| United Nations | E/1997/90 |
Economic and Social Council
Distr. GENERAL
3 July 1997
ORIGINAL: ENGLISH
Substantive session of 1997
Geneva, 30 June-25 July 1997
Agenda item 13 (a)
NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
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SUMMARY
The present report contains two draft resolutions and three draft
decisions on matters calling for action by the Economic and Social
Council.
By draft resolution I, the Committee on Non-Governmental
Organizations recommends that the Council request the Committee to
present its views on its enlargement to the Council, and that the
Council decide to take a decision on the matter in 1998.
By draft resolution II, the Committee recommends that the Council
request the Secretary-General to submit a report to the General
Assembly at its fifty-second session setting out specific proposals to
ensure that the workload of the Non-Governmental Organizations Section
can be met effectively and efficiently, and recommends that the
General Assembly provide the necessary human, financial and technical
resources to the Section to enable it to carry out its
responsibilities efficiently, effectively and expeditiously.
By draft decision I, the Committee recommends to the Council that
consultative status be granted to 142 non-governmental organizations
that had applied.
By draft decision II, the Committee requests the Council to
authorize the Committee to hold a resumed session in order to complete
the work of its 1997 session.
By draft decision III, the Committee requests the Council to
authorize the Committee to hold a maximum of three sessions with a
total duration of three weeks in 1998 and subsequent years.
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CONTENTS
Chapter Paragraphs Page
I. MATTERS CALLING FOR ACTION BY THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL
COUNCIL OR BROUGHT TO ITS ATTENTION .................... 1 - 3 4
A. Draft resolutions .................................. 1 4
B. Draft decisions .................................... 2 5
C. Decision brought to the attention of the Council ... 3 10
II. APPLICATIONS FOR CONSULTATIVE STATUS RECEIVED FROM
NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS ......................... 4 - 71 12
A. Applications for consultative status deferred from
the 1996 session of the Committee .................. 4 - 36 12
B. New applications for consultative status ........... 37 - 71 15
III. IMPLEMENTATION OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL DECISION
1996/302 ............................................... 72 20
IV. IMPLEMENTATION OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL RESOLUTION
1996/31 AND DECISION 1995/304 .......................... 73 - 97 21
A. Enlargement of the Committee on Non-Governmental
Organizations ...................................... 76 - 78 22
B. Strengthening of the Non-Governmental Organizations
Section of the United Nations Secretariat .......... 79 - 85 22
C. Meetings of the Committee on Non-Governmental
Organizations ...................................... 86 - 89 23
D. Consideration of applications for consultative
status with the Economic and Social Council ........ 90 - 91 24
E. Revision of the application questionnaire .......... 92 - 93 24
F. Request for a special report pursuant to
paragraph 61 (c) of Economic and Social Council
resolution 1996/31 ................................. 94 - 97 24
V. ADOPTION OF THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ................ 98 25
VI. ORGANIZATION OF THE WORK OF THE SESSION ................ 99 - 108 25
A. Opening and duration of the session ................ 99 25
B. Attendance ......................................... 100 - 105 25
C. Election of officers ............................... 106 26
D. Agenda ............................................. 107 26
E. Resumed 1997 session of the Committee on
Non-Governmental Organizations ..................... 108 27
Annexes
I. APPLICATION FOR CONSULTATIVE STATUS WITH THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL
COUNCIL............................................................28
II. LIST OF DOCUMENTS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE AT ITS 1997 SESSION.........36
I. MATTERS CALLING FOR ACTION BY THE ECONOMIC AND
SOCIAL COUNCIL OR BROUGHT TO ITS ATTENTION
A. Draft resolutions
1. The Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations recommends to the
Economic and Social Council the adoption of the following draft resolutions:
DRAFT RESOLUTION I
Enlargement of the Committee on Non-Governmental
Organizations
The Economic and Social Council,
Recalling its decision 1995/304, by which it decided, inter alia, to
increase, on the basis of equitable geographical representation, the current
membership of the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations and to implement
that decision after the completion of its review of arrangements for
consultation with non-governmental organizations,
Considering that, consistent with the practice of the Economic and
Social Council and its subsidiary bodies in these matters, it would be
desirable to receive the views of the Committee on Non-Governmental
Organizations on this question,
Recognizing that the Committee is at present undertaking a review of its
methods of work, that this review could have implications for the enlargement
of the Committee, and that the Committee is therefore not yet in a position to
present its final views to the Council,
1. Requests the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations to present
its views on the enlargement of the Committee to the Council;
2. Decides to take a decision on this matter in 1998.
DRAFT RESOLUTION II
Strengthening of the Non-Governmental Organizations
Section of the United Nations Secretariat
The Economic and Social Council,
Noting that growing interest in the work of the United Nations on the
part of non-governmental organizations has led to a very large increase in the
number of applications for consultative status with the Economic and Social
Council,
Noting also that the increase in the number of non-governmental
organizations entails a consequent increase in the number of quadrennial
reports to be considered by the Committee,
Recognizing the need for further improvements in the working methods of
the Committee,
Recalling that in its resolution 1996/31, the Council placed additional
responsibilities on the Non-Governmental Organizations Section of the
Secretariat,
Recognizing the efforts of the staff of the Non-Governmental
Organizations Section to respond to the vastly increased demands placed upon
it in recent years,
1. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report to the General
Assembly at its fifty-second session setting out specific proposals to ensure
that the current and foreseeable workload of the Non-Governmental
Organizations Section can be met effectively and efficiently;
2. Recommends that the General Assembly, taking into account the report
of the Secretary-General and measures taken by the Committee to improve its
methods of work and to deal with this workload, provide the necessary human,
financial and technical resources to the Non-Governmental Organizations
Section to enable it to carry out its responsibilities, as set out in Council
resolution 1996/31, efficiently, effectively and expeditiously.
B. Draft decisions
2. The Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations recommends to the
Economic and Social Council the adoption of the following draft decisions:
DRAFT DECISION I
Applications for consultative status
The Economic and Social Council decides to grant the following
non-governmental organizations consultative status:
General consultative status
Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA)
Arab Towns Organization
Association for Women in Development, the (AWID)
Comite' directeur international sur la promotion e'conomique des femmes
rurales (CDI)
Green Cross International (GCI)
ORBICOM, Re'seau des chaires UNESCO en communication
Organization of World Heritage Cities
Women's Federation for World Peace International
World Confederation of Productivity Science (WCPS)
Special consultative status
American Bar Association
American Jewish Committee
Anti-Racism Information Service (ARIS)
Asian Federation of Laryngectomees Association (AFLA)
Association des habitants d'El Mourouj 2
Association Fe`s-Sai"ss
Association lumie`re et espoir pour les filles aveugles
Association of Refugees and Displaced Persons of the Republic of
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Association of the Bar of the City of New York, The
Association pour la protection de la nature et de l'environment, Kairouan
ATLAS - Association Tunisienne pour l'Auto-De'veloppement et la Solidarite'
Australian Catholic Social Justice Council (ACSJC)
Bangladesh Mahila Parishad
Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies
Canadian Chemical Producers' Association, The
Canadian Council of Churches
Canadian Environmental Network
Canadian Voice of Women for Peace
Center for Reproductive Law and Policy (CRLP), The
Centro de Investigacio'n Social, Formacio'n y Estudios de la Mujer (CISFEM)
Fe'lix Varela Center
Children of a Better Time
CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation
Collectif 95 Maghreb Egalite'
Comite' d'action pour les droits de l'enfant et de la femme (CADEF)
Comite' maritime international
Communication and Development Institute
Confederation of Business Women of Russia
Congress of Black Women of Canada, The (CBWC)
Conseil national de la jeunesse et de l'avenir (CNJA)
Consortium for Street Children, The
Council on Economic Priorities
December Twelfth Movement International Secretariat
Development through Savings and Credit
English International Association of Lund, The (Sweden)
Egyptian Red Crescent Society
Energy 21
Enfants du monde - Droits de l'homme
Equality Now
Equilibre
European Bureau for Lesser Used Languages (EBLUL)
European Law Students' Association (ELSA), The
Family Care International
Federation of American Women's Clubs Overseas (FAWCO)
Federation of Cuban Women
Fondation canadienne des droits de la personne
Fondation El Kef pour le de'veloppement re'gional
Fondation MAMAN HENRIETTE CONTE
Fondazione San Patrignano
Foundation for International Training (FIT)
GCS (Global Cooperation for a Brighter Society)
Geneva International Peace Research Institute
Indian Movement "Tupaj Amaro"
INNU Council of Nitassinan (INNU Nation)
Institut arabe des droits de l'homme
Institute for War and Peace Reporting
Integrated Care Society
International Association Against Drug Abuse and Drug Trafficking (IAADADT)
International Association of Intercultural Studies (IAIS)
International Black Sea Club
International Centre for Ethnic Studies
International Council of Human Duties
International Critical Incident Stress Foundation
International Federation of Building and Wood Workers (IFBWW)
International Federation of Catholic Medical Associations (FIAMC)
International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights (IHF)
International Islamic Charitable Organization
International Organisation for the Provision of Work for Persons with
Disabilities and who are Occupationally Handicapped (IPWH)
International Women Bond
Islamic World Studies Centre
Latin American and Caribbean Continental Organization of Students (OCLAE)
League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS)
Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF)
Mani Tese '76
Mega-Cities Project, Inc., The
Mother and Child African Relief Organization
Narcotics Anonymous World Services
National Action Committee on the Status of Women (NAC) (Canada)
National Anti-Poverty Organization
National Association of Cuban Economists
National Council for Research on Women
National Council of Women of Canada
National Tropical Botanical Garden
National Union of Jurists of Cuba, The
NAVJYOTI (Delhi Police Foundation for Correction, De-Addiction and
Rehabilitation)
Network of Women's Non-Governmental Organizations in the Islamic Republic
of Iran
Norwegian People's Aid (NPA)
Open Society Institute
Organisation tunisienne de l'e'ducation et de la famille
Partenariat afrique Canada (PAC)
Peace Child International
Professional Association of Independent Institutions concerned with Addiction
(Fachverband Freier Einrichungen in der Suchtarbeit (FES))
PSU Foundation (Programme Support Unit Foundation)
Public Services International
Publication and Coordination Centre of Islamic Ideology and Sufi-ism
Qatar Charitable Society
Re'seau femmes africaines et droits humains (REFAD)
Rivers Club
Rural Enterprising as a Community Help (REACH)
Rural Reconstruction Nepal
Society for Development of Services in Heliopolis, The
Stichting Samenwerking Vastenaktie/CEBEMO
Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL), The
Synergos Institute Inc.
Teenage Mother Civil Association
Treaty Four
Unitarian Universalist Association
Unitarian Universalist Service Committee
United for Intercultural Action
Wellstart International
Women's National Commission
Women's Political Network of Pennsylvania (USA)
World Evangelical Fellowship (WEF)
Roster
AEF International
Catholic Women's League Australia Incorporated (CWLA)
Caucasians United for Reparations and Emancipation (CURE/AFRE)
Deprived Child! And You
Edison Electric Institute (EEI)
Education Center for Women in Democracy (ECWD)
European Boating Association, The (EBA)
European Union of Developers and House Builders (UEPC)
Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA)
Foundation for Democracy in Africa
International Association for Natural Gas Vehicles (IANGV)
International Association of Mayors of Northern Cities
International Council of Toy Industries, Ltd. (ICTI)
Institute of Objective Studies (IOS)
Me'tis National Council
Medical Care Development International (MCD)
Oceans Institute of Canada
Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI)
Socie'te' internationale de droit militaire et de droit de la guerre
3HO Foundation, Inc. (Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization, Inc.)
DRAFT DECISION II
Resumed 1997 session of the Committee on
Non-Governmental Organizations
The Economic and Social Council decides to authorize the Committee on
Non-Governmental Organizations to hold a resumed session for a period of one
week in January 1998 in order to complete the work of its 1997 session.
DRAFT DECISION III
Meetings of the Committee on Non-Governmental
Organizations
The Economic and Social Council decides:
(a) To authorize the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations to hold
a maximum of three sessions with a total duration of three weeks in 1998 and,
unless the Committee subsequently recommends otherwise, in subsequent years;
(b) To authorize the Committee to hold informal meetings prior to each
session in 1998 and subsequent years for the purpose of clarifying matters
arising from applications for consultative status;
(c) To authorize the Committee to meet for five days prior to its 1998
session to consider enlargement of the Committee and issues related to the
Committee's methods of work.
C. Decision brought to the attention of the Council
3. The following decision of the Committee is brought to the attention of
the Council:
Consideration of applications for consultative status
with the Economic and Social Council
The Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations decides that it will not
consider applications for consultative status that, six weeks prior to the
relevant session of the Committee, are incomplete or that otherwise contain
technical deficiencies with respect to the provisions of Economic and Social
Council resolution 1996/31 and other relevant decisions of the Council or the
Committee and, in that regard, requests the Secretary-General:
(a) To inform non-governmental organizations applying for consultative
status that applications that are incomplete or that otherwise contain
technical deficiencies will not be considered by the Committee;
(b) To avoid presenting applications that are incomplete or that
otherwise contain technical deficiencies to the Committee and to provide the
Committee with a list of such applications.
II. APPLICATIONS FOR CONSULTATIVE STATUS RECEIVED FROM
NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
A. Applications for consultative status deferred from
the 1996 session of the Committee
4. At its resumed 1995 session, the Committee on Non-Governmental
Organizations had decided to defer further consideration of the application of
the International Energy Foundation until its 1996 session (see E/1996/17,
para. 5).
5. At its 1996 session, the Committee had decided to defer further
consideration of the application of the International Energy Foundation until
its 1997 session (see E/1996/102, para. 4).
6. At its 633rd meeting, on 16 May 1997, the Committee decided to pursue
its consideration of the application at its meeting on 12 June 1997.
7. At the 634th meeting, on 12 June, the representative of Cuba proposed
that the Committee recommend to the Economic and Social Council that it grant
special consultative status to the International Energy Foundation. A
roll-call vote was then requested by the representative of the United States
of America. The proposal was rejected by 6 votes to 6, with 6 abstentions.
The voting was as follows:
In favour: China, Cuba, India, Russian Federation, Sudan, Tunisia.
Against: Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Ireland, United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of
America.
Abstaining: Ethiopia, Greece, Indonesia, Paraguay, Philippines,
Swaziland.
8. The representative of the Sudan stated that her delegation had voted in
favour of the proposal on the merits of the application of the organization,
the additional information provided by the organization and the explanation
provided by its representative. She had taken note of the statement of one
delegation about the existence of some other information concerning the
organization. However, the information referred to had not been provided to
the Committee. In her view, the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations,
being the custodian of consultative status with the Economic and Social
Council, should make sure that justice prevailed for all non-governmental
organizations; decisions on consultative status should be based on
transparency and the concrete information available to the Committee.
9. The Economic and Social Council, at its substantive session of 1995, had
decided to refer the application of the International Committee of Peace and
Human Rights back to the Committee for further consideration (Council decision
1995/305, subpara. (d)).
10. At its 1996 session, the Committee had taken note of a letter from the
organization stating that it would be appropriate for the Committee to suspend
consideration of the application of the International Committee of Peace and
Human Rights, without prejudice, for one year (see E/1996/102, para. 5).
11. At its 631st meeting, on 15 May 1997, the Committee decided to defer
consideration of the application of the International Committee of Peace and
Human Rights to its 1998 session. The Committee also decided that the
organization should be asked to provide the information requested by the
Committee at its 1996 session.
12. At its 1996 session, the Committee had taken note of a communication from
the Center of Studies on the Americas, stating that the organization did not
wish to have its application considered during the first part of the 1996
session. The Committee instructed the Secretariat to ascertain whether the
organization wished its application to be considered at the second part of the
1996 session or at the 1997 session. The Committee was subsequently informed
that the organization wished its application to be considered at the 1997
session (see E/1996/102, para. 7).
13. At its 1997 session, the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations had
before it the application of the Center of Studies on the Americas and was
subsequently informed by the organization that it intended to reapply in the
future.
14. At its 1996 session, the Committee had decided to defer consideration of
the application of Felege Guihon International to its 1997 session (see
E/1996/102, para. 28).
15. At its 620th meeting, on 8 May 1997, the Committee decided not to
recommend to the Economic and Social Council that Felege Guihon International
be granted consultative status.
16. At its 1996 session, the Committee had decided to defer consideration of
the application of the Citizens' Disaster Response Centre Foundation to its
1997 session (see E/1996/102, para. 29).
17. At its 615th meeting, on 5 May 1997, the Committee decided to defer
consideration of the application of the Citizens' Disaster Response Centre
Foundation to its 1998 session.
18. At its 1996 session, the Committee had decided to defer consideration of
the application of the Eagle Forum to its 1997 session (see E/1996/102,
para. 29).
19. At its 631st meeting, on 15 May 1997, the Committee decided to defer
consideration of the application of the Eagle Forum to its 1998 session.
20. At its 1996 session, the Committee had decided that the Foundation for
Democracy in Africa should be invited to reapply in 1997 on the basis of a new
questionnaire (see E/1996/102, para. 32).
21. At its 616th meeting, on 6 May 1997, the Committee decided to recommend
to the Economic and Social Council that the Foundation for Democracy in Africa
be granted Roster status.
22. At its 1996 session, the Committee had decided to defer consideration of
the application of Christians for Crime Prevention (GCFK/CFCP) to its 1997
session (see E/1996/102, para. 33).
23. At its 620th meeting, on 8 May 1997, the Committee decided not to
recommend to the Council that Christians for Crime Prevention (GCFK/CFCP) be
granted consultative status.
24. At its 1996 session, the Committee had decided to defer consideration of
the application of Deprived Child! And You to its 1997 session (see
E/1996/102, para. 33).
25. At its 616th meeting, on 6 May 1997, the Committee decided to recommend
to the Council that Deprived Child! And You be granted Roster status.
26. At its 1996 session, the Committee had decided to defer consideration of
the application of the Foundation for Research on International Environment,
National Development and Security (FRIENDS) to its 1997 session (see
E/1996/102, para. 33).
27. At its 620th meeting, on 8 May 1997, the Committee decided not to
recommend to the Council that the Foundation for Research on International
Environment, National Development and Security (FRIENDS) be granted
consultative status.
28. At its 1996 session, the Committee had decided to defer consideration of
the application of the World League for Freedom and Democracy to its 1997
session (see E/1996/102, para. 34).
29. At its 617th meeting, on 6 May 1997, the Committee took note of a letter
from the World League for Freedom and Democracy asking that consideration of
its application be deferred to the 1998 session.
30. At its 1996 session, the Committee had decided to defer further
consideration of the application of the Publication and Coordination Centre of
Islamic Ideology and Sufi-ism to its 1997 session (see E/1996/102, para. 33).
31. At its 633rd meeting, on 16 May 1997, the Committee decided to recommend
to the Economic and Social Council that the Publication and Coordination
Centre of Islamic Ideology and Sufi-ism be granted special consultative
status.
32. At its 1996 session, the Committee had decided to defer further
consideration of the application of the Rivers Club to its 1997 session (see
E/1996/102, para. 33).
33. At its 633rd meeting, on 16 May 1997, the Committee decided to recommend
to the Economic and Social Council that the Rivers Club be granted special
consultative status.
34. At its 1996 session, the Committee had decided to defer further
consideration of the application of the Faith and Hope Foundation to its 1997
session (see E/1996/102, para. 17).
35. At its 634th meeting, on 12 June, the Committee decided not to recommend
to the Council that the Faith and Hope Foundation be granted consultative
status. The Committee also decided to invite the organization to reapply at a
future date.
36. The Committee decided to recommend that the Economic and Social Council
grant the following non-governmental organizations consultative status:
Special consultative status
Publication and Coordination Centre of Islamic Ideology and Sufi-ism
Rivers Club
Roster
Deprived Child! And You
Foundation for Democracy in Africa
B. New applications for consultative status
37. At its 1996 session, the Committee had decided that the Centre for the
Advancement of North Korean Human Rights should be invited to reapply for
consultative status at the 1997 session on the basis of a new questionnaire
(see E/1996/102, para. 6).
38. At its 621st meeting, on 8 May 1997, the Committee took note of a letter
from the organization requesting the Committee to defer the consideration of
its application until the submission of a new application. The Committee
decided that the application should be eliminated from the agenda.
39. At its 624th meeting, on 12 May, the representative of Cuba proposed that
the Committee recommend that the Economic and Social Council grant special
consultative status to the National Association of Cuban Economists.
40. The proposal was adopted by a roll-call vote of 15 to 1, with 2
abstentions. The voting was as follows:
In favour: Chile, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ethiopia, Greece, India,
Indonesia, Ireland, Paraguay, Philippines, Russian
Federation, Sudan, Swaziland, Tunisia.
Against: United States of America.
Abstaining: Bulgaria, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland.
41. After the proposal was adopted, a statement was made by the
representative of the United States of America.
42. At the same meeting, the representative of the United States of America
requested a vote on the proposal to recommend that the Economic and Social
Council grant special consultative status to the Fe'lix Varela Center.
43. The proposal was adopted by a roll-call vote of 16 to 1, with 1
abstention. The voting was as follows:
In favour: Bulgaria, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ethiopia, Greece,
India, Indonesia, Ireland, Paraguay, Russian Federation,
Sudan, Swaziland, Tunisia, United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland.
Against: United States of America.
Abstaining: Philippines.
44. After the proposal was adopted, a statement was made by the
representative of the Sudan.
45. At the same meeting, the representative of the United States of America
requested that a vote be taken on the proposal to recommend that the Economic
and Social Council grant special consultative status to the National Union of
Jurists of Cuba. The proposal was adopted by a roll-call vote of 13 to 1,
with 3 abstentions. The voting was as follows:
In favour: Chile, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ethiopia, Greece, India,
Indonesia, Paraguay, Russian Federation, Sudan, Swaziland,
Tunisia.
Against: United States of America.
Abstaining: Bulgaria, Ireland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland.
46. At the same meeting, the representative of the United States of America
requested that a vote be taken on the proposal to recommend to the Council
that special consultative status be granted to the Federation of Cuban Women.
The proposal was adopted by a roll-call vote of 16 to 1, with 1 abstention.
The voting was as follows:
In favour: Bulgaria, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ethiopia, Greece,
India, Indonesia, Ireland, Paraguay, Philippines, Russian
Federation, Sudan, Swaziland, Tunisia.
Against: United States of America.
Abstaining: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
47. After the proposal was adopted, statements were made by the
representatives of Cuba, China and the United States of America.
48. At its 626th meeting, on 13 May, the Committee decided not to recommend
to the Council that the Kashmiri-Canadian Council (KCC) be granted
consultative status.
49. At its 628th meeting, on 14 May, the representative of the United States
of America requested a vote on the proposal to recommend to the Economic and
Social Council that special consultative status be granted to the Latin
American and Caribbean Continental Organization of Students (OCLAE). The
proposal was adopted by a roll-call vote of 14 to 1, with 1 abstention. The
voting was as follows:
In favour: Bulgaria, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ethiopia, Greece,
Indonesia, Madagascar, Paraguay, Philippines, Russian
Federation, Swaziland, Tunisia.
Against: United States of America.
Abstaining: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
50. The representative of India stated that, had his delegation been present
during the vote, it would have voted in favour of the proposal.
51. At the same meeting, the Committee decided that the Society for Urban
and Rural Advancement (SURA) should apply for association with the Department
of Public Information.
52. At its 631st meeting, on 15 May, the Committee decided to defer further
consideration of the application of the Jewish Agency for Israel to its
session in 1998.
53. At the same meeting, the representative of the United States of America
requested a vote on a ruling made by the Chairman that a communication would
be transmitted to the English International Association of Lund (Sweden)
containing the query from the representative of the Sudan as to why the
organization could not provide the names of its individual members.
54. Statements were made by the representatives of Cuba, Costa Rica, China,
India, Ethiopia, Ireland, the United States of America, the Sudan, Madagascar,
Chile, the Philippines, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland and Indonesia.
55. The Committee then voted on the ruling, which was upheld by 7 votes to
5, with 2 abstentions.
56. At its 632nd meeting, on 16 May, the Committee decided to defer further
consideration of the application of the Assyrian National Congress to its 1998
session.
57. At its 634th meeting, on 12 June, the Committee decided to defer
consideration of the following applications to its resumed 1997 session, in
January 1998:
Asian Legal Resource Centre
Centre de recherches et de promotion pour la sauvegarde des sites et
monuments historiques en Afrique
Humanity International
58. At the same meeting, the Committee decided to defer consideration of the
application of the Program for Research and Documentation for a Sustainable
Society (PROSUS) to its 1998 session.
59. Also at the same meeting, the Committee reaffirmed the view that,
consistent with the provisions of Council resolutions 1296 (XLIV) and 1996/31
and the practice of the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations,
universities and schools and political parties were not eligible for
consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, and that therefore
the applications of Centro Universitario Grupo Sol and the French Communist
Party would not be acted on by the Committee.
60. At its 635th meeting, on 12 June, the Committee decided to recommend
that the Economic and Social Council grant special consultative status to the
Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies.
61. The representative of Cuba stated that Cuba had joined the consensus,
but wished to place on record its reservation with regard to the Cairo
Institute for Human Rights Studies for the following reasons:
(a) The Institute was completely financed by external sources -
inter alia, Governments - in Western countries in particular;
(b) Its activities did not appear to deal with all human rights, being
focused on civil and political rights;
(c) Its sources of financing included the National Endowment for
Democracy, a fund established by the United States Congress at the height of
the cold war with political and ideological objectives.
62. At the same meeting, the Committee decided to recommend that the Council
grant special consultative status to the Islamic World Studies Centre.
63. The representative of the United States of America stated that her
delegation wished to dissociate itself from the decision since the Islamic
World Studies Centre appeared not to have faithfully revealed all sources of
government funding.
64. The representative of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland stated that her delegation wished to dissociate itself from the
decision since it had doubts regarding the independence of Islamic World
Studies Center.
65. At the same meeting, the Committee decided to recommend that the Council
grant special consultative status to the Qatar Charitable Society.
66. The representative of the United States of America stated that her
delegation wished to dissociate itself from the decision, since the Qatar
Charitable Society might be involved in activities inconsistent with the
Charter of the United Nations.
67. The representative of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland stated that her delegation wished to dissociate itself from the
decision, since it had doubts regarding the independence of the organization.
68. At the same meeting, the Committee decided to recommend that the Council
grant special consultative status to Mother and Child African Relief
Organization (MACARO).
69. The representative of the United States of America stated that her
delegation was of the view that the organization did not deserve special
consultative status because of its unproved track record and the narrow scope
and extent of its activities.
70. At its 635th meeting, on 12 June, the Committee decided to defer
consideration of the application of the African Muslims Agency to its resumed
1997 session, in January 1998. The representative of the Sudan made the
following statement:
"We support this organization and we believe the response provided
by it was adequate and its application accurately fits Economic and
Social Council resolution 1996/31. However, while we will not stand in
the way of postponing acting on this non-governmental organization, we
would like to reiterate that the Sudan detects the development of a
trend in this Committee pertaining to creating problems which make it
difficult for non-governmental organizations from a particular region of
the world, namely, the Islamic world, to obtain consultative status with
the Economic and Social Council. We have seen delegations declare that
they are not part of some decisions relating to non-governmental
organizations from this part of the world and the decision concerning
this non-governmental organization falls into the same category. We
believe the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations should refrain
from adopting a non-technical approach and base its recommendation for
the granting of the appropriate consultative status to non-governmental
organizations on the basis of the merits of the case and not due to
other biases and considerations."
71. The Committee decided to recommend that the Economic and Social Council
grant consultative status to 142 non-governmental organizations (see sect. I.B
above, draft decision I).
III. IMPLEMENTATION OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL
DECISION 1996/302
72. At its 635th meeting, on 12 June 1997, the Committee decided to postpone
consideration of item 5 of its agenda to its resumed 1997 session, to be held
in January 1998.
IV. IMPLEMENTATION OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL
RESOLUTION 1996/31 AND DECISION 1995/304
73. The Committee considered item 6 of its agenda at its 629th, 634th and
635th meetings, on 14 May and 12 June 1997.
74. The Vice-Chairman and Rapporteur of the Committee, Mr. Wahid Ben Amor
(Tunisia), on behalf of the African States, requested that the following
statement, which he made during the 1997 session of the Committee, be
reflected in the Committee's report:
"I wish to make a number of clarifications regarding the working
methods of the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations.
"Firstly, with respect to the chairmanship of the Committee, it is
our view that there is an inviolable rule which must be respected,
namely that of rotation, which has always constituted the basis of the
organization of work of all the subsidiary organs of the Economic and
Social Council.
"Regrettably, this rule has never been respected in this Committee.
It is also regrettable that, in contrast to the situation in the only
exception, namely the Commission on the Status of Women, this state of
affairs has not really helped to improve the organization of the
Committee's methods of work:
"The increase in applications to be considered by the Committee at
each of its sessions has not been accompanied by any increase in the
necessary resources;
"Members of the Committee must often work on the basis of
untranslated documents;
"The Committee must meet for informal consultations without
interpretation services;
"Lastly, the Secretariat, whose great efforts to make our work
easier I wish to emphasize, is overwhelmed owing to a lack of human
and financial resources.
"The situation being as it is, the African States are of the view
that the Committee, as a matter of extreme urgency, must seriously
consider the situation with a view to finding comprehensive solutions
for the future and allowing the Committee to discharge its functions
under satisfactory conditions like other subsidiary organs of the
Council.
"In this regard we cannot allow this Committee to be considered the
poor relation of the Economic and Social Council and for it to be
marginalized.
"For all these reasons we support all initiatives aimed at improving
the working methods of the Committee, including election of the Bureau.
"In this regard the African States are not opposed to two successive
terms for the Bureau of the Committee, if the members of the Committee
so agree and if that could contribute to an improvement in methods of
work.
"Lastly, the African States are of the view that the Chairman in
general, and this is particularly true of this Committee, must become
more involved in strengthening the Committee and cannot simply guide
discussion on one or other non-governmental organization."
75. At the 629th meeting, on 14 May, statements were made by the
representatives of Cuba, India, Tunisia, the Sudan, the Russian Federation,
Ireland, China, the Philippines, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland, Costa Rica, Madagascar and the United States of America and
the observers for the Syrian Arab Republic and France.
A. Enlargement of the Committee on Non-Governmental
Organizations
76. At its 635th meeting, on 12 June, the Committee had before it a draft
resolution (see E/C.2/1997/L.2) entitled "Enlargement of the Committee on
Non-Governmental Organizations", submitted by the Acting Chairman on the basis
of informal consultations.
77. At the same meeting, the representative of India proposed an amendment
to the second preambular paragraph, by which the words "consistent with the
practice of the Economic and Social Council and its subsidiary bodies in these
matters" would be inserted between the words "Considering that" and "it would
be desirable".
78. The Committee then adopted the draft resolution, as orally amended (see
sect. I.A above, draft resolution I).
B. Strengthening of the Non-Governmental Organizations
Section of the United Nations Secretariat
79. At its 635th meeting, on 12 June, the Committee had before it a draft
resolution (see E/C.2/1997/L.2) entitled "Strengthening of the Non-
Governmental Organizations Section of the United Nations Secretariat",
submitted by the Acting Chairman on the basis of informal consultations.
80. Statements were made by the representatives of Cuba, Tunisia, the United
States of America, Costa Rica, China, Ethiopia, the Sudan and the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
81. The representative of Cuba proposed an amendment to the draft
resolution, by which, in operative paragraph 1, the brackets and the words
"fifty-third" would be deleted, so that the paragraph would read:
"1. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report to the
General Assembly at its fifty-second session setting out specific
proposals to ensure that the current and foreseeable workload of the
Non-Governmental Organizations Section can be met effectively and
efficiently".
82. The representative of the United States of America requested that a
roll-call vote be taken on the amendment proposed by Cuba, which was adopted
by 12 votes to 1, with 3 abstentions. The voting was as follows:
In favour: Chile, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia,
Ireland, Madagascar, Philippines, Sudan, Tunisia.
Against: United States of America.
Abstaining: Greece, Russian Federation, United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland.
83. Before the amendment was adopted, statements were made by the
representatives of India, the Philippines, the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland, the United States of America, Costa Rica, the Sudan and
the Russian Federation.
84. The Committee then adopted the draft resolution, as orally amended, by
roll-call vote of 14 to 1, with 1 abstention (see sect. I.A above, draft
resolution II). The voting was a follows:
In favour: Chile, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ethiopia, Greece, India,
Indonesia, Ireland, Madagascar, Philippines, Russian
Federation, Sudan, Tunisia.
Against: United States of America.
Abstaining: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
85. After the draft resolution was adopted, statements were made by the
representatives of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
and Costa Rica.
C. Meetings of the Committee on Non-Governmental
Organizations
86. At its 635th meeting, on 12 June, the Committee had before it a draft
decision (see E/C.2/1997/L.2) entitled "Meetings of the Committee on
Non-Governmental Organizations", submitted by the Acting Chairman of the
Committee on the basis of informal consultations.
87. At the same meeting, statements were made by the representatives of
China, Cuba, the Sudan, the United States of America, Ethiopia, Tunisia,
Madagascar, Costa Rica and the Russian Federation.
88. On the proposal of the representative of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland, subparagraph (a), which read:
"(a) To authorize the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations to
hold three one-week sessions in 1998 [and subsequent years]",
was amended to read:
"(a) To authorize the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations to
hold a maximum of three sessions with a total duration of three weeks in
1998 and, unless the Committee subsequently recommends otherwise, in
subsequent years".
89. The Committee then adopted the draft decision, as orally amended (see
sect. I.B above, draft decision III).
D. Consideration of applications for consultative
status with the Economic and Social Council
90. At its 635th meeting, on 12 June, the Committee had before it a draft
decision (see E/C.2/1997/L.2) entitled "Consideration of applications for
consultative status with the Economic and Social Council", submitted by the
Acting Chairman of the Committee on the basis of informal consultations.
91. At the same meeting, the Committee adopted the draft decision (see
sect. I.C above).
E. Revision of the application questionnaire
92. At its 1996 session, the Committee had noted that it was necessary to
revise the application questionnaire in the light of Economic and Social
Council resolution 1996/31, bearing in mind the need to streamline
documentation and the increasing number of applications for consultative
status (see E/1996/102, para. 46).
93. At its 635th meeting, on 12 June, the Committee adopted the revised
version of the questionnaire (see annex I below).
F. Request for a special report pursuant to paragraph 61 (c)
of Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31
94. At the 634th meeting, on 12 June, the representative of Cuba requested
that the attention of the Committee be brought to a matter concerning a
non-governmental organization in consultative status with the Economic and
Social Council.
95. At the 635th meeting, on 12 June, the Committee considered the
information provided by the representative of Cuba regarding an incident at
the United Nations Office at Geneva involving the International Association of
Educators for World Peace, a non-governmental organization on the Roster. The
Committee requested the Secretariat to request the organization to provide an
explanation regarding the incident.
96. The representative of the United States requested a roll-call vote on the
proposal to request a special report from a non-governmental organization
pursuant to paragraph 61 (c) of Economic and Social Council resolution
1996/31. The proposal was adopted by a roll-call vote of 9 to 4, with 4
abstentions. The voting was as follows:
In favour: China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia,
Madagascar, Sudan, Tunisia.
Against: Greece, Ireland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland, United States of America.
Abstaining: Chile, Paraguay, Philippines, Russian Federation.
97. Before the proposal was adopted, statements were made by the
representatives of Chile, Paraguay and the United Kingdom.
V. ADOPTION OF THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE
98. At its 633rd meeting, on 16 May 1997, the Committee adopted the draft
report contained in document E/C.2/1997/L.1 and authorized the Rapporteur to
complete it.
VI. ORGANIZATION OF THE WORK OF THE SESSION
A. Opening and duration of the session
99. The Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations held its 1997 session
from 5 to 16 May and on 12 June 1997. The Committee held 22 meetings (614th
to 635th meetings).
B. Attendance
100. The representatives of the following States members of the Committee
attended the session: Bulgaria, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ethiopia,
Greece, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Madagascar, Paraguay, Philippines, Russian
Federation, Sudan, Swaziland, Tunisia, United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland, United States of America.
101. The following States Members of the United Nations were represented by
observers: Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh,
Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Croatia, Democratic People's
Republic of Korea, Egypt, Eritrea, France, Germany, Guatemala, Guyana,
Hungary, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco,
Netherlands, Pakistan, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania,
Sri Lanka, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, Venezuela.
102. The following non-member State was represented by an observer: Holy See.
103. The following other organization, having received a standing invitation
to participate as an observer in the sessions and the work of the General
Assembly, was represented by an observer: Palestine.
104. The following specialized agencies were represented: United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, World Health Organization.
105. The following non-governmental organizations were represented: general
consultative status: Franciscans International, International Chamber of
Commerce, International Confederation of Free Trade Unions; special
consultative status: United Towns Agency for North-South Cooperation; Roster:
International Association of Educators for World Peace.
C. Election of officers
106. At the 614th meeting, on 5 May, the Committee elected the following
officers by acclamation:
Chairman: Fidel Coloma (Chile)
Vice-Chairmen: Valentin Hadjiiski (Bulgaria)
John D. Biggar (Ireland)
Wahid Ben Amor (Tunisia) (serving also as Rapporteur)
D. Agenda
107. At the 614th meeting, on 5 May, the Committee adopted the provisional
agenda for its 1997 session, as contained in document E/C.2/1997/1. The
agenda was as follows:
1. Election of officers.
2. Adoption of the agenda and other organizational matters.
3. Applications for consultative status and requests for
reclassification received from non-governmental organizations:
(a) Applications for consultative status deferred from the
1996 session of the Committee;
(b) New applications for consultative status and new requests for
reclassification.
4. Review of quadrennial reports submitted by non-governmental
organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social
Council, general and special categories.
5. Implementation of Economic and Social Council decision 1996/302.
6. Implementation of Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31 and
decision 1995/304.
7. Provisional agenda and documentation for the session of the
Committee to be held in 1998.
8. Adoption of the report of the Committee.
E. Resumed 1997 session of the Committee on Non-Governmental
Organizations
108. At its 633rd meeting, on 16 May, the Committee decided to recommend that
the Economic and Social Council adopt the following draft decision (see
sect. I.B. above, draft decision II), which was read out by the Chairman of
the Committee:
"The Economic and Social Council decides to authorize the Committee
on Non-Governmental Organizations to hold a resumed session for a period
of one week in January 1998 in order to complete the work of its 1997
session."
Annex I
APPLICATION FOR CONSULTATIVE STATUS WITH THE ECONOMIC
AND SOCIAL COUNCIL
Part I: Components of a completed application
A completed application package for consultative status consists of the
following:
A. Copy of constitution/charter and/or statutes/by-laws (pursuant to
paragraph 10 of Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31).
B. Where it is a legal requirement in the country concerned, registration
papers in the country where the organization is incorporated/holds tax
exemption status and/or non-profit status. Where such registration is
not a legal requirement, the organization should supply other evidence
of establishment acceptable to the Committee. The document should be on
official letterhead and dated.
C. A copy of the last completed year's financial statement. An audited
financial statement is preferred. The financial statement should
clearly indicate the sources of income, including but not limited to
contributions from members, funds received from Governments and
intergovernmental sources (specify), and funds received from private
foundations.
D. 1. List of associations and groups affiliated with the organization
filing an application.
2. List of associations or groups to which the organization filing an
application is affiliated.
E. A copy of the organization's publications and some of the more recent
articles related to United Nations activities.
F. A completed questionnaire (part II of this package).
G. A completed summary of the application (part III of this package).
Part II: Questionnaire
1. Name of organization (please provide translation in English or French):
Indicate the type of consultative status for which you are applying
(pursuant to part III of Economic and Social Council resolution
1996/31):
GENERAL SPECIAL ROSTER
2. Headquarters address (include postal/telephone/fax/E-mail, as
appropriate):
3. Date of registration/incorporation (this date should match the date of
the document provided under part I, section B above). Pursuant to
paragraph 61 (h) of Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31, "an
organization that applies for consultative status should attest that it
has been in existence for at least two years as at the date of receipt
of the application by the Secretariat":
4. In accordance with paragraph 8 of Economic and Social Council resolution
1996/31, state whether your organization is:
International National
5. Purpose and activities of your organization.
(a) Summarize in the space provided (half a page) the general aims of
your organization as they relate to the work of the Economic and
Social Council and which appear in its constitution or by-laws:
(b) List in general terms in the space provided (half a page) the ways
in which your organization carries out those aims (e.g.,
conferences, projects):
6. Structure and decision-making process of your organization:
(a) Describe the decision-making process of the organization including
each policy-making or administrative body (e.g., general conference,
executive board), stating how often they meet, their composition and
their chief powers and functions:
(b) Describe the relationship, other than financial, of the organization
with any Government with respect to its management, as well as to
the orientation of its activities:
7. Geographical membership:
List the number of members by country and continent and indicate whether
they are associations and/or individuals. Indicate the total number of
members (United Nations terminology with respect to territories and
countries must be used in all documents provided):
8. Provide a brief profile of your organization's membership (e.g.,
professional members, women, older persons) and indicate if there are
any restrictions on membership:
9. List your current officers, including senior members of your executive
staff, indicating their nationalities in brackets after their names.
Please indicate if any government officials are on the staff of your
organization. Also indicate if officers are elected on a geographical
basis:
10. In addition to the financial information provided under part I,
section C above, please summarize the income (including sources of
funding) and expenditure for the current year:
(a) Details of total income and sources of funds:
Membership dues:
Governments:
Intergovernmental organizations:
Other NGOs:
Contracts:
Other sources:
(b) Details of total expenditure:
Administration:
Projects:
Other activities:
11. In the past five years, has the organization received any contribution,
in money or in kind, from a Government or from an intergovernmental
source either directly or indirectly? If so, give details of the
amounts, and dates received, and indicate for what purposes the funding
or in-kind contributions were used:
12. Indicate the substantive areas of concern to the United Nations to which
your organization has contributed or intends to contribute, and indicate
the United Nations body in which your organization has participated or
intends to participate (see parts IV and V of Economic and Social
Council resolution 1996/31):
(a) PAST AND CURRENT ACTIVITIES:
(b) PLANNED ACTIVITIES (if granted status):
13. Name of any publications (e.g., magazines, newsletters, books), in all
languages published, that your organization may produce, indicating how
often they appear and the geographical distribution:
Part III: Summary of the application for consultative status
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Category requested: / / General / / Special / / Roster
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date established:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Membership (check one, and provide the requested figures)
/ / The organization is a national organization, with _____ individual
members, and ____ organization members.
/ / The organization is an international organization, with ____ individual
members and ____ organization members in ____ countries.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary of financial statement for year _____
Income:
Membership dues:
Contributions from Governments:
Contributions from intergovernmental organizations:
Contributions from other non-governmental organizations:
Revenue from contracts etc.:
Other income:
Total income:
Expenditure:
Administration:
Projects:
Other activities:
Total expenditure:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
In no more than 400 words:
- Summarize the aims and activities of your organization
- Indicate how your organization intends to participate in the work of the
Economic and Social Council
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annex II
LIST OF DOCUMENTS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE AT ITS 1997 SESSION
Document number Agenda item Title or description
E/C.2/1997/1 2 Provisional agenda
E/C.2/1997/INF/1 - List of delegations
E/C.2/1997/L.1 8 Draft report
E/C.2/1997/L.2 6 Draft proposals submitted by the
Acting Chairman on the basis of
informal consultations
E/C.2/1997/R.1 3 (a) Deferred applications for
consultative status
E/C.2/1997/R.2 3 (b) New applications for consultative
and Add.1-16 status
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