Committee on NGOs                                          

21^st & 22^nd Meetings (AM & PM)                               

Committee on NGOs Recommends 23 Organizations for Consultative Status

 

With the Economic and Social Council

 

The Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) today recommended 23 entities for consultative status with the Economic and Social Council and postponed its consideration of 39 applications.

In other decisions, the 19-member Committee recommended reclassification of the status of one entity from special to general, while postponing action on the reclassification of two organizations.  

General, special or roster status is recommended in accordance with such criteria as the applicant’s mandate, governance and financial regime.  Organizations enjoying general and special status can attend meetings of the Economic and Social Council and circulate statements, while those with general status can, in addition, address meetings and propose agenda items.  Roster-status NGOs can only attend meetings.

In other business, the Committee also elected Edgard Pérez (Peru) as its Vice-Chair from the Latin American and Caribbean region.

The Committee recommended special consultative status for the following NGOs:

Africa Safe Water Foundation, a national organization from Nigeria which develops, manages and increases access to water and sanitation;

Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights, a Palestine-based national organization, which aims to promote and protect human rights as well as prevent economic, social and cultural rights violations — as the Observer of Palestine commended the organization for its work in Gaza and elsewhere in the occupied Palestinian territory in the promotion of human rights.  Support was also expressed by the representatives of Egypt, Cuba, Russian Federation and Qatar;

Association pour la Lutte contre le Travail des Enfants au Niger, a national organization in Niger focused on the abolishment of child labour;

Caribbean and Latin America Trade Association, a Turkey-based national organization known as Tuklad, which aims to develop trade, industry, finance, and tourism relationships and social activities, while helping the development of economic relations between Turkey and the Latin America and Caribbean region;

Chinese Young Volunteers Association, a China-based national organization aiming to build up and improve a national system to mobilize and organize voluntary service and advance the establishment and improvement of China's market economic structure;

Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, a national organization promoting observance of environmental human rights and defending human ecosystems through non-violent strategies — with the representative of Egypt requesting the reclassification of its status to special in accordance with paragraph 61(c) of resolution 1996/31 and clarification on the organization’s change of name. 

Forum of Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan, a national organization carrying out activities in the fields of culture and arts, education, science, sports, social development, women and youth development;

Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, a national organization in Pakistan spreading awareness of human rights as defined in international instruments among the people — with the delegation of Pakistan expressing support for its work and recommending it for consultative status;

Integrated Development in Focus, a national organization in Ghana seeking to contribute to improved quality of life for women, youth and children;

Isigodlo Trust — South African Women in Dialogue, a national organization aiming to promote and support a conducive environment for women's advancement, while providing an inclusive platform of dialogue for women to bridge gaps and break barriers across all social, economic, political, cultural and geographical divides;

Youth Crime Watch of Nigeria, a national organization aiming to provide crime-, drug- and violence-free environments conducive to learning and living; to instil positive values, foster good citizenship and build self-confidence in young people; and to enable youth to become resources for preventing crime, drug use and violence in their schools and neighbourhoods;

Youths for the Child's Welfare, a Cameroon-based national organization which seeks to bring together young people of all walks of life, especially females; and to help them draw educational, social, economic, religious and cultural experiences from one another;

Association Apprentissage Sans Frontières, an international organization based in Switzerland that focuses on promoting socio-economic rights through apprenticeship-based training modelled on Switzerland’s federal qualification certificate;

Association internationale des droits de l'enfant en difficulté et dans la souffrance, an international organization headquartered in Canada that seeks to ensure that the neediest children in the world’s most remote regions have the basic necessities for survival;

Ayuda y Solidaridad con las Niñas de la Calle, an international organization based in Mexico which seeks to help young girls at risk of living on the streets or already homeless, with the delegation of Peru expressing support;

Humanitarian Law Centre, a national organization based in Serbia that seeks to help post-Yugoslavia societies establish the rule of law and address past large-scale human rights violations in order to prevent a recurrence, establish the criminal responsibility of perpetrators, and see justice done;

International La Strada Association, an anti-trafficking network of nine independent human rights NGOs based in the Netherlands working from a human rights perspective in support of all trafficked persons, but with a focus on women in Central and (South) East Europe;

International Rainwater Harvesting Alliance, a Switzerland-based organization seeking to promote and support rainwater harvesting initiatives worldwide as a strategic and sustainable way of contributing to achievement of the Millennium Goals for freshwater;

Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology of the North-Western Branch of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, a national organization focused on raising the awareness of medical professionals worldwide about issues relating to healthy ageing and age-associated disorders, and on developing scientific and applied programmes for the prevention and early diagnosis of, and therapy for, age-related diseases, with the representative of the Russian Federation expressing support for the organization and its “complete and exhaustive” application;

Shirley Ann Sullivan Educational Foundation, an international organization in the United States which seeks to provide meaningful educational opportunities for children and young adults throughout the world;

Ukrainian Non-Governmental Socio-Political Association-National Assembly of Persons with Disabilities, a national organization seeking to protect the rights of people with disabilities, raise their social status, and ensure their participation in the development of State social policy — with the representative of the Russian Federation expressing support; and

Eastern Sudan Women Development Organization, a national organization active in population development, capacity-building, training in conflict-resolution and peacebuilding, and promotion of the Millennium Development Goals, especially those related to women and children.

Roster status was recommended for Abaawa Hagar Saah Memorial Foundation, a national organization in Ghana seeking to help prevent malaria, reduce tuberculosis infections and new infections of HIV and AIDS.

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

Verband Entwicklungspolitik Deutscher Nichtregierungs-Organisationen (VERNO) — a national organization in Germany, working in the fields of development cooperation, emergency assistance, development education, and advocacy — after Cuba’s representative asked for further details on how the organization would contribute to the Council’s work and what international conferences its representatives planned to attend.

Women's Ordination Conference — a national organization in the United States, working to ordain women as priests, deacons and bishops into the Roman Catholic Church — as Egypt’s delegate asked for further explanation of the organization’s understanding of “sexual orientation,” Yogyakarta Principles, and their understanding of “family” vis-à-vis the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Principle 9 of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development.

WomenSport International — a Norway-based international organization, seeking to encourage increased opportunities and positive changes for women and girls in sport and physical activity — after China’s representative asked for more details on the organization’s membership structure and Egypt’s delegate asked for clarification on a number of statements made in its application, including references to sexual orientation.  He also requested further comment from the NGO on the Brighton Declaration on Women and Sport. 

Yoga in Daily Life USA — a national organization in the United States, which promotes the physical, mental, social and spiritual health of humankind — as China’s representative asked about the organization’s fundraising, while Cuba’s delegate asked if the organization should, since it works in other countries beyond the United States, be classified as an international NGO.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide — a United Kingdom-based national organization, seeking to pursue freedom of religion for all — as China requested the NGO use the correct terminology in its application and India expressed concern that the organization used two different names, asking under which name the Committee should consider the application.  Additional clarification was requested on the relationship with the other organization holding the same name.  Egypt’s delegate inquired about the organization’s membership, budget and activities such as training.

Athletes United for Peace — a United States-based international organization that promotes peace, education and friendship through programs and events for young people — as Burundi’s representative asked about activities in African countries and Cuba’s representative requested answers to earlier questions, including about activities in her country.

Chamber of Computer Logistics People Worldwide — an India-based international organization that promotes the youth’s need for higher education while seeking to educate underprivileged and needy youth to help build a world in which every young person would have access to affordable higher education — as Pakistan had further questions about the organization’s “ambassadors” and its membership.

Environmental Management for Livelihood Improvement Bwaise Facility — a Uganda-based national organization that seeks to empower communities to implement development plans and programmes that promote sustainable development — as the representative of Egypt wanted to see the documents asked for.

Federacion International Fe y Alegria — an international NGO based in the Dominican Republic, whose activities are directed at the most impoverished and excluded sectors of the population in order to empower them in their personal development and participation in society — as the delegation of Cuba requested more information on its activities.

Programme on Women's Economic Social and Cultural Rights — an international organization based in India, which promotes women's human rights, in particular economic, social and cultural rights — as the representative of Pakistan requested clarification on several questions and India asked the organization to provide registration documents.

Framework Convention Alliance on Tobacco Control —an international organization based in Switzerland, which aims to protect present and future generations from tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke — as Egypt’s delegate asked how the organization perceived the negative socio-economic impact of tobacco control, particularly in developing countries.  He also sought clarification on whether the organization represented its members’ interests.

National Native Title Council — a national organization in the United Kingdom providing a national voice for native-title representative bodies and service providers on matters of national significance affecting native title and associated rights of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders — as India’s delegate requested an explanation on how it conducts activities, given its budget.

Pan African Civil Society Network — an international organization in France that aims to accelerate the social and economic development of African peoples and environments — as Egypt’s representative sought clarifications on the organization’s “virtual” assemblies — including whether they were imaginary or if decisions were made by computers — and the difference between active and non-active memberships and the associated voting rights.

Rissho Kosei-kai — a Japan-based international organization, which tries to contribute to world peace by ensuring every individual’s human dignity, in accordance with Buddhist principles — after Egypt asked the organization to clarify its registration as an indigenous NGO, and if this meant they were national or international.

During the interactive dialogue, the organization’s representative, in response to a question as to why the phrase “registered as a indigenous non-governmental organization” had been used, said that phrase had been used by the organization’s partner NGO in Ethiopia who had clarified it had used that phrase to stress the identity of the organization as a local and grass-roots organization.  A letter in that regard would be forthcoming and the representative of Ethiopia might provide more clarification.

Answering other questions, he said his organization did not have the capacity to be active in the Caribbean area, but it had entered into partnership with an organization in Latin America.  The NGO was engaged in some health programmes, such as inoculation activities in partnership with UNICEF, among other things.  The NGO had contributed financially to areas where national disasters had occurred, most recently in Peru.

Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology — a national organization in the United States seeking to promote the science, practice, and teaching of industrial-organizational psychology — as the delegate of China said that the issue of the usage of correct United Nations geographical terminology on its website was still not resolved.

Women Against Violence in Europe — an Austria-based international network of European women's NGOs working to end violence against women and children — after India’s delegation asked how it maintains its independence in decision-making given that it receives government funding.

Sudanese Mothers For Peace — a United Kingdom-based international organization striving to advance education, relieve poverty and empower women and their families, and to promote human rights throughout the world, while working towards rapid and full implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace, and security — after the delegate of Egypt requested clarification on the organization’s registration and Sudan asked for more information on its land property in Sudan, clarification on its activities, and specific information regarding its relationship with the International Criminal Court.

All India Christian Council — a national organization in India seeking to protect and serve the interests of the Christian community, minorities and the oppressed castes — as the representative of India asked about the organization’s finances, registration and activities.  He also asked whether the organization could confirm that it did not engage in evangelism; 

Anandilal Ganesh Podar Society — a national organization in India focused on educating disadvantaged young girls — as Pakistan’s delegate requested more information on its activities and proposed financing for expansion. 

Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact — a national organization from Thailand working to strengthen cooperation and solidarity among indigenous peoples across Asia — with the delegation of China requesting clarification on its relationship with the Asia Indigenous Peoples Caucus and India’s delegate asking whether it undertook any political activities.

Asian-Eurasian Human Rights Forum — an India-based international organization that assists in creating an environment of solidarity and responsibility — as the representative of Pakistan requested answers to several questions previously asked.

Aube Nouvelle pour la Femme et le Développement — a national organization in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which works to popularize the law and the legal texts in rural areas particularly for the benefit of women —  as the delegation of Egypt asked that organization provide an answer to an incomplete question.

Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation — an international organization based in Saint Lucia, facilitating the development of world class electric energy services within the Caribbean — after Egypt asked that it elaborate on its role in harmonizing policies of its member companies and provide details on its application for consultative status with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

Católicas por el Derecho a Decidir Córdoba — a national organization in Argentina, which fosters discussion and action on issues such as reproductive rights, sexuality, health and citizenship of women and their relationship to religious elements — as the representative of Egypt had a number of questions about the organization’s name, activities, legal status, relationship with the Catholic Church, relationship with Free Choice America, stance regarding abstinence and adherence with internationally agreed terminology.

Centre des Droits des Gens-Maroc — a national organization in Morocco, which focuses on human rights, education and gender equality — after the representative of Burundi asked how many women the organization had supported and which positions they occupied and for its definition of the term “political monitoring”.  Egypt asked for more clarification regarding the organizations cooperation with the Moroccan Government, its planned activities in that country and its finances, among other things.

Compassion Africa Aged Foundation — an international organization based in Ghana which contributes to the improvement of the welfare and social conditions of the aged, people affected by HIV/AIDS and orphans in Ghana and Africa — after Egypt’s delegate requested that the organization respond to a question and provide a more detailed budget.

Corrections India — a national organization that tries to find ways to rehabilitate people infected with HIV and to make them feel like an active part of society —  as the delegation of Pakistan asked that the organization provide a further explanation of how the organization maintains it independence from the Government and information on its planned expansion of activities.

Creating Resources for Empowerment in Action — an international organization headquartered in India, which empowers women to articulate, demand and access human rights by enhancing women's leadership and focusing on issues of sexuality, sexual and reproductive rights, violence against women, human rights and social justice — after Cuba asked for the organization’s opinion of gender equality initiatives within the United Nations and Pakistan requested more information on its planned activities.

Ecumenical Coalition on Tourism Foundation — an international organization with headquarters in Thailand, which seeks to provide a platform and framework for discussing how tourism impacts vulnerable communities in the developing world and beyond, and how it interrelates with development, human rights, justice, gender, law, ecology and culture — after China requested clarification on its registration in Hong Kong as a corporation.

Ethiopia Africa Black International Congress Church of Salvation — an organization aiming to establish dialogue with, and lobby, world Governments and organizations, for freedom, redemption, international repatriation and reparation for the poor and have-nots living in the Western diaspora as a result of slavery and the slave trade — as the representative of Burundi asked about its location and its membership, while Egypt’s representative asked for clarifications about the organization’s answers to questions asked, including registration in Ethiopia.

Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO) — a national organization in Ethiopia that encourages and monitors the respect for human rights in Ethiopia — as Egypt needed more time to study answers provided.

Foundation for Human Horizon — an international organization headquartered in India, which seeks to support volunteer-based, honest and experienced non-governmental organizations in serving critical needs in education, health care, and welfare, regardless of religion or race — after the delegation of Pakistan asked that the organization provide responses to questions on its activities in Pakistan.

Foundation for the Development of Knowledge Suma Veritas — a national NGO in Argentina that seeks to contribute to women’s empowerment as a way of achieving equality, development and peace — as Egypt’s representative asked about the organization’s registration, name, and activities.

IBON Foundation, Inc. — an international organization headquartered in the Philippines which is committed to serving the poor through various programmes in research, education information and advocacy — after the delegation of Egypt requested information on its tax exempt status in the Philippines.

Indian Confederation of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples North East Zone — a national organization seeking to develop, strengthen and ensure the unity and solidarity of the institutions of all indigenous and tribal peoples in India without interfering with their autonomy — as the representative of Pakistan asked about the organization’s projects, nationalities of its members, and the nature of Government official advisers.  India’s representative asked about the organization’s participation in the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Peoples.

Indira Gandhi National Foundation — an international organization based in India, working for the betterment of underprivileged women and the rural poor — after Pakistan’s representative asked about Government funding received by the organization, its finances and its membership.

Indo-European Chamber of Commerce and Industry — an international organization in India striving to achieve economic development in the country’s less developed regions by fostering trade relations with European countries — as Pakistan requested information on its associations with other organizations and Government funding.

International Ecological Safety Cooperative Organization — an international body based in Hong Kong, which aims to maintain ecological safety, protect the environment, address ecological crises and strive for environmental globalization — as China’s representative asked about the organization’s publication of CDs.

International Human Rights Observer (IHRO) Pakistan — a national organization based in Pakistan, educating and creating awareness among the masses about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights — after India requested that the organization respond to an incomplete question.

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

Zigen Fund, a United States-based international organization, supporting grassroots efforts for sustainable development in the impoverished rural areas of China;

Academy of Fine Arts and Literature, a national organization in India working to generate cultural connectivity in South Asia;

Family Reorientation Education & Empowerment, a national organization in Nigeria that educates and empowers the people of the Niger Delta Region and the Nigerian nation;

Soeurs Unies a l’Oeuvre, a national organization based in Benin, which works for the promotion of economic, social and cultural rights through civic and sex education for women and girls;

Asian Farmers' Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA), a national organization based in the Philippines serving as a strong and influential voice for small farmers in Asia; and

Association des Femmes Tunisiennes pour la Recherche et le Developpement, a national organization in Tunisia, working to promote critical and constructive reflection on the condition of the women in Tunisia.

The Committee recommended reclassification from special to general consultative status of Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries — a national organization in China seeking to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between people throughout the world.

It postponed consideration of requests for reclassification for:

International Union Against Cancer (UICC) — a Switzerland-based international organization that connects, mobilizes and supports cancer organizations and individuals with knowledge and skills to be effective — as the representatives of India and Egypt asked for more clarifications; and

International Real Estate Federation — an international organization based in France that seeks to make a positive impact on property issues worldwide — as the representative of Egypt requested more time for review.

During the interactive dialogue with NGOs, the representative of Vivekananda Sevakendra-O-Sishu Uddyan — a national organization based in India which seeks holistic and self-sustainable community development — explained that his organization had started its activities in 1983, mainly through small microfinance loans to rickshaw pullers.  As the number of activities grew, the NGO had been recognized by other organizations, including the World Bank.  He tried to collect money from local communities to carry out the microfinance activities.  The philosophy was that poor people could not save money, but needed microfinancing in order to earn money.  The NGO was further trying to get the subject of microfinancing included in education.  The NGO could not produce much documentation, but was working hard in community development.

Next, a representative of the Assyrian Academic Society — a United States-based international organization which aims to ensure a robust understanding and awareness of the Assyrian people, their history and present conditions — said that the organization had contributed to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) International Year of Languages in 2008 by undertaking projects to preserve the Aramaic language, which was under threat of

cessation in daily use.  He noted that the organization had partnered with another organization in Iraq on a project to preserve the use of language in signs.

Citing the organization as a “warehouse of experts and academics from around the world”, the representative said that the organization’s work fell under the mandates of both the Council and UNESCO. 

In response to a question on the organization’s activities in Syria, he said that there were no current or future activities planned; however, that was subject to change.  Additionally, the organization had no formal presence in Syria, as it was exclusively United States-based and did not formally work with any other organizations.  He highlighted current projects in the United States, which included language training in California, Illinois and the District of Columbia — areas of significant Assyrian populations.

Asked whether the organization was affiliated with the Assyrian Aids Society, he said that it was not affiliated, but it had partnered with the organization to conduct an ethically-neutral needs assessment in the Ninewa Plains.  He noted that the assessment — which followed a basic framework provided by the World Bank — benefited many, including Governments and other organizations.

The Committee will reconvene at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, 1 June, to continue considering deferred applications. 

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For information media • not an official record