Non-Governmental Organizations Committee Recommends 7 Groups for Status, Defers Action on 123 Others, as Resumed Session Continues
The Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations recommended 7 entities for special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council and deferred action on the status of 123 others, as it continued its resumed 2021 session today.
The 19-member Committee considers applications for consultative status and requests for reclassification submitted by non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Once an application has been reviewed and approved by the Committee it is considered recommended for consultative status. Organizations which were 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.
Action on some applications was postponed pending responses to Committee members’ questions on matters related to the organizations’ activities, partners, expenditures and sources of funding, among other matters.
The Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations will meet again at 10 a.m. on Friday, 10 September, to continue its session.
Special Consultative Status
The Committee recommended that the Economic and Social Council grant special consultative status to the following organizations:
The Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (United Kingdom);
Entrepreneurs Council of India (India);
Sargakshetra Charitable Trust (India);
The World Community Service Centre (India);
World Fund for Development and Planning (WFDP) (Kenya);
International Communities Organisation Limited (United Kingdom);
Action contre les Violations des Droits des Personnes Vulnerables (Democratic Republic of the Congo);
The Committee postponed action on the applications of the following organizations:
Health and Environment Justice Support e.V. (Germany) — as the representative of the Russian Federation asked for a list of partner organizations included in the September 2021 report, and if the group was registered with local authorities;
International Youth Federation (United Kingdom) — as the representative of Pakistan sought details on projects carried out with funding with private sector and countries in Asia and Africa;
Kuwait Bar Association (Kuwait) — as the representative of Israel requested details on its relationship with host country Kuwait and its ability to remain impartial from the Government;
Regional Public Organization for the Protection of Citizens' Rights “Zolochevsky Team” (Russian Federation) — as the representative of the United States asked for information on a list of projects and how they further the goals of the Economic and Social Council;
The Omani Center for Human Rights (United Kingdom) — as the representative of Pakistan sought details on projects undertaken on behalf of human rights defenders;
Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV) (Turkey) — as the representative of Greece sought information on partnerships;
Österreichischer Rat Für Nachhaltige Entwicklung - Österreichischer Nachhaltigkeitsrat für soziale, ökologische und ökonomische Angelegenheiten (Austria) — as the representative of Greece asked for concrete examples on participation in European sustainability networks;
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation (India) — as the representative of Pakistan requested further information on projects on women’s empowerment, funding and location of activity;
Fundación para el Desarrollo de Políticas Sustentables (Argentina) — as the representative of Cuba asked for information on other Latin American organizations with which the group works, countries of activity and funding details;
News Network (Bangladesh) — as the representative of India asked how the organization funds projects and maintains sustainability given its financial statement reveals that the majority of its budget is spent on administration costs, and for a list of projects from past two years;
Noble World Records (India) — as the representative of India sought information on countries of registration, projects and funding from the past two years;
Solidariteit/Solidarity (South Africa) — as the representative of Nigeria asked for details on affiliated organizations;
The Emmanuel Ivorgba Foundation (Nigeria) — as the representative of China sought updates on progress on projects with partner organizations;
Common Good Foundation Inc (United States) — as the representative of China asked the organization to explain its contribution to another event;
Congregation Pirchei Shoshanim, a New Jersey Nonprofit Corporation (United States) — as the representative of China asked for further information on some United Nations terminology on the website;
De Regenboog Groep (Netherlands) — as the representative of the Russian Federation asked for the organization’s partner in that country, whether joint projects were carried out in that territory and detailed information on costs;
Disability:IN (United States) — as the representative of China sought information on its global committee in the Asia-Pacific region;
For All Moonkind, Inc. (United States) — as the representative of China asked about a reference of Taiwan as the Republic of China, to clarify its position on that region, and requested it use proper United Nations terminology;
Fundació Josep Irla (Spain) — as the representative of Israel asked for details on the group’s contract-generated income, representing 27 per cent of its budget;
Global Doctors for Choice, LLC (United States) — as the representative of China sought information on any projects in the Asia-Pacific region;
Instituto RIA (Mexico) — as the representative of the Russian Federation requested details on where its educational courses are taught and the target audiences;
Inštitut za raziskave in razvoj “Utrip” (Slovenia) — as the representative of the Russian Federation asked for a full list of joint projects with affiliated organizations funded by the European Commission;
L'institut européen de droit international et les relations internationales (IEDI) - The European Institute for International Law and International Relations (EIIL) (Belgium) — as the representative of Cuba said the group’s response seemed insufficient, and requested that discrepancies about organizations and membership be clarified;
Natan - International Humanitarian Aid (R.A.) (Israel) — as the representative of the Russian Federation asked for the medical centre’s location in Syria;
Nations Global Consulting LLC (United States) — as the representative of the Russian Federation asked if the group’s office is in Syria, as indicated in the report, and if it is registered with local authorities;
QHR Foundation (Switzerland) — as the representative of Cuba, noting there is no website, asked about geographical areas of interest and specific countries of operation, and for information on how it is financed when it shows a deficit of $105,000;
The Conflict and Environment Observatory (United Kingdom) — as the representative of China noted a donation form on its website features drop-down country menus listing Taiwan, a province of China, to clarify its position on the Taiwan issue, and explain why Hong Kong and Macao were included in the country spaces;
The Global Energy Association on Development of International Research and Projects in the Field of Energy (Russian Federation) — as the representative of the United States asked which meetings of the Economic and Social Council and its subsidiary bodies it would participate in, and what that participation would look like;
Transitional Justice Working Group (Republic of Korea) — as the representative of the Russian Federation sought information on project cost;
UAAR - Unione degli Atei e degli Agnostici Razionalisti (Italy) — as the representative of Cuba asked for details on the group’s income and how it ensures its independence;
“The Awakening" A Society for Social & Cultural Development (Pakistan) — as the representative of Pakistan requested details on the group’s digital security programme for human rights defenders;
Anukulan (India) — as the representative of Pakistan asked for information on the nature of memberships;
Arab Media Union (Egypt) — as the representative of Pakistan sought details on its sustainable development programme and countries of operation in Africa;
Arab Organization for Arabization and Communication (Morocco) — as the representative of India asked about a membership notation discrepancy, and for a list of organization members;
Asia Pacific Transgender Network (Thailand) — as the representative of the Russian Federation requested details on what organizations were funded and those amounts;
Associación Red de Mujeres Afrolatinoamericanas, Afrocaribeñas y de la Diáspora (Nicaragua) — as the representative of Nicaragua asked for information on how the organization guarantees the efficacy of projects in a variety of domains, and its influence on Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Latin-American communities;
Association for Social Solidarity and Empowerment Training Trust (ASSET) (India) — as the representative of Pakistan asked for details on education projects and sources of funding;
Aurat Publication and Information Service Foundation Lahore (Pakistan) — as the representative of Pakistan requested elaboration on Government funding and how the group can therefore be non-governmental, and for regions of data collection;
Baghbaan (Pakistan) — as the representative of Pakistan sought details on projects funded by donors;
Beijing People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (China) — as the representative of the United States asked if it plans to coordinate with the Economic and Social Council or subsidiary meetings, and its contribution therein;
Blue Cross & Blue Crescent Society (India) — as the representative of Pakistan sought information on programmes on female foeticide and where they operate;
Chinese Culture Promotion Society (China) — as the representative of the United States asked for details on countries the group is active in, and details on those activities;
Confederation of NGOs of Rural India (India) — as the representative of Pakistan sought details on how it supports farmers’ rights;
Diplomatic Mission Peace and Prosperity (Albania) — as the representative of Greece sought information on Governments the organization has cooperated with;
Direct Focus Community Aid (Pakistan) — as the representative of Pakistan requested information on vulnerable groups addressed and projects undertaken since 2018;
Drug Policy Network South East Europe (Serbia) — as the representative of the Russian Federation asked for clarification on termination of membership and who can submit complaints;
Environmental and Societal Development Foundation (Pakistan) — as the representative of Pakistan sought details on sustainable development activities;
Fundación Género con Clase (Venezuela) — as the representative of the United States requested a list of legislative initiatives and public policies and their outcomes;
Global Village Forum Chakwal c/o Shaheen Degree College Chappar Bazar Chakwal (Pakistan) — as the representative of Pakistan asked for donors and funding from each;
Human Welfare Charitable Trust (India) — as the representative of Pakistan sought details on projects with foreign funding and their outcomes;
Humanitarian Aid International (India) — as the representative of Pakistan asked for details on programmes on disaster risk reduction;
Incentive Care Foundation (Pakistan) — as the representative of Pakistan requested information on the number of student scholarships, and amounts and sources of funding;
International Anti Terrorism Movement (India) — as the representative of Pakistan asked for details on 1,000 members, as well as on countries of origin and projects undertaken;
Janmitra Nyas (India) — as the representative of Pakistan asked for details on certain programmes;
Kafka Welfare Organization (Pakistan) — as the representative of Pakistan sought details on programmes on the Sustainable Development Goals;
Mentor Amiable Professional Society (Pakistan) — as the representative of Pakistan asked for details on climate change programmes, their regions, and funding;
Mukti (India) — as the representative of Pakistan asked for details on environmental rights programmes and regions;
Mulabi Association Latin American Work Group For Sexual Rights Civil Association (Costa Rica) — as the representative of the Russian Federation asked for details on partner organizations in that country and any projects carried out;
Nikan Mammut Charity Foundation (Iran) — as the representative of the United States requested information on the effectiveness of the organization’s work;
Organisation Tamaynut (Morocco) — as the representative of India asked if the group’s response could be considered as it is only in French. Marc-André Dorel, Officer-in-Charge, Non-Governmental Organizations Branch, Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development, read the response which was translated by interpreters into English. The representative of India asked for details on planned activities in 2022;
Pak Special Persons Welfare Society (Pakistan) — as the representative of Pakistan sought information on programmes addressing family planning;
Pakistan Press Foundation (Pakistan) — as the representative of Pakistan asked the Chair for clarification on time of response, and China’s representative also asked a procedural question; Pakistan’s representative then requested details on the Sustainable Development Goals;
Palestinian Association for Human Rights (Witness) (Lebanon) — as the representative of Israel asked for clarification on partnerships with other organizations;
Piramal Swasthya Management and Research Institute (India) — as the representative of Pakistan asked for details on projects on clean drinking water and regions of activity;
Réveil communautaire d'assistance aux victims (Burundi) — as the representative of China asked about its civil society partnerships;
SFLC.in- Software Freedom Law Center (India) — as the representative of Pakistan sought information on programmes on the right to privacy;
Shenzhen Foundation for International Exchange and Cooperation (China) — as the representative of the United States asked for details on Government funding, and the 2022 budget plan;
Silk Road Chamber of International Commerce (China) — as the representative of the United States asked for a list of the organization’s projects in 2021 and the names of the companies that worked on those projects;
Social Services Trust (India) — as the representative of Pakistan asked for details on climate change projects, costs incurred and funding sources;
The New Woman Foundation (Egypt) — as the representative of Cuba asked for information on entities with which the group has alliances;
The Voice Society (Pakistan) — as the representative of Pakistan asked for details on rural areas, costs incurred and funding sources;
United Global Organization of Development (U-GOOD) (Pakistan) — as the representative of Pakistan asked for details on organizational members and their financial contributions;
West Papua Interest Association (Indonesia) — as the representative of China asked if the organization worked with any national Governments and specific institutions;
World Historic and Cultural Canal Cities Cooperation Organization (China) — as the representative of the United States sought details on ties to the Government of China, funding from any member affiliated with it, how it will meaningfully contribute to the Economic and Social Council, and plans for 2022;
Y4D Foundation (India) — as the representative of Pakistan sought details on Sustainable Development Goal targets and projects;
De Centre Idriss El Fakhouri des Etudes et de Recherches en Sciences Juridiques Oujda (Morocco) — as the representative of Bahrain asked for details on Government partnerships and institutions; and the representative of Nicaragua sought information about a discrepancy in whether or not it receives Government funding;
General Union of Arab Experts (Morocco) — as the representative of China asked for a list of representatives and of countries the group works with, past and present;
Arab-European Center of Human Rights and International Law (AECHRIL) (Norway) — as the representative of Bahrain asked for details on its cooperation with the listed member organizations;
Arabian Rights Watch Association (United States) — as the representative of China requested details on net income over $26,000 in 2021, and the source of some $11,000 listed as financing;
Asociatia Romanian Women's Lobby (Romania) — as the representative of Turkey asked it to explain why expenditures were twice its income, and if that info is representative of the overall financial situation;
Association of Non-for-Profit Organizations to Facilitate the Drug Prevention and Socially Dangerous Behaviour “National Anti-Drug Union” (Russian Federation) — as the representative of the United States asked for details on how many individuals have been successfully treated to maintain sober; what methods were successful; the medical expertise of each executive board member and others; detailed information on its trip to Azerbaijan; and work with local Governments on reintegration;
Bell Global Justice Institute (United States) — as the representative of the Russian Federation sought details on the election of leadership;
Center for Military Human Rights Korea (CMHRK) (Republic of Korea) — as the representative of China, noting that 2 per cent of the group’s current financing came from the Government, requested which entities provided the funds;
Citizens' Alliance for North Korean Human Rights (Republic of Korea) — as the representative of Cuba asked for a breakdown on the origin of funds and how the group ensures its independence;
Coptic Solidarity (United States) — as the representative of China asked for details on the nature and content of its involvement with the United Nations, the United States Government and other entities;
Database Center for North Korean Human Rights (NKDB) (Republic of Korea) — as the representative of the Russian Federation asked for details on work with the Human Rights Council on behalf of another NGO with consultative status, and asked it to list any of those partnership organizations;
Diakonia (Sweden) — as the representative of Nicaragua asked for details on political strategies implemented;
Eiropas demokrātijas attīstības centrs (Latvia) — as the representative of Estonia asked for information on funds and grants, and if its activities had ever been audited;
Emberi Méltóság Központ (Hungary) — as the representative of Israel asked for a detailed list on expected projects for 2021 and 2022;
Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor (Switzerland) — as the representative of Israel asked for details on its relationship with two main funding entities;
Global Minorities Alliance (United Kingdom) — as the representative of Turkey asked for details on any activities aside from one report produced;
Global Network of Women Peacebuilders, Inc. (United States) — as the representative of Pakistan asked for details on projects in Latin America, other countries, and funding;
Hope Worldwide Pakistan (New Zealand) — as the representative of Pakistan asked for details on water and sanitation projects, expenses and funding;
Human Concern International (HCI) (Canada) — as the representative of the United States asked for a list of projects on adolescence and youth for 2020-2021;
Human Rights at Sea (United Kingdom) — as the representative of China asked for details on which United Nations forums and agencies the groups works with;
Humanitarian Tracker (United States) — as the representative of the Russian Federation asked about protection of personal information, and to clarify if the organization checks the legality of information transfer to itself;
INPUD Limited (United Kingdom) — as the representative of the Russian Federation asked for clarification on funding from the Open Society Fund and why it ended;
Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI) (Georgia) — as the representative of the Russian Federation asked for information on cooperation with the Memorial organization;
InterPride (United States) — as the representative of the Russian Federation asked for a list of projects carried out in 2020 and 2021
International Association for the Development of the Abaza-Abkhaz Ethnos “Alashara” (Russian Federation) — as the representative of the United States asked for a list of projects on women’s issues, and partner organizations, and the representative of Estonia asked about the use of incorrect United Nations terminology and if it was corrected;
Inti Raymi Fund, Inc. (United States) — as the representative of the Russian Federation asked how it would participate in United Nations meetings;
Intl. WeLoveU Foundation (Republic of Korea) — as the representative of the Russian Federation asked for clarification on data on its income statement and administrative expenses;
Islamic Medical Association of North America Inc (United States) — as the representative of China asked for a breakdown on financial details of projects;
Muslim Hands (United Kingdom) — as the representative of Israel asked for details on relationships with Governments from the past 5 years;
NAUH (Now Action & Unity for Human rights) (Republic of Korea) — as the representative of China asked for details on individual donors and membership;
Peace Without Limits (PWL) International Organization, Inc. (Switzerland) — as the representative of Turkey asked for details on branches in three different continents, and the nature of relationship with them;
Secours Islamique France (France) — as the representative of Cuba asked about its nature as an international organization, and to specify if membership is open to non-European nationals;
Sheikh Abdullah Al Nouri Charity Society (Kuwait) — as the representative of Israel asked for details on contemporary activities in the Middle East, as the group’s info was outdated;
Solidarity for Peace and Reunification of Korea (Republic of Korea) — as the representative of the Russian Federation asked for details on what status was used to participate in United Nations events;
South Asian Legal Clinic (Ontario) (Canada) — as the representative of Pakistan asked for details on engagement with the United Nations;
Su Politikaları Derneği (Turkey) — as the representative of Greece asked how the organization cooperates on water issues and transborder regional peace issues;
Tai Studies Center (United States) — as the representative of India asked for details on a discrepancy in the group’s information;
The International Center for Supporting Rights and Freedoms (Switzerland) — as the representative of Cuba asked for clarification on a discrepancy between its last response with information on a previous form;
The ONE Campaign (United States) — as the representative of China asked for a list of projects in Africa;
United for Human Rights (Swtizerland) — as the representative of China sought information on contributions to be made;
Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights (United States) — as the representative of China asked for a list of detailed activities in 2020 and 2021;
World Without Genocide (United States) — as the representative of Pakistan asked for details on programmes combating racism, and for regions and countries in which the group has activities;
“Mission Armenia” Charitable Non-governmental Organization (Armenia) — as the representative of Turkey requested information on membership in other organizations with general consultative status, and for a full answer;
Asociación Campaña Colombiana contra Minas CCCM (Colombia) — as the representative of Cuba asked for an expense breakdown on projects;
Aurosikha Welfare Centre for Rural & Social Development (India) — as the representative of Pakistan sought details on projects for 2021 and 2022;
Engineering Association for Development and Environment (Iraq) — as the representative of Turkey requested a breakdown of foreign donations;
Generations For Peace (Jordan) — as the representative of Cuba asked for details on salary differences between direct and indirect staff;
Mwatana Organization for Human Rights (Yemen) — as the representative of Bahrain asked for details on external donations; and
The Union of Non-governmental Associations “The International Non-governmental Organization “The World Union of Cossack Atamans” (Kazakhstan) — as the representative of the Russian Federation asked for clarification of the organization’s specific decision-making mechanism.
The Committee took note of a decision by Democracy Reporting International gGmbH (Germany) to withdraw its request for consultative status.
Interactive Discussion
During a question-and-answer session in the afternoon, NGO representatives faced questions from Committee members.
The representative of InterPride noted the organization has membership in 60 countries, and its signature event is WorldPride in Copenhagen.
The representative of the Russian Federation asked for a full list of projects in 2020 and 2021, in written form, and if the group is active in the Russian Federation. InterPride’s representative responded that the organization launched a series of webinars on COVID-19, a global pride event drawing 60 million viewers, as well as trad events, and has a conference upcoming in November. Activities are usually conducted by members, including in the Russian Federation. The representative of China asked for details on a previous closed application in 2018 after failing to provide a timely response.
The representative of the Montagnard Indigenous People Christian Organization (MIPCO) (United States) said the group works for people in South-East Asia. It was noted that a question was communicated on 8 September asking for a list of organization members, and activities and funding in three countries in which it operates. The representative responded that he didn’t have a list with him.
The representative of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (China) said it works on climate issues, low carbon and eco-civilization. The organization has filed almost 100 litigations against almost all corporations in China on those issues. The Foundation is very active in policymaking. Further, over 2 million college students participate in environmental knowledge tasks. The representative answered a previously submitted question on a partnership agreement with the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, with executives having visited ministry officials in China, and made progress in trying to convince the Government to join the initiative.
The representative of the Russian Federation asked for details on side events the group attended at the Conference of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals.