Non-Governmental Organizations Committee Recommends 19 Groups for Consultative Status, Postpones Action on 66 in Third Day of Session
While deferring action on 66 organizations, the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations today recommended 18 organizations for special consultative status and 1 for general consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, as it continued its session.
The 19-member Committee vets applications submitted by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), recommending general, special or roster status on the basis of such criteria as the applicant’s mandate, governance and financial regime. Organizations enjoying 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.
Several NGOs saw action on their applications postponed because Committee members requested further information about the details of their respective projects and activities, expenditures, funding sources and intended contributions to the Council’s work.
The Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations will meet again at 10 a.m. on Thursday, 26 May, to continue its work.
Special Consultative Status
The Committee recommended that the Economic and Social Council grant special consultative status to the following 18 organizations:
University of Michigan (United States);
VR Foundation, Inc. (United States);
Wild Migration Limited (Australia);
Woodenfish Foundation (United States);
World Childhood Foundation Inc. (United States);
World Federation Against Drugs (Sweden);
AID for AIDS International, Inc. (United States);
Tourner La Page (France);
Association Saemaul Undong Burundi (Burundi);
Association Togolaise "Femmes et SIDA" (A.T.F.S) (Togo);
Association Un Enfant Un Cartable Du Burkina Faso (Burkina Faso);
Association for Integrated Sustainable Development Initiatives (AISDI-CIG) (Cameroon);
Association of Pacific Rim Universities (Singapore);
Démocratie Dans le Monde (DDM) (Benin);
FESTHES "Festival Pour la Santé" (Togo);
Message Welfare Society (Pakistan);
Sindhi Adhikar Manch (Association) (India).
The Committee postponed consideration of the following 66 organizations:
Vang Pao Peace Institute (United States) — as the representative of China asked whether it had any connection with Vang Pao. The representative of the Russian Federation asked for clarification about the organization’s relationship with Governments. The representative of South Africa asked for further information about the sources of income.
Vision Africa Give a Child a Future (United Kingdom) — as the representative of South Africa asked whether the organization operated only in Kenya.
Women With Disabilities Australia Inc. (Australia) — as the representative of China noted that an article on its website did not use the correct terminology for Taiwan.
Women’s Voices Now Inc. (United States) — as the representative of China pointed out that Taiwan was listed as a country on its website, and asked for correction of such terminology.
World Association for Supported Employment (Netherlands) — as the representative of South Africa asked for clarification about the term “supported employment”. The representative of the United States noted that it meant “the same wage for the same job as for non-disabled persons”.
World Forum for Ethics in Business (Belgium) — as the representative of South Africa asked for clarification about its activities concerning good governance in Africa. She also asked for further information about universal application of standards.
urbaMonde – Suisse (Switzerland) — as the representative of South Africa asked for an updated financial statement.
"SEG" Civil Society Support Center NGO (Armenia) — as the representative of Azerbaijan asked for further information about its activities and projects.
Society Without Violence Non-Governmental Organization (Armenia) — as the representative of Azerbaijan asked for further information about its partners.
DRCNet Foundation, Inc. (United States) — as the representative of China asked the organization to clarify its position on Tibet. The representative of the Russian Federation asked for clarification about the term “free access to drugs”.
Death Penalty Focus (United States) — as the representative of India sought a further explanation about the deficit in its budget. The representative of China pointed out that Taiwan was listed as a country on its website and asked for correction of such terminology.
Fair Trials International (United Kingdom) — as the representative of South Africa asked about the location of its operations in Africa.
Fundación Acción Pro Derechos Humanos (Spain) — as the representative of India asked for an updated financial statement. The representative of South Africa asked the organization to reformulate its application.
ISKCON Communications International (United States) — as the representative of China asked for further information about its activities.
International Breathwork Foundation (Netherlands) — as the representative of South Africa asked for further information about activities and projects carried out in her country.
International Center for Advocates Against Discrimination (ICAAD), Inc. (United States) — as the representative of Nicaragua requested the list of the countries in which it operated. The representative of India asked whether it was involved in activities related to nuclear disarmament.
Latin American Mining Monitoring Programme (United Kingdom) — as the representative of Nicaragua asked whether the organization had any plans to work in her country in the future. The representative of South Africa asked for an updated financial statement.
Marijuana Policy Project (United States) — as the representative of Nicaragua pointed out that the organization had not answered questions posed previously.
Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (United States) — as the representative of the Russian Federation asked about the studies carried out in respect to the legalization of marijuana. The representative of China sought clarification about its position on Tibet.
Partnership for Change (Norway) — as the representative of China asked the organization to provide further information about the events organized.
Peace Brigades International (United Kingdom) — as the representative of China asked how the organization maintained its independence given that it received funds from Government institutions. The representative of South Africa asked about the location of its operations in Africa. The representative of Germany, participating as an observer State, noted that the organization could contribute expertise to the work of the United Nations. Consequently, he expressed support to its application. Also participating as an observer State, the representative of the United Kingdom described the organization’s work as a perfect example for the delivery of the 2030 agenda.
Re-evaluation Foundation (United States) — as the representative of Mauritania stressed that the organization had not responded to the questions posed previously.
Results Educational Fund, Inc. (United States) — as the representative of China asked how the organization intended to contribute to the Economic and Social Council’s work given its current budget deficit.
Sex & Samfund (Denmark) — as the representative of China noted that an article on its website did not use the correct terminology for Taiwan.
The Andrey Rylkov Foundation for Health and Social Justice (Russian Federation) — as the representative of the Russian Federation asked how the organization planned to fight drug abuse.
The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) (United States) — as the representative of China pointed out that Taiwan was listed as a country on its website, and asked for correction of such terminology. The representative of Sudan asked for further information its activities and projects and their outcomes. The representative of Iran asked how the organization maintained its impartiality as it received funds from the Government.
US Committee for Human Rights in North Korea (United States) — as the representative of the United States expressed her delegation’s strong support to the organization, noting it provided significant information about human rights conditions in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The representative of South Africa asked how the organization maintained its impartiality as it received funds from the Government. The representative of Iran asked for clarification about its relations with the Government of the United States. The representative of the Russian Federation asked whether the organization monitored successful human rights practices in that country particularly in the areas of education and health care. The representative of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, participating as an observer State, noted that the organization had fabricated various reports about his country and was trying to mislead world opinion.
USA Refugees & Immigrants, Corp. (United States) — as the representative of Nicaragua pointed out that the organization had not answered questions posed previously.
Universal Rights Group (Switzerland) — as the representative of Sudan asked how the organization maintained its independence given that 89 per cent of its income came from various Governments. The representative of Iran asked for further information about the list of countries.
World Association for Sexual Health (United Kingdom) — as the representative of South Africa asked whether the organization had undertaken any activities and projects in Africa.
equilibres & populations (France) — as the representative of Mauritania asked for further information about its future activities and projects.
Al-Marsad, The Arab Centre for Human Rights in the Golan Heights (R.A.) (Occupied Syrian Golan) — as the representative of Israel asked for an updated financial statement and the list of activities in 2015.
Aleradah & Altageer National Society (Bahrain) — as the representative of Sudan asked about its membership fees.
Asociación Pro-Bienestar de la Familia Colombiana "Profamilia" (Colombia) — as the representative of Nicaragua asked about the location of its operations.
Association of Youths with Vision (AOYWV) (Gambia) — as the representative of Nicaragua sought a further explanation about the deficit in its budget.
Association pour la solidarité & développement durable (Mauritania) — as the representative of Mauritania asked for an updated financial statement.
Association pour le Développement Durable la Promotion des Droits Humains et la Lutte Contre la Pauvreté (Mauritania) — as the representative of Mauritania asked for clarification about the amount of financial resources received from the private sector.
Association tunisienne de la santé de la reproduction (Tunisia) — as the representative of India asked for clarification about the role of volunteers in its work.
Ballerina Management Institute (India) — as the representative of India asked for further information about the sources of income, including the donations. The representative of South Africa asked for clarification about the organization’s target group.
Campanha Latino-Americana pelo Direito à Educação - CLADE Brasil (Brazil) — as the representative of India asked for an updated financial statement.
Centre for Corrections and Human Development (Nigeria) — as the representative of South Africa asked for further information about the proposed rehabilitation centre in Lagos.
Conselho Indigenista Missionário CIMI (Brazil) — as the representative of South Africa asked which “foreign embassies” donated money to the organization.
Coordination Waï (Eveil) relative à l'unité nationale et la lutte contre l'esclavage (Mauritania) — as the representative of Mauritania inquired about its possible partnership with his Government.
Dalit Welfare Organization (Nepal) — as the representative of India asked for further information about its financial expenditure.
ELA-Equipo Latinoamericano de Justicia y Género (Argentina) — as the representative of India asked for further information about the meeting held in Mexico.
Egyptian Centre for Human Rights (Egypt) — as the representative of India asked for the breakdown of its income.
Family Planning Association of Bangladesh (FPAB) (Bangladesh) — as the representative of India asked for an updated financial statement. The representative of Nicaragua asked for the list of future projects.
Gestos Soropositividade Comunicação e Gênero (Brazil) — as the representative of Nicaragua asked for an updated financial statement. The representative of Brazil, participating as an observer State, noted that it was a well-established civil society organization in the area of public health.
Humanity Family Foundation for Peace & Dev (Nigeria) — as the representative of South Africa asked about the outcomes of its projects and activities.
International Association for Religious Freedom, Co-ordinating Council for South Asia (India) — as the representative of China asked for further information about its participation in the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro.
International Human Right Organization (Pakistan) — as the representative of Pakistan asked for clarification about the suspension of its accreditation with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
International Police Commission Philippine Command Association Inc. (Philippines) — as the representative of South Africa asked for clarification about the organization’s status at the national level.
Ishaatool Mohammadiya Research and Development Foundation, Shevgaon (India) — as the representative of India noted that the answers provided by the organization were not adequate. He asked for further information about the activities undertaken by the Foundation.
Islamic African Relief Agency (IARA) (Sudan) — as the representative of the United States requested that the organization provide further information about the sources of non-United Nations funding.
Liberia Youth Initiative for Peace and Sustainable Development (LYIPSUD), Inc. (Liberia) — as the representative of South Africa inquired clarification about private grants.
Lotus Initiative for the Blind (Nigeria) — as the representative of South Africa asked for disaggregation of contributions and donations.
National Development Youth Club, Jaran Wali Gali Poonch (India) — as the representative of India asked whether the organization operated only in Kashmir.
Neighbourhood Community Network (India) — as the representative of India asked for further information about the funding of recent projects and activities.
People and Police for Egypt for Culture and Scientific Services (Egypt) — as the representative of South Africa asked for an updated financial statement. She also requested that the organization provide further information about the projects, including “A Police for Egyptian People” and “An Ideal Vision for Egyptian Police” initiative.
Prajachaitanya Yuvajana Sangam (India) — as the representative of India asked whether the organization had received any foreign contributions.
Save the Earth Cambodia (Cambodia) — as the representative of China pointed out that Taiwan was listed as a country on its website, and asked for correction of such terminology.
Sheikh Eid Bin Mohammad Al Thani Charitable Association (Qatar) — as the representative of Sudan requested that the Committee consider its application tomorrow afternoon. The representative of Syria, participating as an observer State, stressed that the organization supported terrorist organizations in Sudan and United Republic of Tanzania, as well as other radical groups all around the world. In fact, it represented the logistics branch of Al-Nusra Front, he said, adding that it had collected funds under the cover of a “Muslim charity” to provide food, financing and weapons to terrorists.
Calling upon Committee members to pay closer attention to equality among organizations, the representative of Iran asked for clarification about the deferral. The representative of Sudan stressed the need to allocate additional time to carefully examine the application. The representatives of the Russian Federation and Mauritania expressed support to the proposal made by Sudan’s delegate, underscoring the importance of reaching a consensus in the Committee.
Social Services Trust (India) — as the representative of India asked for further information about the activities and projects undertaken in the area of climate change.
General Consultative Status
The Committee recommended granting general consultative status to the following organization:
RESO-Femmes (Switzerland).
Interactive Discussion
During the question-and-answer session, the representative of Chibuzor Human Resource Development Organization (Sierra Leone) said her organization had been involved in the Ebola emergency response in several ways. It had shared data and also provided solar lamps to generate cellular phone batteries. In several communities in Sierra Leone, it ran projects focusing on economic and social empowerment through loans, financial training, and education on nutrition.
The representative of Nicaragua requested more details about financial statements, project activities, funding, and how the organization reached different populations. In response, the organization’s representative said that most activities were assessed first and then the financial statements were distributed to the donors.
The Committee then granted special consultative status to the Chibuzor Human Resource Development Organization.
The representative of Society for the Protection of Street and Working Children (Iran) said his organization focused on empowering children, especially refugees from Afghanistan. Established in 2001, the organization had helped some 700 children with training in literacy, seeking employment, and health education.
The representative of the Russian Federation requested the organization to confirm what portion of its funding came from international sources. In response, the organization’s representative said that international funds were being used to build schools and train refugee children. He listed several organizations from Tajikistan and Afghanistan that granted funds and said he would provide a list in writing.
The representative of India asked how the organization was involved with any international organizations. He also requested more information about “model centres” and how they were funded. In addition, he requested in writing a response about what funds from international organizations and foreign Governments were used for.
The Committee then decided to postpone its consideration of the organization.
The representative of the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania said her organization worked for literacy and equality.
The representative of China requested that the organization provide additional clarification on its stance on Tibet.
In response, the organization’s representative said that as an academic institution it did not take a political stance.
The representative of China said the all non-governmental organizations must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of every country as outlined in the United Nations Charter. He therefore requested written clarification addressing where the organization stood on Tibet.
The Committee then decided to postpone its consideration of the organization.
A representative of the Legal Resources Centre (LRC) (South Africa) said her organization was committed to utilizing experiences and work both in South Africa and internationally to build a cohesive understanding of the global threats to people living in poverty. She noted that she submitted the first application in 2013 and that written responses of questions had been submitted to the committee.
The representative of South Africa requested clarification on funding and more information on the work in the extractive industries and the environment vis-à-vis human rights.
The organization’s representative said that she had submitted financial statements that showed the funding structures of different initiatives. She also stated that in regards to specific funding, the application submitted to the Committee had been as accurate as it could be. Some funding was distributed across different activities and projects with gaps. With each project, core funding was used to cover administrative and logistical requirements.
With regard to information on the extractive industry, she said that South Africa had very progressive policies to protect all members of the country against environmental risks. The organization did have clients that lived close to extractive activities. There were occasions where those companies did not abide by South African laws, impacting the nearby communities with health related issues, such as pollution and lack of access to clean water. In those instances, the Centre would engage with the Government over the legal matters related to extractives.
The representative of South Africa requested the latest financial statements in writing, disaggregating every single donor with the specific amount of donation. She also requested further clarification on what the organization meant by “face threats to democratic processes” as outlined in its mission statement.
The representative of the United States requested clarification of what the representative of South Africa meant by asking for a list that disaggregated every single donor.
The Committee then decided to postpone its consideration of the organization.