Continuing Session, Non-Governmental Organizations Committee Recommends 2 Groups for Status, Defers Action on 46 Others, Takes Note of 354 Quadrennial Reports
The Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations continued its 2024 session today, recommending two entities for special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, deferring action on 46 others, while further taking note of 354 new quadrennial reports submitted by groups already in consultative status.
The Committee deferred its consideration of 6 new quadrennial reports, as members requested further information from those organizations about, among other items, details of their activities, partners, expenditures and sources of funding for the periods under review. It also took note of 2 deferred reports while further deferring 15 others.
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.
The Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations will meet again at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, 30 January, to continue its session.
Review of Quadrennial Reports
The Committee turned to new quadrennial reports for the period 2019 to 2022.
Document E/C.2/2024/CRP.28, 15 non-governmental organizations: International Trade Union Confederation; International Transport Workers’ Federation; International Union for Land Value Taxation and Free Trade; International Union of Latin Notariat; International Volunteer Organization for Women Education Development; International Volunteerism Organization for Women, Education and Development - VIDES; International Women & Family Foundation; International Yazidis Foundation for the Prevention of Genocide; International-Lawyers.Org; Inuit Circumpolar Council; Iran Autism Association; Iranian Thalassemia Society; Isa Viswa Prajnana Trust; Islamic Human Rights Commission; and Islamic Research and Information Artistic & Cultural Institute.
The Committee took note of all reports in E/C.2/2024/CRP.28.
Document E/C.2/2024/CRP.29, 15 non-governmental organizations: Israel Trauma Coalition for Response and Preparedness (R.A.); Istituto Diplomatico Internazionale; Italian Climate Network; Janaseva Foundation, Pune; Japan Civil Liberties Union; Japan Federation of Bar Associations; Japan National Committee for UN Women; Japan Society for History Textbook; Join Together Society; Junior Chamber International; Justiça Global; Kallipatira; Kaurareg Aboriginal Land Trust; and Kawish Resource Center.
The Committee took note of the reports of 14 entities contained in E/C.2/2024/CRP.29, deferring one report, as the representative of Algeria sought further details on themes and dates of side-events from Jubilee Campaign.
Document E/C.2/2024/CRP.30, 15 non-governmental organizations: Kids’ Educational Engagement Project - KEEP; Kikandwa Rural Communities Development Organization (KIRUCODO); King Khalid Foundation’ Knowledge for Development Without Borders (KFDWB)’ Korean Bar Association; Korean Institute for Women and Politics; Kuentai Non-Profit Organization; Kuentai-USA; L’Arche internationale; Lama Gangchen World Peace Foundation (LGWPF); Latter-day Saint Charities; Laya; Lazarus Union’ Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Education Fund; and League of Women Voters of Nigeria.
The Committee took note of all reports in E/C.2/2024/CRP.30.
Document E/C.2/2024/CRP.31, 15 non-governmental organizations: Legion of Good Will; Les femmes, la force du changement; Life Ethics Educational Association; Life for Relief and Development; Love Alliance Foundation for Orphans, Disabled and Abandoned Persons in Nigeria; L’auravetli´an Information and Education Network of Indigenous People (LIENIP); MESCH (Medical and Educational Sustainable Community Help) Incorporated; Maalkop Trading and Projects; Madre, Inc.; Magyar Női Unió Egyesület; Managing Committee of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences; Manav Pragati Sansthan, Rajgarh; Manhattan Multicultural Counseling; and Markaz Toseeh Tehran.
The Committee took note of the reports of 14 organizations contained in E/C.2/2024/CRP.31, deferring one report, as the representative of China asked Liberal International for further information on certain written reports.
Document E/C.2/2024/CRP.32, 15 non-governmental organizations: Martina Centre for Sustainable Dev; Maryam Ghasemi Educational Charity Institute; Mayama, Asociación Civil; Medijski Edukativni Centar; Mercy-USA for Aid and Development, Inc; Migrant Offshore Aid Station Foundation (MOAS); Millennium Institute; Miss Caricom Int’l. Foundation CIP, INC; Mongolian Family Welfare Association; Montréal International; Movement for a Better World; Musawah Global Vision Berhad; Muslim American Leadership Alliance; Muzaffarabad Poverty Alleviation Programme (MPAP); and My Heart’s Appeal, Inc.
The Committee took note of all reports in E/C.2/2024/CRP.32.
Document, E/C.2/2024/CRP.33, 15 non-governmental organizations: México Unido contra la Delincuencia, A.C.; NABU - Knowledge Transfer Beyond Boundaries; National Alliance of Women's Organizations; National Association for the Defense of Rights and Freedoms; National Association of Community Legal Centres Inc., The; National Children´s and Youth Law Centre; National Council of Child Rights Advocates, Nigeria: South West Zone’ National Council of German Women’s Organizations; National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges; National Council of Negro Women; National Native Title Council; National Right to Life Educational Trust Fund; National Union of the Association of Protection of Motherhood, Childhood and Families; National Women’s Council of Catalonia - Consell Nacional de Dones de Catalunya; and Nature’s Rights.
The Committee took note of all reports in E/C.2/2024/CRP.33.
Document E/C.2/2024/CRP.34, 15 non-governmental organizations: New Japan Women’s Association; New Progressive Alliance; New York County Lawyers’ Association; Nigerian Network of Women Exporters of Services; Noahs Arc Foundation; Non-Aligned Students and Youth Organization’ Non-Governmental Ecological Vernadsky Foundation; Nonviolent Peaceforce; Nonviolent Radical Party, Transnational and Transparty; Northern CCB; Northern Council for Global Cooperation; Norwegian Forum for Environment and Development; OISAT-WASAT (Organisation internationale de solidarité d'amitié et de tolérance - World Association for Solidarity Tolerance); OISCA International, South India Chapter; and Women’s Platform Limited.
The Committee took note of all reports in E/C.2/2024/CRP.34.
Document E/C.2/2024/CRP.35, 15 non-governmental organizations: Noble Delta Women for Peace and Development International (NDWPD)’ ONG Funsocial Crecer Colombia; Objectif Sciences International; Occupational Knowledge International; OceanCare; Ogiek Peoples’ Development Program (OPDP); OneMama Incorporated; Order of St. John, The; Organisation internationale des sciences chimiques pour le développement; Organización de Entidades Mutuales de las Américas, ODEMA, Asociación Civil; Organización no gubernamental de Desarrollo Piensa Discapacidad; Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement International; Organization for Research and Community Development; Organização Nova Acrópole Lago Norte; and Organização das Famílias da Ásia e do Pacífico.
The Committee took note of all reports in E/C.2/2024/CRP.35.
Document E/C.2/2024/CRP.36, 15 non-governmental organizations: Organizzazione Mondiale Degli Agricoltori; Overseas Development Institute; PRO Leadership Global Inc.; Palakkad District Consumers´ Association; PanAmerican-PanAfrican Association, Inc.; Panoramic Charity Foundation; Pax Christi International, International Catholic Peace Movement; Paz y Cooperación; Peace Development Fund; Peace Initiative Network; Peace Society of Kenya; Pearl Initiative Inc.; Peivande Gole Narges Organization; People Empowering People, Africa; and People’s Cultural Centre.
The Committee took note of all reports in E/C.2/2024/CRP.36.
Document E/C.2/2024/CRP.37, 15 non-governmental organizations: Plan International, Inc.; Planned Parenthood Federation of America; Policy Research; Prasad Project, Inc, The; Priests for Life; Privacy International; Pro-Life Campaign; Program in International Human Rights Law; Project HOPE – The People-to-People Health Foundation, Inc.; Public Aid Organization; Public International Law and Policy Group; Rahbord Peimayesh Research & Educational Services Cooperative; Rajasthan Samgrah Kalyan Sansthan; Ranney School; and Red Mujeres, Desarrollo, Justicia Y Paz AC.
The Committee took note of all reports in E/C.2/2024/CRP.37.
Document E/C.2/2024/CRP.38, 15 non-governmental organizations: Red Venezolana de Organizaciones para el Desarrollo Social; Rede Brasileira de Redução de Danos e Direitos Humanos - REDUC; Regional Centre for International Development Cooperation Limited (By Guarantee); Rescue the Poor Child; Rose Academies, Inc.; Roshd Foundation; Roundtable Association of Catholic Diocesan Social Action Dir; Rural Development Centre; SAM, Inc.; SOS Kinderdorf International; SPD; Sahaj Sansthan Nokhada; Sahyog International Foundation; Salesian Missions, Inc.; and Salvation Army, The.
The Committee took note of all reports in E/C.2/2024/CRP.38.
Document E/C.2/2024/CRP.39, 15 non-governmental organizations: Sam Kader Memorial Fund; Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled: Samarthyam; Sambhali Trust; Sanid Organization for Relief and Development; Save a Child’s Heart in Memory of Dr. Ami Cohen; Schweizerische Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Jugendverbände; Servicios y Asesoría para la Paz; Shanta Memorial Rehabilitation Centre; Shia Rights Watch Inc; Shimin Gaikou Centre (Citizens’ Diplomatic Centre for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples); Shivi Development Society; Shohratgarh Environmental Society; Shrushti Seva Samiti; and Shuchona Foundation.
The Committee took note of all reports in E/C.2/2024/CRP.39.
Document E/C.2/2024/CRP.40, 15 non-governmental organizations: Sikh Human Rights Group; Silambam Asia (SILA); Simon Wiesenthal Center; Sindh Community Foundation; Smart Women’s Community Institute; Social & Economic Action for Lebanon, Inc.; Socialist International; Socialist International Women; Sociedad Mexicana de Criminología Capítulo Nuevo León, Asociación Civil; Sociedad y Discapacidad: Estudios, Asesoría e Integración de la Persona con Discapacidad “Sociedad y Discapacidad”; Society for Development and Community Empowerment; Society for Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Development; Society for Human advancement and Disadvantaged Empowerment (SHADE); Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology; and Society for Orphan, Neglected & Youths (SONY).
The Committee took note of all reports in E/C.2/2024/CRP.40.
Document E/C.2/2024/CRP.41, 15 non-governmental organizations: Society for Upliftment of Masses, The; Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues; Sociologists for Women in Society; Sonke Gender Justice Network; Soroptimist International of Europe; South Saharan Social Development Organisation; South Sudanese Women Christian Mission for Peace; South Youth Organization; Specified Non-Profit Organization Diamonds for Peace; Srei Foundation; Stephen Lewis Foundation; Stevenson Holistic Care Foundation; Stichting CHOICE for Youth and Sexuality; Stichting Deep Sea Conservation Coalition; and Stichting Feminenza Nederland.
The Committee took note of all reports in E/C.2/2024/CRP.41.
Document E/C.2/2024/CRP.42, 15 non-governmental organizations: Stichting Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict; Stichting Partnership on Sustainable, Low Carbon Transport (SLoCaT) Foundation; Stichting Wildlife Justice Commission; Stiftelsen Stockholm International Water Institute; Stopaids; Stree Mukti Sanghatana; Students for Sensible Drug Policy; Sulabh International; Sustainability Literacy Test (SULITEST); Swedish Association for Sexuality Education; Swedish Federation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights – RFSL; Swedwatch; Swiss Catholic Lenten Fund; and Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression.
The Committee took note of the reports of 14 organizations contained in E/C.2/2024/CRP.42, deferring one report, as the representative of China asked Stichting Global Human Rights Defence for information on its contributions to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 and National Development Goal 3 on empowering women in rural areas of Bangladesh, and for more details on how it maintained operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Document E/C.2/2024/CRP.43, 15 non-governmental organizations: TOBE Foundation for Rights & Freedoms; Tandem Project, The; Temple of Understanding; Terra-1530; Terre Des Hommes Federation Internationale; The American Pakistan Foundation; The Centre for Family Health Initiatives; The Equal Rights Trust; The F W de Klerk Foundation Trust; The First Community Christian Pentecostal Church of God, Inc.; The HETL Association, Inc.; The Institute for Protection of Womens Rights (IPWR); The Institute of Development Studies; The International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapons; and The National Council of African Descendants in America.
The Committee took note of all reports in E/C.2/2024/CRP.43.
Document E/C.2/2024/CRP.44, 15 non-governmental organizations: The New Generation Girls and Women Development Initiative; The New Zealand Drug Foundation; The Palestinian Return Centre Ltd; The Reality of Aid Africa Network; The Society for Recovery Support; The Tronie Foundation; The Union of Arab Banks; The United Kingdom Grand Priory of the International Knightly Order Valiant of St. George; The Washington and Lee University; Third World Institute - Instituto del Tercer Mundo; Touro Law Center, The Institute on Human Rights and The Holocaust; Transforming Africa Initiative - TAI; Transparency International; Tsilhqot’in National Government; and UCC Whale Center Inc.
The Committee took note of all reports in E/C.2/2024/CRP.44.
Document E/C.2/2024/CRP.45, 15 non-governmental organizations: Tribal Link Foundation, Inc; UN Women Australia Incorporated; UNISC International Udisha; Union Theological Seminary; Union for International Cancer Control; Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs; Union of International Associations; Union of Relief and Development Associations; United Cities and Local Governments; United Nations Association of Russia; United Nations Association of San Diego; and United Religions Initiative.
The Committee took note of the reports of 13 entities contained in E/C.2/2024/CRP.45, deferring two reports, as the representative of Armenia requested more details and comprehensive information from Uluslararası Süleymaniye Eğitim ve Yardımlaşma Derneği on activities outside the country of registration, and for information on partner organizations.
The representative of China called on Union Internationale des Avocats - International Union of Lawyers for details on a review and simplification of its membership registration process.
Document E/C.2/2024/CRP.46, 15 non-governmental organizations: United Help for International Children; United States Committee for UNIFEM; United States International Council on Disabilities; Universal Peace and Violence Amelioration Centre; Universal Soul Love; Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico Inc.; Utah China Friendship Improvement Sharing Hands Development and Commerce; VAAGDHARA; Verband Entwicklungspolitik Deutscher Nichtregierungs-Organisationen; Vicar Hope Foundation; Victim Support Europe; Vier Pfoten International - gemeinnützige Privatstiftung; Vision Welfare Group; Vivekananda Sevakendra-O-Sishu Uddyan; and Voice of Specially Abled People Inc.
The Committee took note of all reports in E/C.2/2024/CRP.46.
Document E/C.2/2024/CRP.47, 15 non-governmental organizations: Wales Assembly of Women; Warbe Development Foundation; Wash United gGmbh; Watershed Organisation Trust, (WOTR); Wiener Drogen Komitee (Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs); Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center; Women Against Violence Europe (WAVE); Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Women Founders Collective; Women and Youth Development Initiatives (WOYODEU); Women for Human Rights, single women group; Women’s Action Group; Women’s Fund for Peace and Human Rights (WFPHR); Women’s Human Rights International Association; and Women’s Initiative for Self-Actualization.
The Committee took note of all reports in E/C.2/2024/CRP.47.
Document E/C.2/2024/CRP.48, 15 non-governmental organizations: Women’s International Zionist Organization; Women’s Ordination Conference Women’s Spirit (Ruach Nashit) – Financial Independence for Women Survivors of Violence; Women’s Sports Foundation; Women’s Union of Russia; Womensport International; World Alliance of Young Men’s Christian Associations; World Assembly of Youth; World Conference of Religions for Peace; World Council of Arameans (Syriacs); World Federation for Animals, Inc.; World Federation for Mental Health; World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies; World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women; and World Federation of the Deaf (WFD).
The Committee took note of all reports in E/C.2/2024/CRP.48.
Report E/C.2/2024/CRP.49 - 15 non-governmental organizations: World Federation of United Nations Associations; World Federation of the Deafblind, The – WFDB; World Futures Studies Federation; World Jewish Congress; World Jurist Association of the World Peace Through Law Center; World Lebanese Cultural Union, Inc. World Mission Foundation (Crusaders Against HIV/AIDS); World Muslim Congress; World Organization for Early Childhood Education; World Organization of Building Officials; World Roma Federation Inc.; World Safety Organization; World Society of Victimology; World Taoist Association Limited; and World Toilet Association.
The Committee took note of all reports in E/C.2/2024/CRP.49.
E/C.2/2024/CRP.50 - 15 non-governmental organizations: Tripura Foundation, Inc.; World Union of Catholic Women's Organizations; World Wind Energy Association - WWEA; World Young Women's Christian Association; Wynad Social Service Society; YWCA of Japan; Yoruba Indigene's Foundation; YouChange China Social Entrepreneur Foundation; Young People We Care; Youth Crime Watch of Liberia; Youth Initiative Against Unlawful Emigration; Youth with a Mission; Zamani Foundation; rashid international e.V.; and Əlil Təşkilatları İttifaqı.
The Committee took note of all reports in E/C.2/2024/CRP.50.
E/C.2/2024/CRP.51 - 15 non-governmental organizations: AIDS Foundation East-West; Asociación Colectivo Mujeres Al Derecho Sigla ASOCOLEMAD; Community Development Alliance; Graduate Women International (GWI); International Ontopsychology Association; Interpeace; Medical Women’s International Association; Oxfam Novib; Redress Trust; Servicios Ecuménicos para Reconciliación y Reconstrucción; Skyian Welfare Organization; Tabernacle Worship and Prayer Ministry Inc; UN Women - Nationell Kommitté Sverige; Victorious Youths Movement; and Zomi National Council of Myanmar (ZNCM) Social Organization (Kalaymyo).
The Committee took note of the reports of 14 entities contained in E/C.2/2024/CRP.51, deferring one report, as the representative of China asked about Oxfam Novib’s participation in United Nations conferences during the reporting period.
The Committee then took note of two deferred quadrennial reports — that of the non-governmental organizations, International Council of Psychologists and The Smile of the Child — and deferred 15 reports, as Member States posed questions about them. Those organizations were as follows:
Amnesty International — as the representative of Cuba asked about its work with Security Council members on veto restrictions during the reporting period;
Comité International pour le Respect et l'Application de la Charte Africaine des Droits de l'Homme et des Peuples (CIRAC) — as the representative of Algeria asked about its work in Sahrawi Republic;
Ecumenical Federation of Constantinopolitans — as the representative of Türkiye asked about its contribution to the special session of the General Assembly in response to the pandemic;
Freedom House (2011-2014) — as the representative of Cuba asked how the organization ensures that its information is objective and verified
Freedom House (2015–2018) — as the representative of Cuba posed a question about the criteria it uses to support civil society participants concerning the reporting period;
Front Line, The International Foundation for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders — as the representative of China asked about the review process by which it aligns its work with the needs of human rights defenders;
International Bar Association — as the representative of China asked for more details about its members and how it aims to improve legal services;
Islamic Relief USA — as the representative of China asked for more information on its work concerning the Islamic gender justice declaration;
Lawyers for Lawyers — as the representative of Türkiye asked about the side-event it helped organize on the independence of the legal profession during the Human Rights Council session;
Marangopoulos Foundation for Human Rights — as the representative of Türkiye asked for details about the events it participated in and how they relate to its main objectives;
National Assembly of Youth Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan (NaYORA) — as the representative of Armenia asked for more details about the trainings it conducts on SDGs.
Thalassaemia International Federation Limited — as the representative of Türkiye asked for more information about the consultations it has conducted with United Nations bodies;
The Law Society — as the representative of Türkiye asked for more information concerning its capacity-building activities for foreign law societies;
US Committee for Human Rights in North Korea — as the representative of China asked for more information about the programme by which it interviewed 35 female prisoners in the target country; and
Union internationale des avocats/International Union of Lawyers — as the representative of China asked for more information about the events and seminars it organizes as well as their outcomes.
The Committee also approved name change requests from the following organizations: International Harm Reduction Association (IHRA) to Harm Reduction International; Ludwig Boltzmann Institut für Menschenrechte - Forschungsverein (BIM-FV) to Vienna Forum for Democracy and Human Rights; Marin Experimental Teaching Training and Advising Center to Metta Center for Nonviolence; Overseas Development Institute to ODI; and Virtual Activism Inc. to Digital Democracy Now.
Turning next to answers received from organizations applying for consultative status, the Committee deferred the requests of the following organizations:
Aatmnirbhar NGO — as the representative of Pakistan asked what skill development programmes it provides and what teaching methodologies it employs;
Africa Foundation For Community Development (Afcod-Uganda) — as the representative of the United States asked for its most recent external audits;
Alliance for a Green Revolution In Africa — as the representative of China pointed to the reference to “Taiwan” on its website and also asked a question about a change of net assets mentioned in the application;
Asociación Ciudadana por los Derechos Humanos — as the representative of Türkiye asked about its cooperation with regional and international networks;
Beijing YUNTU international culture exchange LLC — as the representative of the United States asked about its effective use of organizational capacities;
CarbonCare InnoLab Limited — as the representative of Cuba enquired how it retains its independence if it receives 84 per cent of resources from one supplier;
Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa — as the representative of Cameroon asked for a list of beneficiaries to whom it provided small grants as well as a list of funding Governments;
De-Tomes Ghana LBG — as the representative of the United States asked about the group’s plans and expertise to conduct a literature review on women’s entrepreneurship;
Folkland International Centre for Folklore and Culture — as the representative of Pakistan asked about the exhibitions and performances the organization organized;
Guangzhou Inno Public Welfare Service Promotion Society — as the representative of the United States asked for more details about its collaboration with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women) in China;
Human Rights Prakahar Shodh Mohim Society — as the representative of Pakistan asked for more information about the group’s financial stability;
India SME Forum (India) — as the representative of Pakistan requested detailed reports on the women exporters programme 2022 and women empowerment summit 2023;
International Democratic Platform Non-Governmental Organization (Ukraine) — as the representative of the United States sought further information on planned activities for 2024 and how they contribute to Economic and Social Council priorities;
International Human Rights Observatory (India) — as the representative of Pakistan asked for details on the 181 Women Helpline Scheme;
International Organization for Development and Human Rights (Egypt) — as the representative of the United States asked for further information on additional activities for 2024 and how they contribute to Economic and Social Council priorities;
Jerusalem Legal Aid and Human Rights Center (Israel) — as the representative of Israel asked for information on its two offices, one in Israel and one elsewhere;
KurNiv Foundation (India) — as the representative of Pakistan asked for details on their initiatives working with students below the poverty line;
Mountain and Glacier Protection Organization (Pakistan) — as the representative of India called for further information on its food security projects, including funds and beneficiaries;
New Life Fellowship At. Jhankarpada, PO/Ps Hirakud, Dist. Sambalpur (India) — as the representative of Pakistan sought explanation of a discrepancy concerning whether it has any affiliated organizations;
RASED for Capacity Building and Development (Jordan) — as the representative of Israel requested an updated financial statement for 2022;
Save Water and Safe Water Foundation (India) — as the representative of the United States called for information on planned activities and funding sources for 2024;
SheDad Foundation (South Africa) — as the representative of China asked the NGO to correct its naming of Hong Kong and Taiwan in the application by adhering to UN terminology;
Udruženje Centar za edukaciju i istraživanje “Nahla” (Bosnia and Herzegovina) — as the representative of Israel requested an updated financial statement for 2022;
Universal Peace Organization, Inc. (India) — as the representative of China asked for clarification of its overgeneralized vision and targets;
Alumot Or Ltd (CC) (Israel) — as the representative of Algeria asked for details on professionals and if they are paid by the NGO, and if it is a for-profit organization;
Asian Cultural Center, Non-Profit Organization (Republic of Korea) — as the representative of China called for more detailed information on its participation in a conference in Montreux in 2018;
Asociația eLiberare (Romania) — as the representative of China asked for more elaboration on its collaborations with civil society organizations;
Associació Amnistia i Llibertat (Spain) — as the representative of the United States requested details on planned activities for 2024;
AsyLex (Switzerland) — as the representative of China called for information on efforts to protect the privacy of its clients and to specify whether it gathers information using chat robots;
Atomic Reporters (Austria) — as the representative of China asked for details on its website and how it aligns with aims and purposes;
Board of Deputies Charitable Foundation (United Kingdom) — as the representative of Algeria asked for his delegation’s previous question on financial sources to be reflected in the NGO’s application; and the representative of Türkiye expanded on a previous question, requesting amounts received from philanthropic sources in 2022 and 2023;
CBM Global Disability Inclusion Vereniging (Netherlands) — as the representative of China asked for further details on a project and its implementation in Bangladesh, Fiji and Nigeria;
Cultural Diversity and Sustainable Development for Peace (Switzerland) — as the representative of China requested further information on members of the group’s executive board who are foreign nationals, given it is a national organization;
Ezer Mizion (Israel) — as the representative of Pakistan called for details on its early childhood development programme and recent outcomes;
Great Barrier Reef Foundation (Australia) — as the representative of China asked the NGO to adhere to UN terminology in referring to Taiwan and Hong Kong;
Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation (Switzerland) — as the representative of Pakistan sought information on how it carefully chooses partners with respect to objectivity and impartiality;
Hope for Justice (United Kingdom) — as the representative of China asked for elaboration on its contribution to a specific prosecution and any cooperation and coordination with the Government;
Insamlingsstiftelsen Vi Planterar Träd (Sweden) — as the representative of Türkiye requested further information on projects in Kenya, the United Republic of Tanzania and Uganda, and collaboration with local partners;
Japan Water Forum (Japan) — as the representative of China asked for further information of its support for water and sanitation NGOs in developing countries;
Korea Future Initiative CIO — as the representative of China asked why 59 per cent of its funding comes from the State Department of the United States though it does not operate in that country;
Lehigh University — as the representative of Türkiye asked about the election process for its board members;
London School of Economics and Political Science, The (LSE) — as the representative of China asked about the areas in which the organization could contribute to the work of the United Nations;
Na Laga'at (R.A.) — as the representative of Algeria raised a discrepancy between the activities of the organization and the competencies of the Economic and Social Council;
National Association of Women Judges — as the representative of China asked for the themes, participants and outcomes of its forty-fourth conference;
Oromo Legacy, Leadership and Advocacy Association — as the representative of China asked to see its plan of work for 2024; and
Partnership With Native Americans — as the representative of China asked for more detailed examples of its work.
The Committee recommended the request by F.A.I.R. Trade Group (United States).
Interactive Discussion
Responding to previous questions from the Committee, the representative of Asociația eLiberare described a national platform called PROTECT that tackles the lack of governmental funding for victims of human trafficking. Noting that this is one of the most serious crimes a person can experience, she said that many people who work in this field experience that trauma vicariously. Also offering examples of her organization’s successes, she said it was able to correct one of the laws that actually extended the statute of limitations for victims of child sexual abuse. The organization is also creating standards of care for minors who are victims of human trafficking. This ensures that kids who have been trafficked in various ways don’t get retraumatized, she added.
The Committee then decided to grant special consultative status to Asociația eLiberare.
Next, a representative of the Board of Deputies Charitable Foundation (United Kingdom), representing the British Jewish community, answered a previous question about the NGO’s charitable funding, reporting that it received some £894,440 in 2022, and £193,969 in 2023, and delineating how the funds were expended on educational activities and commemoration of the Holocaust.
The representative of Türkiye then called for a chart on those funds. Citing the creation of educational materials on anti-Semitism and related subjects, and sensitivities given “current circumstance”, he asked if there is any method to monitor content regarding impartiality and accuracy.
The NGO representative responded that “they absolutely are” monitored.
The representative of Türkiye then asked him to elaborate on which institutions the content goes through for inspection and deliberation.
The representative responded that the Jewish community understands antisemitism quite well, but given the content goes to schools, it also goes through academics unconnected to the NGO to ensure appropriateness and impartiality.
The representative of Türkiye then said he had not put forward any allegations, but focused on bureaucratic inspections in its home country, and requested on behalf of the Committee how it had undergone scrutiny. He affirmed that there was no bad intention behind the question, asking for information on the main three events or projects and concrete outcomes in 2023.
The representative of the NGO responded that antisemitism is facing a huge increase, and the majority of its work is protecting the Jewish community and synagogues, citing a project twinning United Kingdom synagogues with those in Germany.
The representative of Türkiye then said he looked forward to the chart on two years of charitable contributions.
The representative of Algeria, raising the issue of expenditures, then asked for a full written list of activities and projects on services to the Jewish community.
The representative of Türkiye then added that he would like a detailed written breakdown of funds and the purposes for which they were used.
The representative of the NGO said that full financial breakdowns are publicly available on the United Kingdom Charity Commission website and on the company’s house website as well, and that the bulk of expenditures goes towards staff teams.
The Chair then clarified that questions are not transmitted in writing unless members request it.
The representative of Algeria noted there will be a forthcoming informal meeting on working methods.
Next, the representative of Lehigh University said his organization consists of 8,000 students from 80 countries, who fully appreciate the university’s deep partnership with the United Nations. Offering an overview of the role of its Board of Trustees, he said it is empowered to make policy decisions and govern the affairs of the University. The Board is composed of members who are nominated because of their stature and influence in the Lehigh community, he added. While they are not involved in the day-to-day operation of the University, they are responsible for seeing that its principles are carried out in its operations.
Responding to follow-up questions from the representative of Türkiye regarding student participation in decision-making processes as well as United Nations Academic Impact, he said that the student government spans all the departments of the University and are elected by the students themselves. They manage a budget related to student governance, he said, and they are invited to present information to the Board of Trustees. The United Nations Academic Impact has 10 principles in line with the SDGs, he said, adding that its participation in the programme makes Lehigh a hub of global citizenship. He encouraged all universities to join the United Nations Academic Impact programme.
Next, a representative of Rainbow Railroad (Canada) noted that his international organization registered in Canada and the United States provides solutions for people in imminent danger of persecution or violence in the context of a global refugee crisis. The NGO has assisted over 7,600 lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex persons (LGBTQI+) people at risk since 2006, including relocating 1,500 persons to safer countries, and in 2023 received 15,000 requests for assistance, working with dozens of organizations globally. Responding to a previous question, he noted that 39 per cent of its funding in 2021 came from philanthropic contributions, 45 per cent from individual donors in Canada and 44 per cent from those in the United States. Pointing to its United Nations engagement, he stated that the NGO works with senior UN leaders, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and in December 2023 was invited to be part of the Canadian delegation to the Global Refugee Forum.
The representative of China then asked about examples of referrals of people to international partners.
The representative noted the NGO provides direct cash assistance and shelter support, working with international groups that also provide such services, including in Argentina and Ecuador, offering mental health support to new refugees in dozens of such partnerships.
The representative of China then asked if the entity has field personnel or teams in such countries, and how they work with local Governments.
Responding, the representative noted that the NGO does not always have direct field staff in-country, partly because it is not safe, and thus works with partners on the ground to provide grassroots services.
The representative of China requested details on what specific services are carried out by local partners.
The representative cited stipends for food, access to mental health counselling and access to medication for people displaced in a country in question.
The representative of China said his impression is that the organization is not very big in personnel terms, consisting of 11 members, asking for an explanation of how it helps so many people.
Taking the floor next was the representative of China Council for the Promotion of National Trade, who began with a Manchu proverb: the brave man protects the beast on the land and the bird in the sky. Noting that all the employees of her organization are indigenous ethnic minority groups who speak different languages, she said: “we always have a good time communicating with each other”. The organization was established in 1986 and is headquartered in Beijing, she said, adding that it promotes the economic development and welfare of Indigenous People and ethnic minority groups. It serves more than 18,000 member companies in China, she said, describing various programmes, including the “One Town One Product” programme and the “Intangible Heritage programme”. Also pointing to capacity-building workshops, she said it works with members to provide appropriate resources. For instance, the organization helped build a canning factory in the Hunan province to enable the canning of pepper sauce which in turn, promotes long-term storage, thus improving domestic trade options. Highlighting the organization’s efforts in digital marketing and export promotion, she said: “If we do not bring the traditional culture and heritage of Indigenous People to life, they are dead.”
The representative of Pakistan asked about payment for board members. Responding, the representative said that many board members are from relevant ethnic groups and are considered honorary members, and do not receive payment.
Cuba’s representative asked a question about the organization’s partners in Africa, North America and Europe as well as more information about the people it has assisted throughout the world.
A representative of Green Camel Bell (China) noted that the environmental NGO is legally registered in the country and works towards conservation of resources and biodiversity, with projects including preserving the Yellow River Basin and promoting livelihood of local farmers and herders through ecotourism. It has further participated in the UN as an NGO observer through various conventions. Responding to a previous question on a financial deficit, he clarified that it was a clerical mistake, noting a modest deficit of $6,700.
The representative of Cuba affirmed that his delegation had analysed the detailed comprehensive response to his delegation’s question, and further asked how the organization can run all its projects with limited expenses.
The representative said the NGO works on a volunteer basis with unpaid interns and only three full-time staff, which explains its limited administrative costs.
The representative of Cuba asked how many volunteers work with the NGO.
Responding, the representative noted the NGO has around 20 long-term volunteers, but will recruit 100 for large-scale events.
The representative of Cuba then asked for a written response on financing from the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and information on the specific projects therein.
The NGO representative responded that it received financing from the World Bank in 2008 to support farmers in western China to adapt to climate change, and that information was contained in an audited financial report.