Difference between revisions of "Partnering with the United Nations"
From NGO Handbook
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NGOs desiring such working relations should consult with the particular department, program or agencies. | NGOs desiring such working relations should consult with the particular department, program or agencies. | ||
| − | ==NGOs and | + | ==NGOs and Conferences== |
| − | NGOs may also receive accreditation for a particular international conference, summit, or other event organized by the United Nations. Such accreditation is issued through the respective secretariat office preparing the event. If | + | NGOs may also receive accreditation for a particular international conference, summit, or other event organized by the United Nations. Such accreditation is issued through the respective secretariat office preparing the event. If an NGO is accredited to a conference or summit, such as Earth Summit 2002, (as opposed to being accredited to a main UN organization such as ECOSOC) then it would only be allowed to attend the preparatory committee meetings and actual conference or summit, and afterwards the accreditation will not continue. If it is accredited to the main body, such as ECOSOC, the NGO is automatically accredited to the relevant conferences or summits and only has to register for the particular event. |
ECOSOC Resolution 1996/31, which defines the criteria and principles for establishing consultative relationships for NGOs, also specifies that NGOs can be invited to participate in all international conferences convened by the United Nations, as well as their preparatory processes. NGOs, which have been accredited to an international conference, may be given an opportunity to briefly speak at the preparatory meetings and the event itself, and the opportunity to make written presentations | ECOSOC Resolution 1996/31, which defines the criteria and principles for establishing consultative relationships for NGOs, also specifies that NGOs can be invited to participate in all international conferences convened by the United Nations, as well as their preparatory processes. NGOs, which have been accredited to an international conference, may be given an opportunity to briefly speak at the preparatory meetings and the event itself, and the opportunity to make written presentations | ||
| − | The number of NGOs involved in international conferences convened by the United Nations has greatly increased over the years. For example, the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (Earth Summit, Rio) was attended by some 2,400 NGO representatives. The 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (Johannesburg, Rio+10) is expected to attract as many as 10,000 accredited representatives of NGOs. | + | The number of NGOs involved in international conferences convened by the United Nations has greatly increased over the years. For example, the 1992 United Nations Conference on [[Environmental NGOs|Environment]] and Development (Earth Summit, Rio) was attended by some 2,400 NGO representatives. The 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (Johannesburg, Rio+10) is expected to attract as many as 10,000 accredited representatives of NGOs. |
==Not part of the United Nations== | ==Not part of the United Nations== | ||
| − | NGOs, no matter | + | NGOs, no matter what United Nations body they are accredited or have consultative status, are not considered part of the United Nations. They are neither representatives nor agents of the UN, and consultative status does not entitle them to tax exemptions, diplomatic passports, nor use of the UN logo (unless proper authorization is secured from the UN Office of Legal Affairs.) |
The relationship between NGOs and the United Nations is a dynamic one, which continues to evolve. The current situation is vastly different than the time when the United Nations was founded. NGOs are involved in all UN conferences, the range of activities in which they assist the United Nations is greatly expanded, they have encroached significantly on the General Assembly, and are knocking on the door of the Security Council. They have gained acceptance on a wide range of issues, not just on social and economic questions. The new language of “partnership” between the United Nations and NGOs, which began to appear more frequently in the 1990s, reflects this continuing evolution. | The relationship between NGOs and the United Nations is a dynamic one, which continues to evolve. The current situation is vastly different than the time when the United Nations was founded. NGOs are involved in all UN conferences, the range of activities in which they assist the United Nations is greatly expanded, they have encroached significantly on the General Assembly, and are knocking on the door of the Security Council. They have gained acceptance on a wide range of issues, not just on social and economic questions. The new language of “partnership” between the United Nations and NGOs, which began to appear more frequently in the 1990s, reflects this continuing evolution. | ||
Latest revision as of 11:48, 12 August 2008
In the recent half-century, we have seen the birth of a new civil society, where non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have dramatically increased in number, diversity, and influence, forging an effective middle ground between governments and corporations. NGOs are more and more impacting governmental and intergovernmental policies, providing voices for important causes and constituencies, offering analyses and expertise, and performing varied services and humanitarian functions.
Since its founding in 1945, the United Nations has maintained relations with NGOs, who represent the concerns of civil society throughout the world. These relationships have been formalized in a number of United Nations resolutions, which derive from the United Nations Charter itself. As stated in Article 71 of the Charter: “The Economic and Social Council may make suitable arrangements for consultation with non-governmental organizations which are concerned with matters within its competence.” Indeed, the preamble of the U.N. Charter begins “We, the peoples of the United Nations,” which has come to mean both Member States and civil society.
In essence, there are four primary ways in which NGOs partner with the United Nations.
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