application.

Coordinadora Española para el Lobby Europeo de Mujeres — a national organization in Spain, seeking to coordinate women NGOs in Spain to promote and develop the equality of rights and opportunities for women — after Cuba’s representative requested more information about the organization’s links with regional networks or groups in Latin America and Egypt’s delegate asked about its activities aimed at eliminating gender discrimination, its references to “women’s political agenda”, and its future activities regarding “a gender agreement”.

Council for American Students in International Negotiations — a United States-based national organization, striving to generate discussion on, and knowledge about, international issues at universities across America — as Cuba’s representative, noting that the organization’s activities focused on the International Criminal Court, requested copies of speeches and contributions it had made to the Assembly of States parties to the Court and its stance on universal jurisdiction.  Sudan’s delegate also asked about the organization’s relationship, as a student coalition, to the Court’s bureau and the Assembly of States parties.  Requests were also made to provide more information on the relevance of the organization’s work to that of the Economic and Social Council.

Defense Small Arms Advisory Council — a national organization in the United States, which seeks to serve as a means of communication between its member companies and government agencies — after Cuba’s representative asked if the organization classified itself as a group representing the interests of United States entrepreneurs and the United States delegate asked whether the organization was registered as an NGO.  Egypt’s representative also asked for more information on membership fees and requested a detailed budget.

Drug Prevention Network of Canada — a national organization based in Canada, seeking to promote and advocate a healthy lifestyle free of drugs — after Cuba’s representative asked for clarification about its claim that it would take part, with an affiliate, in the appeal before the Canadian Supreme Court of a drug-use sight.

Ducuum — an Ireland-based international organization, which supports and encourages educational projects in areas most affected by high illiteracy among girls, parents, women and other adults in Sudan – after the representative of the Russian Federation asked for clarification about the organization’s registration and headquarters, particularly whether the organization was Sudanese or Irish.  Sudan’s delegate also requested clarification about its registration in Ireland and its planned future activities.  Egypt’s representative asked how the organization’s activities were implemented in Sudan, while the Cuban delegation asked about its links with UNESCO.

European Humanist Federation — an international organization based in Belgium, seeking to promote secularism and a humanist vision of cultural, social and ethical values in Europe — as Burundi’s representative asked the organization to clarify its definition of “non-believers” and to detail its achievements in Europe.  The observer for the Holy See requested that the organization elaborate its views on religious freedom and pluralism, while Egypt’s representative requested information about the organization’s activities in human rights and non-discrimination, as well as its views on activities and conventions ratified by the United Nations in those areas.  He asked the organization to define “sexuality and other grounds” and to explain its position on the Yogyakarta Principles.

Cuba’s representative asked if the organization focused specifically on religious issues or if its work went beyond religion, requesting detailed information on its activities if it did.  She requested further details on the types of religions it included in its intercultural dialogues and its links to other inter-religious or inter-cultural dialogue movements.

Foundation for GAIA — an international organization in the United Kingdom, which calls for humankind to act in partnership with nature — after Cuba’s representative requested what they think of the rights and duties of multinational corporate activities of minerals and what it thinks about the current oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.  China’s representative asked for information on the organization’s main donors and whether the organization provided support to other NGOs.  Egypt’s representative requested clarification on the membership of its Director in Congo, as well as its main source of income and whether its profits were taxable.

Freedom Now — a United States-based national organization, seeking to free prisoners of conscience through focused legal, political, and public relations advocacy efforts — as delegates raised questions about the organization’s 2007 application, which was not maintained, its process for deciding what cases to take, the reach of its work, and legal certification of the NGOs it collaborated with in other countries.  Pakistan’s representative requested more information on a particular detailed memorandum.  Egypt’s representative asked what criteria was used to define “prisoners of conscience” and what the organization’s understanding of “sexuality” was.  Peru’s representative asked about the organization’s information sources on Peru.

GS1 — an international organization based in Belgium, which is dedicated to the design and implementation of global standards and solutions to improve the efficiency and visibility of supply and demand chains globally — after Egypt’s representative asked if the organization had applied for consultative status with any other organizations in its field of expertise and if it could further explain how it would contribute to the Council’s future work.

HYDROAID Water for Development Institute — an Italy-based national organization, which develops activities of training, know-how transfer and capacity building for developing and emerging countries — as China’s representative asked the organization to elaborate on its projects in China.

IOGT International — an international organization based in Sweden, which strives for the liberation of peoples of the world leading to a richer, freer and more rewarding life — as Cuba’s representative requested information on and examples of activities it conducts in Latin America and the Caribbean, if any.  China’s representative asked that the organization make adjustments to its website, while Egypt’s representative asked that it explain its reasons for non-registration in Sweden.  He also asked if the organization had been previously accredited within any United Nations bodies and whether the organization had considered seeking consultative status within any of those bodies.  A request for a detailed budget breakdown was also made.

International Action Network on Small Arms — a United Kingdom-based organization, aiming to reduce gun violence — as the representative of Cuba, following a strong recommendation by the United Kingdom for granting special consultative status, enquired about the organization’s opinion on violent school attacks that included the use of small arms.  She also asked if the organization would be encouraging legislative reform in countries it identified in its application.  Egypt’s representative asked for further details about current members of the organization’s executive body, as well as the nomination and election procedures for that body.

International Campaign to Ban Landmines — an organization based in Switzerland, working towards a worldwide ban on indiscriminate weapons that cause unacceptable harm to civilians — as the delegate of Turkey, following a strong recommendation for granting special consultative status by the United Kingdom’s representative, asked for more information on the organization’s engagement with groups on the terrorist list.  China also requested that the NGO use correct United Nations terminology.

The observer of Switzerland expressed strong support for the organization’s application, pointing out that the files before the Committee contained detailed information on the organization’s goals and aims.  Cuba’s representative asked what the organization thought of a country’s use of anti-personnel landmines by invoking national security.  Egypt asked how the organization maintained independence, since nearly 100 per cent of its funding came from the Swiss Government.  After the observer of Switzerland said his Government was one of many that contributed to the organization, Egypt’s representative said this was why he was requesting a detailed budget.

International Centre for Migration Health and Development — a Switzerland-based organization, aiming to strengthen the capacity of governments, international organizations and non-governmental bodies to respond to the growing challenge of population movement and its impact on health, health-care needs and health systems — as Pakistan’s representative asked for more details on the organization’s research in Central Asia and Egypt’s representative requested examples of the information and training it provided related to reproductive health.  Cuba’s representative also asked what “migration health” meant, what the organization’s affiliation with United Nations entities was and what work it was doing in regions affected by natural disasters.

International Federation of Psoriasis Associations — a Sweden-based organization, which seeks support, strengthen, and promote the causes of all psoriasis associations at the international level — after Cuba asked if it was working to boost its activity in the South in its area of expertise.

International Federation of Thanatologists Associations — an organization based in the Netherlands, seeking to promote international understanding and goodwill among the world’s funeral service professionals — as China’s representative asked about references in the application to the establishment of private companies and whether those were profitable, and Cuba’s delegate, underlining the organization’s specificity, asked how it would contribute to the Council’s work.

International Juvenile Justice Observatory — a Belgium-based organization, promoting an international and interdisciplinary approach to issues related to juvenile justice — after Egypt’s representative asked for further information about, and examples of, the organization’s collaborative relationship with UNESCO.  The organization was also asked to explain its statement regarding “holding a UNESCO chair in the field of juvenile justice”, to provide a list of organizations in its network with consultative status, and to clarify other specific language used in its application.

International Lesbian and Gay Association — an organization based in Belgium, seeking to promote the human rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgendered individuals — after a lengthy discussion concerning the Council’s decision to suspend the organization’s status in 1994 and questions posed to the organization at that time.  Egypt reiterated his delegation’s request that the organization provide a response to the letter addressed to it by the Committee in 1995.  This request should be communicated to the organization, he said.

Noting the organization’s special circumstances, the representatives of Qatar and Sudan said that its lack of responses to certain questions from the Council remained a problem.  The delegate from Qatar suggested those who were sympathetic to the application should advise the organization to submit the required responses so the Committee could fully consider its current application.

However, Israel’s representative, agreeing with earlier comments by the United Kingdom, said the answers provided by the Association’s representative during yesterday’s questions and answers were sufficient.

The representative of Romania then suggested that the questions sent 15 years ago to the Association should be re-sent using modern methods of communications, proposing that the Committee request that the Secretariat do so.  The organization could then provide written answers that would, in complement to yesterday’s oral responses, prove sufficient.  Calling this a “sensible” approach, Egypt’s representative expressed support for this proposal.  He underlined that, according to the Committee’s procedures, in this scenario the Chair would transmit a request for the organization to answer the Council’s original questions from 15 years ago and attach a copy of the original questionnaire.

International Organization for Victim Assistance — a United States-based organization that aims to promote policy change for victims — as Cuba’s representative asked for clearer information on the organization’s future projects and Burundi’s representative asked to clarify its status in the United States.  China’s representative requested details on the organization’s membership, while Egypt’s representative asked the organization to explain how it maintained its autonomy given that its membership consists mainly of law enforcement officials.  He asked for information on the organization’s relationships with relevant law enforcement agencies on the national, regional, and international levels.

International Police Executive Symposium — a United States-based organization, seeking to facilitate cross-cultural, international and interdisciplinary exchanges for the enhancement of effective and humane policing and rule of law — as China’s representative requested it to define the term “public defender”, as well as to provide information on training programmes on that subject.  Cuba’s representative enquired about the assistance the organization provides to Governments and how it sustains itself given that listed expenditures are higher than listed income.  Egypt’s representative requested further details and examples of its pro bono work totalling to about $34 million.  He also enquired about its overseas operations.  Furthermore, he asked how the organization maintains its objectivity and independence from federal and state governments.  Lastly, he requested a detailed breakdown of its current and previous annual budgets.

International Senior Lawyers Project — a national organization in the United States, seeking to advance the rule of law, human rights and equitable economic development – after questions were asked about its budget and financing.

Ivorian Hope Charity — a United States-based international organization, aiding in the socio-economic development of Côte d’Ivoire and the Ivorian diaspora living in America — as Burundi’s representative asked if the organization was operating legally within Côte d’Ivoire and requested a list of national and international partners.  Egypt’s representative asked the organization to explain how it carried out its many projects with a limited budget.  He also asked it to elaborate on its programmes and activities in Côte d’Ivoire and Maryland and to provide information on any relationships it has with civil society in Côte d’Ivoire.

Law Council of Australia — a national organization in Australia that promotes and defends the rule of law and the administration of justice in the public interest — as delegates from the Russian Federation, Cuba and Egypt requested more information regarding the organization’s budget deficit.  Egypt’s delegate also requested examples of its activities and contributions.

Life for Africa — a United States-based international organization, seeking to provide Africa with resources that foster the progress of health care and agricultural improvements, educational assistance, economic empowerment, revolutionary technology, and social and community development — after Burundi’s representative requested information on the African countries where it currently worked and planned to work, as well as whether a liaison office existed in Ghana.  Cuba’s delegate asked how the organization could carry out so many activities given its budget and income.

Movement against Atrocities and Repression — an international organization based in Switzerland that works to further the application of human rights — as Pakistan’s delegate asked how the NGO planned to expand its activities given its budgetary constraints and requested further explanation about the membership of its executive body.  Cuba’s representative asked how the organization made decisions about its activities, while Egypt’s delegate requested that it provide samples of its papers on human rights.  He further noted that the organization needed to fully complete some of its answers on the application.

National Committee for UNIFEM in Finland — a national organization in Finland, aiming to promote both the empowerment of women and gender equality — after Egypt’s delegate requested more details on its contributions to statements made in connection to the Commission on the Status of Women and the representative of the Russian Federation requested details on its budget.

New York and New Jersey Asian American Law Enforcement Advisory Committee — a United States-based international organization seeking to promote a mutual understanding between the New York and New Jersey Asian American community and all federal, state and local law enforcement agencies — as Cuba asked what Asian countries the organization worked in, Pakistan asked for details on its provision of scholarships, China asked for further clarification on its structural affiliation with other organizations and the Russian Federation asked for a detailed budget breakdown.

Additionally, the representative of Egypt said his delegation was not “comfortable” with the application, given the fact that the organization’s was comprised of law enforcement personnel, making them government employees.  This seemed contrary to the criteria set out in Council resolution 1996/31.  Thus, the delegation requested the organization to provide details on its affiliation with law enforcement.

Niall Mellon Township Trust — an international organization based in Ireland that helps build sustainable communities in South Africa — after Egypt asked for clarification on the organization’s name, its certificate of incorporation and the relationship between the Niall Mellon Township Trust and the Mellon Township Limited.

Not for Sale Campaign — a United States-based international organization, seeking to recruit, educate and mobilize an international grass-roots social movement to effectively fight human trafficking and slavery through “smart activism” — as Cuba’s delegate asked the organization to provide more details on its work in Latin America and Egypt’s representative requested a detailed budget breakdown.

Pro-Life Campaign — a national organization in Ireland, which seeks to defend human life from conception to natural death — after China’s delegation requested details on its budget, particularly in 2009.   Egypt’s delegation noted that his delegation was satisfied with the organization’s response and was flexible as to its application.

Program in International Human Rights Law — an international organization based in the United States, promoting increased scholarship in international human rights law — as Pakistan’s representative enquired about the placement of interns in various countries and Egypt’s representative requested samples of reports its has produced.  He also asked for a definition of the terms “sexual minorities” and “sexual preferences” and a description of its position on the Yogyakarta Principles.  Cuba’s delegate requested a list of current and future projects in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Redress Trust — a United Kingdom-based international organization, seeking to promote justice for victims of torture and related international crimes — as the delegate of Cuba requested more information on the organization’s reports on torture and Pakistan’s representative requested detailed information on its activities in Asia, particularly in Pakistan.

Sacro Militare Ordine Costantiniano di San Giorgio — an international organization based in Italy that strives to promote benevolence, as well as to assist the poor and sick — as the delegation of Burundi requested clarification on its activities in African countries.  Egypt’s representative requested that the organization elaborate on its contributions to the Council, provide more information on planned activities and projects — particularly in Africa — and provide details on its membership fees.  The observer for the Holy See expressed support of the organization.

Schweizerische Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Jugendverbände — a Switzerland-based national organization promoting the democratic participation of children and youth in Switzerland — as the Cuban delegation requested clarification on its status and more information on its projects budget.  Egypt’s delegate requested information on its contributions to the Council, particularly examples of previous involvement.  The delegation also requested information on current membership fees and a detailed budget breakdown, with a specific focus on its income.

The observer for Switzerland said, in response to Cuba’s question, that the organization was active on both the Swiss and international levels.  Therefore, it wished to be represented in the United Nations through consultative status with the Council.  He also expressed support of the organization.

Solicitors International Human Rights Group — a national organization based in the United Kingdom aiming to promote awareness of international human rights within the legal profession in Britain — as Cuba’s representative requested specific details on current and planned activities, and India’s delegate asked the organization to resubmit its annual budget.  The delegation also asked the organization to clarify if it was a private corporation or charity.  Egypt’s representative asked for more detailed information on the organization’s income-generating activities, as well as a number of questions in the application.

Soroptimist International of the Americas — a United States-based international organization, which aims to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world — as the delegate of the Russian Federation requested clarification on its previous consultative status with the Council.  Egypt’s representative noted that there were four organizations under the umbrella of Soroptimist International which share the same goals, objectives, mandates, mission statements, etc., yet exist independently of each other.  The delegate asked how each branch could uniquely contribute to the Council given that the parent umbrella organization already enjoyed consultative status.  Peru’s delegate enquired about its projects in Peru.

Sri Swami Madhavananda World Peace Council — an international organization based in Austria, seeking to direct, coordinate and implement activities for the betterment of humanity’s welfare — as Pakistan’s representative requested information on its membership and finances, as well as more detail on incomplete answers.  The delegation of Egypt requested that the organization clarify its statement related to gender and provide detailed budgets for 2007, 2008 and 2009.  Cuba’s representative enquired about its current and planned activities in the Caribbean.

Thin and High — a United States-based international organization, which seeks to promote contributions to, respect for and pride in its members’ heritage — as the delegation of China requested clarification on its relationships with other organizations.

UK Consortium on AIDS and International Development — a national organization in the United Kingdom that promotes an effective global response to HIV and AIDS and contributes to sustainable development — as the delegation of Cuba enquired about its contributions to the upcoming Summit on the Millennium Development Goals scheduled for September.  Egypt’s delegate asked the organization to elaborate on its process of formal appointments and how its planned future projects would contribute to the Council’s work.  He also asked for more information on how the organization’s activities and projects — particularly those financed through government resources received annually — helped it achieve its objectives.

UNIFEM nationell kommitté - Sverige — a national organization in Sweden, seeking to address women’s issues including poverty, violence and exclusion – after Egypt’s delegate requested more details on a guidebook the organization used in promoting gender equality, following a recommendation by Romania’s delegate that the Committee grant consultative status.

The Committee postponed further consideration of applications pending responses from the following NGOS, from which it was awaiting responses:

Associazione Nazionale Volontarie Telefono Rosa, a national organization in Italy, which provides legal and psychological assistance to women in trouble;

Athletes United for Peace, a United States-based international organization, which promotes peace, education and friendship through programmes and events for youths;

British Humanist Association, a national organization in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which campaigns for equality for people with non-religious beliefs;

Council for International Development, a national organization from New Zealand, a national organization from New Zealand, working to achieve effective high-quality international development programmes which focus on poverty alleviation and eradication;

EveryChild — a United Kingdom-based international organization, which works worldwide to give vulnerable children a safe and secure future;

Fundacion Atenea Grupo GID, a national organization in Spain, which aims for the promotion of the social welfare and the prevention of all problematic circumstances and factors that impede it;

Kita Chosen Nanmin Kyuen Kikin, a national organization in Japan, seeking to advocate on behalf of refugees from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and defend their human rights;

Pain pour le prochain, a national organization in Switzerland, seeking to promote just and sustainable development;

Psychology Beyond Borders, a national organization in the United States that develops evidence-informed psychosocial initiatives, research, education, and policy in areas impacted by disaster, terrorism, and armed conflict;

Search for Common Ground, an international organization based in the United States, working to promote the use of a collaborative problem-solving approach in dealing with world conflict; and

Solidarity NGO of the Orthodox Church of Greece, a national organization from Greece, seeking to socially and financially strengthen the vulnerable and unprivileged.

The Committee will meet again at 10 a.m. Friday, 28 May, to conclude its consideration of new applications for consultative status and begin considering deferred applications.

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For information media • not an official record