Dear Civil Society Colleagues
We wish to follow-up on the message of 16 November 2021 addressed to all organizations in consultative status with ECOSOC, and those associated with the Department of Global Communications (DGC).
As we indicated in our previous message, beginning in February 2022, the Department of Global Communications will resume its process of issuing grounds passes for UNHQ in New York.
To ensure a safe and healthy environment, completed COVID-19 vaccination will be required for all civil society representatives accessing the UN Headquarters complex in New York. Accordingly, to apply for grounds passes for UNHQ in New York, the head of each organization will have to confirm in writing that the designated representatives have complied with the mandatory vaccination requirements, based on the head of the organization’s verification of the representatives’ proof of vaccination, and will adhere to the COVID-19 related mandatory risk mitigation measures put in place by the United Nations for its headquarters in New York. Please note that mandatory vaccination requirements entail the completion of the full course of a COVID-19 vaccine recognized by the WHO or by a national health authority (i.e. the expected number of doses of the vaccine have been administered), with an appropriate official record from the administering body.
A sample letter to be signed by the head of the organization for requesting grounds passes will be shared with each organization together with further instructions. Please note that requests for grounds passes will not be approved if the letter does not include the confirmation of full vaccination against COVID-19 for each designated representative.
In this first step of the return of civil society to the UNHQ complex, and to maintain a safe level of occupancy, three (3) grounds passes only will be issued per organization. We will continue to monitor the situation and review this measure as necessary.
While at the UNHQ complex, civil society representatives are also expected to comply with all mandatory risk mitigation measures implemented by the United Nations to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This includes practicing physical distancing and wearing a mask at all times indoors when in public areas, including lobbies, elevators, and restrooms, as well as during participation at meetings and events. Eating and drinking should be limited to when seated in a café. In addition, to align with the mandatory requirements/guidance of the host state, all representatives should be prepared to show proof of vaccination if requested to do so by UN personnel, including in order to access seated indoor dining at UNHQ.
These measures will be continuously reviewed and adjusted depending on how the health situation evolves and on the regulations of the host state and the United Nations. Please note that there could be a resumption of restrictions should the COVID-19 situation in New York deteriorate. The competent UN offices and bodies will continue to monitor the situation and our office will keep you updated of any new developments.
Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring a smooth and safe return of civil society representatives to the United Nations Headquarters in New York. We look forward to welcoming you back and reiterate our commitment to fully support you in engaging in the work of the United Nations.