Wrapping Up Regular Session, Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations Recommends 206 Applicants for Status with Economic and Social Council

The Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations today concluded its regular session with the adoption of its report, in which it recommended that the Economic and Social Council grant consultative status to 206 of the 475 applicants it considered during its session.

By the report (document E/C.2/2016/L1.1/Rev.1), adopted without a vote, the Committee also recommended that the Council defer 245 applications for further consideration when it resumed its session, slated to be held in May, and close 23 applications after the non-governmental organizations in question had failed to respond to queries despite three reminders.  It also took note of 361 of the 451 quadrennial reports and five requests for change of name.

The 19-member Committee, elected on the basis of equitable geographical representation, has been a standing body of the Economic and Social Council since its establishment in 1946.  It considers applications for consultative status and requests for reclassification submitted by non-governmental organizations.  Once an application has been reviewed and approved by the Committee it is considered recommended for consultative status.  Organizations which are granted general and special status can attend meetings of the Council and issue statements, while those with general status can also speak during meetings and propose agenda items.  Organizations with roster status can only attend meetings.