Prepared by Office of
the President of the Millennium Assembly 55th session of the United
Nations General Assembly
Reference document on the
participation of civil society in United Nations conferences and special
sessions of the General Assembly during the 1990s Version 1 August
2001
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
GENERAL 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Background for relationship with
civil society 1.3 Current legislation 1.4 Practical arrangements
2.
UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT (UNCED/Earth Summit/Rio Summit); 3 - 14 June 1992, Rio de Janeiro 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Accreditation for non-governmental organizations
2.3 Modalities for participation of non-governmental organizations 2.4
Documentation and Preparatory Committee meetings
3.
WORLD CONFERENCE ON HUMAN RIGHTS 14 - 25 June 1993, Vienna 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Accreditation of civil society 3.3 Modalities
for participation of non-governmental organizations 3.4 Documentation and
Preparatory Committee meetings
5.
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT (ICPD); 5
- 13 September 1994, Cairo 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Accreditation for
non-governmental organizations 5.3 Modalities for participation of
non-governmental organizations 5.4 Documentation and Preparatory Committee
meetings
6.
WORLD SUMMIT FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 6 - 12 March 1995,
Copenhagen 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Accreditation for non-governmental
organizations 6.3 Modalities for participation of non-governmental
organizations 6.4 Documentation and Preparatory Committee
meetings
7.
FOURTH WORLD CONFERENCE ON WOMEN: ACTION FOR EQUALITY, DEVELOPMENT AND
PEACE 4 - 15 September 1995, Beijing 7.1 Introduction
7.2 Accreditation of non-governmental organizations 7.3 Modalities for
participation of non-governmental organizations 7.4 Documentation and
Preparatory Committee meetings 8.
UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON HUMAN SETTLEMENTS (Habitat II); 3 -
14 June 1996, Istanbul 8.1 Accreditation for civil society participation
8.2 Modalities for civil society participation 8.3 Documentation and
Preparatory Committee meetings 9. THIRD
UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON THE LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES 14 - 20
May 2001, Brussels 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Accreditation for civil
society 9.3 Modalities for participation of civil society 9.4
Documentation and Preparatory Committee meetings
The accreditation and
participation of civil society, including NGOs in United Nations conferences and
special sessions is one way they contribute to the work of the UN. This practice
has evolved and developed in particular during the 1990s when many of the major
UN conferences took place. In the Millennium Declaration and its follow up
resolution, enhanced partnership and co-operation with civil society as a whole
was called for to ensure its contribution to the implementation of the
Declaration.
In context of all conferences and General Assembly special
sessions Member States make recommendations for civil society activities at the
national, regional, subregional and international levels. These recommendations
include ways and means how civil society will participate in awareness raising,
information campaigns, national delegations, as well as in reporting, monitoring
and implementation. These aspects are not dealt with in this document. They
comprise, however, an important part of civil society participation, because one
of the main reasons for civil society to participate in conferences and General
Assembly special sessions is to contribute to the outcome of these meetings and
take part in the implementation and follow up processes.
In order to facilitate the discussion on the participation of civil society
in the work of the United Nations, this document compiles the history, including
the legislative background and existing practice of civil society participation
as far as UN conferences and special sessions in the 1990s are concerned. The
upcoming conferences are included with information on decisions made so
far.
This document should be treated as "work in process" and any
comments and additions for its improvement would be appreciated.
1.2 Background on the relationship with civil society
Based on the Charter provisions, both
in the preamble and article 71, the United Nations has had a relationship with
civil society since its establishment. The first NGOs were granted consultative
status by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) as early as in 1948. The
first set of rules on this relationship was adopted in 1950 by the ECOSOC in
resolution 288 B(X). These rules were reviewed by the General Assembly in 1968
in resolution 1296, which became the basis for establishing criteria for the
participation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) at the United Nations,
which remained in use for almost three decades. The resolution also provided the
framework for the funds and programmes of the United Nations to appoint NGO
liaison officers and to have their own procedures for NGO access.
In 1993, Member States decided that the resolution 1296 needed to be reviewed
in order to update and accommodate changes since 1968. The relationship between
NGOs and the United Nations had developed, as NGOs had become more present,
active and influential at the international level, and more directly engaged in
the intergovernmental processes. The ECOSOC decision 1993/214 of February 1993
established the parameters and mandate for a review. The review took place from
February 1993 to July 1996, under the auspices of a Working Group comprised of
Member States.
In 1996, ECOSOC concluded this major review. The arrangements for NGOs at the
United Nations as a whole were updated and adopted by ECOSOC
resolution 1996/31. This resolution is the current basis for partnership
between NGOs and the United Nations.
In 1998, the Secretary-General elaborated arrangements and practices for NGOs
in his report A/53/170. Furthermore, the Secretary-General reflected the views
of Member States, members of the specialized agencies, observers,
intergovernmental organizations and NGOs from all regions in another report
A/54/329, in 1999. As stated above, also the Millennium Declaration gave a new
mandate to enhance this partnership.
1.3 Current legislation
Partnership arrangements between NGOs and the United Nations are outlined in
the following documents. The preamble of the UN Charter begins with "We, the
peoples of the United Nations". This has come to mean both Member States and
civil society. More details are given in the article 71 of the Charter, which
recognizes NGOs legally and formally as partners within the UN system. The
article states that the ECOSOC may make arrangements for both national and
international NGOs:
The Economic and Social Council may make suitable arrangements for
consultation with non-governmental organizations which are concerned with
matters within its competence. Such arrangements may be made with international
organizations and, where appropriate, with national organizations after
consultation with the Member of the United Nations concerned. (UN Charter,
Article 71: Untitled; Arrangements for consultation with non-governmental
organizations)
The review process of NGO arrangements, held in 1993-96, resulted in ECOSOC
resolution 1996/31, which defines the criteria and principles for establishing
consultative relationships for NGOs. Resolution 1996/31 defines NGOs "any
international organization which is not established by a governmental entity or
intergovernmental agreement". It also says that organization refers to NGOs at
the national, subregional, regional and international levels, expect where
expressly stated otherwise. The resolution establishes three categories of
consultative status for NGOs. General consultative status is for large
international NGOs whose are of work covers most issues on the ECOSOC agenda.
Special consultative status is for NGOs that have special competence in a few
fields of the ECOSOC activity. The third category, which is inclusion on the
roster, is for NGOs whose competence enables them to make occasional and useful
contributions to the work of the UN and that are available for consultation upon
request. NGOs on the roster may also include organizations in consultative
status with a specialized agency or other UN body. The resolution also
formulated guidelines for written statements, oral statements and attendance
during meetings.
The applications of NGOs for consultative status or roster status, or
requests for change of status, are reviewed by the ECOSOC Committee on
Non-Governmental Organizations, which is the only intergovernmental Committee in
the UN that focuses exclusively on relations with NGOs. The Committee, which is
responsible for monitoring the relationship between NGOs and the UN, is composed
of 19 Member States and meets annually. The Committee holds annual consultations
with NGOs about this relationship, and transmits reports of such consultations
to ECOSOC for action.
The resolution further decided that NGOs can be invited to participate in all
international conferences and their preparatory processes convened by the United
Nations. As a rule, NGOs in consultative status with ECOSOC are accredited for
participation; merely need to express their interest to participate to become
accredited. Other NGOs wishing to participate can apply through the respective
conference secretariat. It was decided that accreditation processes are the
prerogative of Member States, exercised through the respective preparatory
committee:
Non-governmental organizations in general consultative status, special
consultative status and on the Roster, that express their wish to attend the
relevant international conferences convened by the United Nations and the
meetings of the preparatory bodies of the said conferences shall as a rule be
accredited for participation. Other non-governmental organizations wishing to be
accredited may apply to the secretariat of the conference for this purpose…
(Article 42 of ECOSOC resolution 1996/31)
On modalities of participation, resolution 1996/31 stated that NGOs, which
have been accredited to an international conference, may be given an opportunity
to speak at the preparatory meetings and at the event itself. During the
preparatory process NGOs may make written statements:
The non-governmental organizations accredited to the international
conference may be given, in accordance with established United Nations practice
and at the discretion of the chairperson and the consent of the body concerned,
an opportunity to briefly address the preparatory committee and the conference
in plenary meetings and their subsidiary bodies. (Article 51 of ECOSOC
resolution 1996/31)
Non-governmental organizations accredited to the conference may make
written presentations during the preparatory process in the official languages
of the United Nations as they deem appropriate. Those written presentations
shall not be issued as official documents except in accordance with United
Nations rules of procedure. (Article 52 of ECOSOC resolution 1996/31)
In the Millennium
Declaration, that was adopted by resolution 55/2, civil society
participation is taken up in three separate parts:
We also resolve…
To develop strong partnerships with the private sector and with civil
society organizations in pursuit of development and poverty eradication.
(paragraph 20)
We resolve therefore… To strengthen further
cooperation between the United Nations and national parliaments through their
world organization, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, in various fields, including
peace and security, economic and social development, international law and human
rights and democracy and gender issues. (paragraph 30)
To give greater
opportunities to the private sector, non-governmental organizations and civil
society, in general, to contribute to the realization of the Organization's
goals and programmes. (paragraph 30)
In the follow-up resolution to
the Millennium Summit (A/RES/55/162) the
following commitments were made:
Calls for enhanced partnership and co-operation with national parliaments
as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and the
private sector, as set out in the Millennium Declaration, to ensure their
contribution to the implementation of the Declaration. (paragraph 14)
These procedures and arrangements form the legislative background for the
relationship between the UN and NGOs. It is important to note that the phase and
scope of accreditation and modalities varies among individual processes of
special sessions, conferences and summits.
One should also remember that the UN secretariat and agencies have their own
accreditation procedures and fields of co-operation with civil society, which
are not covered by this document. To mention one example, the Department of
Public Information (DPI) recognized the importance of working with and through
NGOs as an integral part of United Nations information activities, when the DPI
was established in 1946. The relationship between the DPI and NGOs was based on
the General Assembly resolution 13 (I) and later on the resolutions 1296 and
1996/31.
(For more information on the role and tasks of DPI/NGOs, vist at:
http://www.un.org/partners/civil_society/ngo/ngos-dpi.) (For more information
on the application process, visit at:
http://www.un.org/MoreInfo/ngolink/brochure.htm)
1.4 Practical arrangements
It has become an established practice that the conference secretariat would
inform NGOs about the decisions concerning civil society by a note or an
invitation letter. The UN Information Centres and Services (UNICs and UNISs)
play an important role to disseminate information at the national, subregional
and regional levels, which has not yet fully utilized. The NGO community itself
informs its members at various meetings and through worldwide newsletters and
the internet.
As conference space at the UN Headquarters is limited and the number of
accredited NGOs may be high, the secretariat may recommend NGOs to list their
members in the order of priority for registration. Secretariat and the Bureau of
the Preparatory Committee would at some point decide, how many badges one
NGO-delegation may have to attend the meetings.
For NGOs, seating in meeting rooms is on a first-come/first-served basis with
overflow into other conference rooms. In the case of the General Assembly Hall,
the number of seats at the public gallery is limited and may be allocated on the
basis of tickets or transferable badges. These tickets and badges would be
distributed among NGO delegations as equally as possible in consultation with
the NGO community. If the meeting space is not limited, there is no reason to
restrict the attendance by tickets or transferable badges.
It has also become an established practice that the secretariat would
provide, for example, together with the NGO-Liaison Office or other entities, a
briefing for accredited NGOs one or two days before a meeting. A briefing
session usually covers an introduction to the UN, its work, rules and practices,
as well as to the substantive issues of the upcoming event. The NGO-community
usually would organize side-events, which take place before or at the same time
as the actual meetings. It is thus an established practice to make separate
meeting space available for NGOs. In addition, the NGOs often organize briefing
sessions every morning during the official meetings. These events would be open
for all NGO-delegates. Increasingly, representatives of Member States and the
Bureau of the Preparatory Committee attend these events to meet and brief
NGOs.
2. UNITED
NATIONS CONFERENCE ON ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT (UNCED/Earth
Summit/Rio Summit); 3-14 June 1992, Rio de Janeiro
Summary
Accreditation: At its first session, the Preparatory
Committee decided on the broad-based participation of relevant NGOs. The General
Assembly endorsed the decision (A/RES/45/211). At its
second session, the Preparatory Committee decided that both the NGOs in
consultative status with the ECOSOC and other NGOs could apply for
accreditation. In case of ECOSOC/NGOs, no new information was necessary, as the
information they had submitted as part of the consultative status application
was deemed to be sufficient. ECOSOC/NGOs could express their interest to
participate to the secretariat and become accredited to the process.
Applications of the other NGOs needed to include information on their relevance
and competence on areas of Conference preparations.
The Secretariat
evaluated the applications and recommended lists of NGOs for accreditation to
the Preparatory Committee. In case the secretariat was unable to recommend a NGO
for accreditation it had to explain the reasons for its decision. The lists of
recommended NGOs were made available at the beginning of each session. The
Committee had to take a decision on accreditation within 24 hours after the
lists had been introduced. In case the Committee was unable to decide on
accreditation of a recommended NGO, an interim accreditation was to be granted
until a decision was taken.
Accreditation was a continuous process
during which the Preparatory Committee accredited all together 1378 NGOs by
consensus. Only in three cases the secretariat's recommendation for
accreditation was not agreed upon.
The General Assembly decided (A/RES/46/168) that all
NGOs that had been accredited to the Preparatory Committee were to be invited to
the Conference.
Modalities: At its first session, the
Preparatory Committee decided that relevant NGOs in consultative status with the
ECOSOC could make oral statements in the Preparatory Committee. Other relevant
NGOs could also make oral statements. The Committee could request the NGOs to
speak through spokespersons, if a number of requested statements was high. Oral
statements could be made at the discretion of the Chairman and with the consent
of the Committee or the Working Group. Relevant NGOs were allowed to distribute
written statements. These decisions of the Preparatory Committee were endorsed
by the General Assembly (A/RES/45/211).
At its fourth session, the
Preparatory Committee decided on the modalities for the conference (Rules of
Procedure), according to which the representatives of NGOs were able to attend
the Conference as observers. They were able to make oral statements upon the
invitation of the presiding officer and at the approval of the body concerned.
They were also able to distribute written statements.
At the Preparatory
Committee meetings, individual NGOs, including NGO networks and caucuses made
numerous oral interventions, which were usually represented also in written
statement. In addition, there were thousands of reports, as well as position and
issue papers in almost all official languages, which were made available by and
at the expense of individual NGOs or network. At the Conference, individual
NGOs, NGO networks and caucuses made oral statements and provided thousands of
written presentations on the whole range of the conference topics. The NGO Forum
was organized during the Conference by the host country.
During the
preparatory process, civil society and other stakeholders started an
International Facilitating Committee to provide non-political organizational
support and to assist organizing the Global Forum. Both structures were
temporary and closed after the Summit. Agenda 21 and the other Rio agreements
emphasized the multi-stakeholder approach and importance of local and grassroots
action, as well as the participation of civil society in every stage of
decision-making and implementation, which had an impact on the civil society
participation throughout the process.
Besides NGOs, the special
contribution and participation of representatives of indigenous people and local
communities and of national liberation movements was emphasized during the
preparatory process.
Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) was
created in December 1992 as a functional commission of the ECOSOC, to ensure
effective follow-up of the Conference. NGOs accredited to the Conference were
automatically given the right to accreditation to the Commission.
One of
the significant outcomes of the Conference and its preparatory process was the
creation of the so called major groups within civil society. The concept of
major groups has been used during several other conference processes in the
1990s and within the Commission on Sustainable Development.
Conference secretariat: Ad hoc secretariat at the United Nations
Office in Geneva, with a unit in New York and another unit in Nairobi.
Secretariat for NGO arrangements: UNCED Secretariat
2.1 Introduction
The General Assembly requested (A/RES/43/196), in December
1988 the Secretary-General to elaborate the views of the organizations and
programmes of the United Nations system and relevant intergovernmental and
non-governmental organizations on the objectives, content and scope of an
international conference on environment and development. The Secretary-General
was requested to report these views to the General Assembly, through the
Economic and Social Council.
The Economic and Social Council decided to
convene the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development for the
duration of two weeks (ECOSOC
1989/87). The General Assembly affirmed the decision in December 1989 (A/RES/44/228). The GA
resolution requested relevant NGOs in consultative status with the Economic and
Social Council to contribute to the Conference:
12. Requests relevant
non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the Economic and
Social Council to contribute to the Conference, as appropriate. (A/RES/44/228)
The resolution also requested the Secretary-General to prepare a
report with recommendations on an adequate preparatory process for the
organizational session of the Preparatory Committee in March 1990. In his report
(A/CONF.151/PC/2), the Secretary-General stressed the importance of effective
participation of NGOs:
33. The community of non-governmental
organizations has an extensive network and keen interest in a wide range of
environmental issues. It can enrich and enhance the deliberations of the
Conference and its preparatory process through its contributions and serve as an
important channel to disseminate its results, as well as to mobilize public
support for strengthened environmental policies at the national and
international levels. The Secretary-General therefore considers it important
that non-governmental organizations participate effectively in the Conference
and its preparatory process. The form and manner of their participation in the
preparatory process and in the Conference itself can be determined in the light
of the preparatory arrangements to be agreed upon by the Committee. At the
national level, the Secretary-General recommends that the guidelines for
national contributions provide for the effective involvement of non-governmental
organizations. At the intergovernmental level, arrangements for the
participation of non-governmental organizations can be worked out in the light
of the experience gained.
At the organizational session of the
Preparatory Committee, the Secretary-General of the Conference introduced the
suggested guidelines for the contribution of relevant NGOs for the Conference
(A/CONF.151/PC/CRP.5):
5. The Committee, in considering appropriate
arrangements for non-governmental organization participation in the preparatory
process and in the light of the provisions of General Assembly resolution
44/228, might wish to take the following into account:
(a) The need to
receive and benefit fully from inputs of non-governmental organizations,
including business, industries and the scientific community, with specialized
capabilities of direct relevance to the Conference mandate. Their contributions
will in many cases be particularly relevant to the work of the Preparatory
Committee;
(b) The need to facilitate the contributions to the
Conference and its preparatory process by environmental/developmental
non-governmental organizations and associations, including those from developing
countries which, through their outreach programmes, have the capacity to
disseminate widely information on the agenda and results of the Conference and
foster public interest in its goals;
(c) Consistent with General Assembly
resolutions 43/196 and 44/228, the need to provide in the preparatory process
for the contribution of citizens-level constituencies;
(d) The
possibility of using a variety of forums to facilitate production interaction
between the Conference preparatory process and non-governmental organizations,
such as national or international briefings, non-governmental organization
conferences and national participatory arrangements;
(e) The Preparatory
Committee may wish to ask the Secretariat to consult with non-governmental
bodies to harness the potential of such organizations to contribute, in
accordance with General Assembly resolution 44/228, to the preparatory process
and to the Conference. (A/CONF.151/PC/CRP.5)
At its organizational
session, the Preparatory Committee decided (A/44/48, section IV) upon a mandate
and responsibility for the secretariat to take measures towards participation of
NGOs in the preparatory process and the Conference. At the same session, the
Committee also decided (A/44/48, decision IV) that the Secretariat should submit
to the first session of the Preparatory Committee suggested arrangements for
participation of NGOs, including at the Conference itself:
Decides
that the Secretariat should submit to the Preparatory Committee at its first
session suggested arrangements for the Conference in accordance with the General
Assemble resolution 44/228 and, at the later stage, make suggestion regarding
the participation of the NGOs at the Conference itself. (A/44/48, decision
IV)
At its first session, in August 1990 the Preparatory Committee
considered the report of the Secretary-General of the Conference
(A/CONF.151/PC/9), which included proposals from NGOs themselves on their
participation. The report recommended that NGOs should participate through
dialogue events, presentations and disseminating papers:
11. At the
global level, non-governmental organizations may contribute to the preparatory
process by providing information and counsel on matters of special relevance to
the non-governmental community, to the Preparatory Committee, its working groups
and the Conference secretariat.
12. It is recommended that
non-governmental organizations with consultative status with the Economic and
Social Council and others with special competence in the area under
consideration be encouraged to contribute through papers and presentations, as
appropriate, to the substantive work of the Preparatory Committee and its
working groups, and to speak at meeting of them on matters related to their
special competence, at the discretion of the Chairman and with the consent of
the Preparatory Committee or the working groups, as the case may be.
13.
The Preparatory Committee might also wish to decide to adopt a procedure by
which it and, as appropriate, its working groups, at each future session, would
include, at an early stage of the session, an informal dialogue meeting with
non-governmental organizations, lasting at least half a day. The preparatory
Committee might also wish to recommend that other United Nations agencies,
organizations and programmes adopt similar procedure in intergovernmental
meetings devoted to preparations for the Conference.
14. In
facilitating such participation by non-governmental organizations, the
Preparatory Committee and its working groups may wish to take into account the
desirability of providing, to the maximum extent possible, that such
participation be of a broadly representative character with an appropriate and
equitable balance in the representation of various regions and in the
orientation and competence of the organizations in respect of environment and
development, with particular regard to the need to ensure the full participation
of developing country organizations, including grass-roots organizations.
15. The Conference secretariat should encourage and support appropriate
actions in addition to the official process which support the Conference and its
preparatory process. That may involve providing and disseminating information on
preparations for the Conference and its preparations for the Conference,
consultations, and supporting efforts by the non-governmental organizations to
communicate and co-operate so that they may contribute effectively to the
preparatory process. (A/CONF.151/PC/9)
2.2 Accreditation for
non-governmental organizations
At its first session, in August 1990
the Preparatory Committee adopted after informal consultations a draft decision
(A/CONF.151/PC/L.8) entitled "Role of non-governmental organizations in the
preparatory process for the United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development" (A/45/46, annex I, decision 1/1).
Through the decision, the
Preparatory Committee decided on the broad-based participation of NGOs. The
Secretary-General was requested to seek and use extra-budgetary resources to
enable participation of representatives of relevant NGOs from developing
countries, in particular from least developed countries. The Committee
recommended that the General Assembly should consider during its next session
the participation of NGOs. The Committee also decided that the rules adopted by
the Committee would apply without prejudice to any decision that might be taken
by the General Assembly at its next session.
1/1. Role of
non-governmental organizations in the preparatory process for the United Nations
Conference on Environment and Development
1. At its 22nd meeting, on 14
August 1990, the Preparatory Committee for the United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development agreed that the effective contributions of
non-governmental organizations in the preparatory process were in its interests.
2. There was agreement on broad-based involvement by relevant
non-governmental organizations.
3. The Preparatory Committee's policy
should be to encourage an equitable representation of non-governmental
organizations from developed and developing countries and from all regions and
also to ensure a fair balance between non-governmental organisations with an
environment focus and those with a development focus. The Preparatory Committee
would encourage the participation of scientific and other organisations.
(A/45/46, annex I, decision 1/1; see the paragraph 4 in chapter on
modalities)
5. The Committee noted with appreciation the
initiative taken by the Secretary-General of the Conference to seek
extra-budgetary resources, in addition to the voluntary fund establishment
pursuant to General Assembly resolution 44/228 of 22 December 1989, in order to
facilitate access in the preparatory process to especially important
contributions that would not otherwise be available, particularly through the
effective participation of institutions and experts from developing countries in
various aspects of the preparatory process. In that context, the
Secretary-General was requested to utilize those resources, inter alia, to
enable representatives of relevant non-governmental organizations from
developing countries, in particular the least developed among them, to
participants in the preparatory and the Conference, either independently or as
members of official delegations if their countries so decide.
6. The
Chairman would, with the assistance of the chairmen of the regional groups,
other co-ordinating groups and the Secretariat, propose a procedure for
determining non-governmental organizations' competence and relevance to the work
of the Preparatory Committee.
7. The Preparatory Committee recommended
to the General Assembly that it consider at its forty-fifth session the question
of the participation of non-governmental organizations in the preparatory
process for the Conference taking into account the decision adopted by the
Preparatory Committee at its first session.
8. The Preparatory Committee
endorsed the proposals made by the Secretary-General of the Conference in his
report (A/CONF.151/PC/9) subject to the present decision (A/45/46, annex I,
decision 1/1).
The General Assembly took note (A/RES/45/211) in December
1990 of the outcome of the first session of the Preparatory Committee and
authorized the Committee to continue to apply the arrangements for the
participation of the NGOs in all the sessions of the Preparatory Committee:
13. Takes note of the provisions of Preparatory Committee decision
1/1 of 14 August 1990 and authorizes the Preparatory Committee, without
prejudice to the provisions of resolution 44/228, to continue to apply, for the
purpose of the preparatory process, the provisional arrangements agreed upon in
that decision concerning the participation of non-governmental organizations in
the preparatory process (A/RES/45/211).
At the second session of the
Preparatory Committee, in March - April 1991, after informal consultations the
Chairman proposed a procedure (A/CONF.151/PC/L.27) for the accreditation of
NGOs. The proposal was adopted after the general debate. According to the
decision, NGOs in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council and
other NGOs could apply for accreditation. In case of ECOSOC/NGOs, no new
information was necessary, as the information they had submitted as part of the
consultative status application was deemed to be sufficient. Applications of
other NGOs needed to include information on their relevance and competence on
the areas of Conference preparations.
The Secretariat evaluated the
applications and prepared the lists of NGOs, which were recommended to the
Preparatory Committee for accreditation. In case the secretariat was unable to
recommend a NGO for accreditation it had to explain the reasons for its
decision. These lists of recommended NGOs were made available at the beginning
of each session. The Committee had to take a decision on accreditation within 24
hours after the lists had been introduced. In case the Committee was unable to
decide on accreditation of a recommended NGO, an interim accreditation was to be
granted until a decision was taken. Only in three cases the secretariat's
recommendation for accreditation was not agreed upon.
2/1. Procedure
for determining non-governmental organizations' competence and relevance to the
work of the Preparatory Committee
At its 28th meeting, on 18 March 1991,
the Preparatory Committee for the United Nations Conference on Environment
decided on the following procedure for determining non-governmental
organizations' competence and relevance to the work of the Preparatory
Committee:
1. Non-governmental organizations in consultative
status with the Economic and Social Council and others desiring to be accredited
for participation in meetings of the Preparatory Committee, in accordance with
decision 1/1 of the first session of the Preparatory Committee as endorsed by
General Assembly resolution 45/211 of 21 December, may apply to the Conference
secretariat for this purpose.
2. All such applications must be
accompanied by information on the organization's competence and relevance to the
work of the Preparatory Committee, indicating the particular areas of the
Conference preparations which such competence and relevance pertains and which
could include, inter alia, the following information: (a) The purposes of
the organization; (b) Information as to the programmes and activities of the
organization in areas relevant to the Conference and its preparatory process,
and in which country(ies) they are carried out; (c) Copies of its annual
reports with financial statements, and a listing of governing body members and
their country nationality; (d) In respect of membership organizations, a
description of its membership, indicating total numbers and their geographical
distribution; (e) Non-governmental organizations in consultative status with
the Economic and Social Council shall be deemed to have satisfied these
requirements to the extent that they have already provided such information to
the United Nations.
3. In cases where the Conference secretariat
believes, on the basis of the information provided in accordance with paragraph
2 above, that the organization has established its competence and relevance to
the work of the Preparatory Committee, it will recommend to the Preparatory
Committee that the organization be accredited. In cases where the Conference
secretariat does not recommend the granting of accreditation, it will make
available to the Preparatory Committee the reasons for not doing so. The
Conference secretariat should make its recommendations available to the
Preparatory Committee at the start of the session.
4. The Preparatory
Committee will decide on all cases within 24 hours of the Conference
secretariat's recommendations having been made available to its members. In the
event of a decision not being taken within this time-frame, interim
accreditations shall be accorded until such time as a decision is taken.
5. A non-governmental organization that has been granted accreditation
to attend a session of the Preparatory Committee may attend all future sessions.
(A/46/48, annex I, decision 2/1).
At its third session, in August -
September 1991, the Preparatory Committee adopted a decision (A/46/48, Vol. II,
annex I, decision 3/7) entitled "Indigenous people and local communities",
recognizing the important contribution made by organizations of indigenous
people and local communities to the preparatory process.
Accreditation of
NGOs was a continuous process, where a total number of 1378 NGOs were accredited
to the Preparatory Committee: 1st session, 6-31 Aug. 1990: (no
accreditations) 2nd session, 18 Mar.-5 Apr. 1991: Accreditation for
190 NGOs was approved (A/CONF.151/PC/L.28 and Add.1; A/46/48, annex I, decision
2/2 A, B, C). 3rd session, 12 Aug.-4 Sept. 1991: Accreditation for
163 NGOs) was approved with the exception of three organizations
((A/CONF.151/PC/L.28/Add. 4-6; A/46/48, Vol. II, annex I, decision 3/1 A,
B). 4th session, 2 Mar-3 Apr. 1992: Accreditation for 1061 NGOs was
approved (A/CONF.151/PC/128, annex I, decision 4/1).
The General
Assembly decided (A/RES/46/168) in December
1991 upon the accreditation for the Conference. The Secretary-General was
requested to invite to the Conference all NGOs accredited to the Preparatory
Committee:
9. (f) All non-governmental organizations accredited to
participate in the work of the Preparatory Committee by the conclusion of its
fourth session; those organizations should receive invitations to participate as
observers at the Conference. (A/RES/46/168) 2.3 Modalities for
participation of non-governmental organizations
At its first
session, the Preparatory Committee decided that relevant NGOs in consultative
status with the ECOSOC could make oral statements in the Preparatory Committee.
Other relevant NGOs could also make oral statements. The Committee could request
the NGOs to speak through spokespersons, if a number of requested statements was
high. Oral statements could be made at the discretion of the Chairman and with
the consent of the Committee or the Working Group. Relevant NGOs were allowed to
distribute written statements. These decisions of the Preparatory Committee were
endorsed by the General Assembly (A/RES/45/211):
4. The Preparatory
Committee decides that, only for the purpose of its first session, the following
rules would apply without prejudice to any decision that might be taken by the
General Assembly at its forty-fifth session:
(a) Non-governmental
organizations shall not have any negotiating role in the work of the Preparatory
Committee;
(b) Relevant non-governmental organizations may, at their own
expense, make written presentations in the preparatory process through the
Secretariat in the official languages of the United Nations as they deem
appropriate. Those written presentations will not be issued as official
documents except in accordance with the United Nations rules of procedure;
(c) Relevant non-governmental organizations in consultative status with
the Economic and Social Council may be given an opportunity to briefly address
plenary meetings of the Preparatory Committee and meetings of the Working
Groups. Other relevant non-governmental organizations may also ask to speak
briefly in such meetings. If the number of such requests is too large, the
Preparatory Committee shall request the non-governmental organizations to form
themselves into constituencies and each constituency to speak through one
spokesman. Any oral intervention by a non-governmental organization would, in
accordance with normal United Nations practice, be at the discretion of the
Chairman and with the consent of the Preparatory Committee or the Working Group,
as the case may be. (A/45/46, annex I, decision 1/1)
The General
Assembly took note (A/RES/45/211) in December
1990 of the outcome of the first session of the Preparatory Committee and
authorized the Committee to continue to apply the arrangements for the
participation of NGOs (the same applied for the accreditation process, see
above): 13. Takes note of the provisions of Preparatory Committee
decision 1/1 of 14 August 1990 and authorizes the Preparatory Committee, without
prejudice to the provisions of resolution 44/228, to continue to apply, for the
purpose of the preparatory process, the provisional arrangements agreed upon in
that decision concerning the participation of non-governmental organizations in
the preparatory process. (A/RES/45/211)
At its fourth session, in
March-April 1992 the Preparatory Committee decided on the modalities for the
conference (Rules of Procedure; A/CONF.151/2), according to which the
representatives of NGOs were able to attend the Conference as observers. They
were able to make oral statements upon the invitation of the presiding officer
and at the approval of the body concerned. They were also able to distribute
written statements:
Representatives of non-governmental organizations
(Rule 65):
1. Non-governmental organizations accredited invited to
the Conference may designate representatives to sit as observers at public
meetings of the Conference and the Main Committee. 2. Upon the invitation of
the presiding officer of the conference body concerned and subject to the
approval of that body, such observers may make oral statements on questions in
which they have special competence.
Written statements (Rule
66):
Written statements submitted by the designated
representatives referred to in rules 60 to 65 shall be distributed by the
secretariat to all delegations in the quantities and in the language in which
the statements are made available to it at the site of the Conference, provided
that a statement submitted on behalf of a non-governmental organization is
related to the work of the Conference and is on a subject in which the
organization has a special competence.
3. WORLD CONFERENCE ON HUMAN
RIGHTS 14-25 June 1993, Vienna
Summary
Accreditation: The General Assembly
decided (A/RES/45/155),
that the Preparatory Committee has a mandate concerning the agenda, date,
duration and venue for the Conference, including arrangements for participation
of various actors. NGOs were requested, among others, to assist the Preparatory
Committee and participate in the Conference.
At its first session, the
Preparatory Committee adopted a decision by consensus entitled "Participation of
human rights experts in the Preparatory Committee and the World Conference".
According to the decision, the Preparatory Committee recommended that the
General Assembly should encourage human rights experts to participate as
observers in the Committee and the Conference. The Committee also decided to
recommend convening regional meetings in preparation for the
Conference.
At its second session, the Preparatory Committee considered a
draft decision concerning the invitation for NGOs to participate in the regional
meetings for the Conference. The draft proposal was orally amended, but the
Committee did not take action on the matter. At its third session, the
Preparatory Committee reconsidered the proposal and decided to invite to the
regional preparatory meetings NGOs in consultative status with the Economic and
Social Council, which are active in the field of human rights and/or
development. The Committee invited into regional meetings also other NGOs that
are active in the field of human rights and/or development and have their
headquarters in the concerned region. These other NGOs were accredited in
consultation with the countries of the region. The General Assembly approved (A/RES/47/122), the
recommendation made by the Preparatory Committee.
In accordance with
these decisions, regional meetings were convened for each region in the course
of the preparatory process. NGOs accredited to a regional meeting were invited
to participate in the Conference. In Europe, there was no regional meeting, but
the secretariat evaluated applications and accredited European NGOs to the
Conference. The reports of the regional meetings, including regional
declarations were part of preparations for the Conference. The Preparatory
Committee considered these reports during its
sessions.
Modalities: At its first session, the Preparatory
Committee decided that the rules of procedure governing its meetings should be
those of the functional commissions of the Economic and Social
Council.
At its third session, the Preparatory Committee adopted the
draft Rules of Procedure (A/CONF.157/PC/1/Add.1), which were endorsed by the
General Assembly (A/RES/47/122). According to the Rules of Procedure,
representatives of national institutions in the field of human rights could
participate the Conference and its Main Committees, and, as appropriate, any
other committee or working group as observers. NGOs in consultative status with
the Economic and Social Council could also participate as observers. Other NGOs,
which had participated the Preparatory Committee or the regional meetings could
also participate as observers. NGOs could distribute written
statements.
The World Conference on Human Rights was attended by the
representatives of 24 national institutions and 6 Ombudsmen, 11 United Nations
human rights and related bodies, 9 other organizations, 248 non-governmental
organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council and
593 other non-governmental organizations.
At the Conference, NGOs made
joint statements through spokespersons on themes, such as disabled persons,
indigenous people, refugees and displaced persons, and
torture.
Secretariat of the Preparatory Committee: Same as the
Secretariat of the world Conference, supported by the staff of the Centre for
Human Rights.
Secretariat for NGO arrangements: Commission on
Human Rights and regional commissions.
3.1 Introduction
The General Assembly requested (A/RES/44/156), in December
1989 the Secretary-General to seek the views of Governments, specialized
agencies, NGOs and United Nations bodies concerned with human rights on the
desirability of convening a world conference on human rights. The General
Assembly decided (A/RES/45/155), in December
1990 to convene at a high level a World Conference on Human Rights. By the same
resolution, the GA decided that the Preparatory Committee has a mandate
concerning the agenda, date, duration and venue for the Conference, including
arrangements for participation of various actors. NGOs were requested, among
others, to assist the Preparatory Committee and participate in the Conference:
Noting the expressions of support for the convening of a world
conference on human rights from many Governments, specialized agencies and
United Nations bodies concerned with human rights and from non-governmental
organizations;
3. Also decides that the Preparatory Committee should
have the mandate to make proposals for the consideration of the General Assembly
regarding the agenda, date, duration, venue of and participation in the
Conference, preparatory meetings and activities at the international, regional
and national levels, which should take place in 1992, and on desirable studies
and other documentation;
10. Requests Governments, the specialized
agencies, other international organizations, concerned United Nations bodies,
regional organizations and non-governmental organizations concerned with human
rights to assist the Preparatory Committee and to undertake reviews and submit
recommendations concerning the Conference and the preparations therefor to the
Preparatory Committee through the Secretary-General and to participate actively
in the Conference. (A/RES/45/155)
3.2 Accreditation of civil
society
At its first session, in September 1991 the Preparatory
Committee adopted a decision by consensus entitled "Participation of human
rights experts in the Preparatory Committee and the World Conference". According
to the decision, the Preparatory Committee recommended that the General Assembly
should encourage human rights experts to participate as observers in the
Committee and the Conference itself (A/46/24, annex II, decision PC/6). The
Committee also decided to recommend convening regional meetings in preparation
for the Conference (A/46/24, annex II, decision PC/4):
PC/6.
Participation of human rights experts in the Preparatory Committee and the World
Conference: At its 8th meeting, on 13 September 1991, the Preparatory
Committee decided, without a vote, to recommend that the General Assembly
encourage the Chairman of the Commission on Human Rights, the Chairmen or other
designated members of human rights bodies including the Chairman of bodies
established under international human rights agreements or their designated
representatives, as well as special and thematic rapporteurs and the Chairmen or
designated members of working groups, to contribute as observers by taking part
as appropriate in the work of the Preparatory Committee and the World
Conference.
The General Assembly recognized (A/RES/46/116), in December
1991 the contribution of NGOs in the preparatory meetings and again requested
NGOs, among others, to assist the Preparatory Committee and participate in the
Conference:
Taking note also of the views and recommendations of
Governments, specialized agencies, other international organizations, concerned
United Nations bodies, regional organizations and non-governmental organizations
concerned with human rights, contained in the report of the
Secretary-General;
2. Expresses its appreciation to Governments, bodies
and organs of the United Nations system and non-governmental organizations for
their contributions to the preparatory meetings;
5. Renews its request
to Governments, the specialized agencies, other international organizations,
concerned United Nations bodies, regional organizations and non-governmental
organizations concerned with human rights to assist the Preparatory Committee
and to undertake reviews and submit recommendations concerning the Conference
and the preparations therefore to the Preparatory Committee through the
Secretary-General and to participate actively in the Conference.
(A/RES/46/116)
At its second session, in March-April 1992, the
Preparatory Committee considered a draft decision concerning he invitation for
NGOs to participate in the regional meetings for the Conference. According to
the decision, the Committee recommended to the General Assembly that it request
the Secretary-General to invite representatives of national institutions and
other entities on the field of human rights, as well as NGOs in consultative
status with the Economic and Social Council. Those NGOs without the consultative
status, which had participated the regional meetings were also invited to
participate. The draft proposal was orally amended, but the Committee did not
take action on the matter.
At its third session, in September 1992, the
Preparatory Committee decided to invite to the regional preparatory meetings
NGOs in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, which are
active in the field of human rights and/or development. The Committee invited
into regional meetings also other NGOs that are active in the field of human
rights and/or development and have their headquarters in the concerned region,
in consultation with the countries of the region:
PC.3/2
Participation of representatives of non-governmental organizations at regional
meetings: At its 9th meeting on 18 September 1992, the Preparatory Committee
decided, without a vote, to recommend to the General Assembly that it request
the Secretary-General to invite the following non-governmental organizations to
the regional meetings for the World Conference on Human Rights: a)
Non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the Economic and
Social Council which are active in the field of human rights and/or development
as well as in the concerned region; b) Other non-governmental organizations
which are active in the field of human rights and/or development, and have their
headquarters in the concerned region, in prior consultation with the countries
of the region; which designate representatives properly accredited by them to
participate as observers in the regional meeting. (A/CONF.157/PC/54, annex
II)
The General Assembly approved (A/RES/47/122), in December
1992, the recommendation made by the Preparatory Committee at its third session
regarding the participation of NGOs in regional meetings related to the
preparatory process:
5. Approves the recommendation made by the
Preparatory Committee at its third session regarding the participation of
non-governmental organizations in regional meetings related to the preparatory
process;
8. Renews its request to Governments, the specialized agencies,
other international organizations, regional organizations and non-governmental
organizations concerned with human rights or development to participate actively
in the preparatory process and in the Conference itself. (A/RES/47/122)
In accordance with these decisions, regional meetings were convened for
each region in the course of the preparatory process. The regional meeting for
Africa was held at Tunis from 2 to 6 November 1992. The regional meeting for
Latin America and the Caribbean was held at San José from 18 to 22 January 1993.
The regional meeting for Asia was convened at the headquarters of the Economic
and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific at Bangkok from 29 March to 2
April. In Europe, there was no regional meeting, but the secretariat evaluated
applications and accredited European NGOs to the Conference. The reports of the
regional meetings, including regional declarations were part of the preparations
for the Conference. The Preparatory Committee considered these reports during
its sessions.
3.3 Modalities for participation of civil society
At its first session, in September 1992, the Preparatory Committee
decided that the rules of procedure governing its meetings should be those of
the functional commissions of the Economic and Social Council.
At its
second session, in March-April 1992, the Preparatory Committee considered a
draft rules of procedure for the Conference, but no action was taken. At its
third session, in September 1992, the Committee adopted the draft rules of
procedure, which were endorsed by the General Assembly (A/RES/47/122), in December
1992:
2. Expresses its appreciation to Governments, the bodies and
organs of the United Nations system and non-governmental organizations for their
contributions to the preparatory process;
3. Approves the draft rules of
procedure for the World Conference on Human Rights, as recommended by the
Preparatory Committee at its second and third sessions, with the exception of
rule 15 (e).
According to the Rules of Procedure
(A/CONF.157/PC/1/Add.1), representatives of national institutions in the field
of human rights could participate the Conference and its Main Committees, as
well as, as appropriate, any other committee or working group as observers. NGOs
in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council could also
participate as observers. Other NGOs, which had participated the Preparatory
Committee or the regional meetings could also participate as observers. NGOs
could also distribute written statements:
Representatives of national
human rights institutions (Rule 64): Representatives designated by national
institutions for the protection and promotion of human rights may participate as
observers in the deliberations of the Conference, any Main Committee and, as
appropriate, any other committee or working group on questions within the scope
of their activities.
Representatives of non-governmental organizations
(Rule 66): Non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the
Economic and Social Council and with competence in the field of human rights,
and other non-governmental organizations which participated in the work of the
Preparatory Committee (or the regional meetings) may designate representatives
properly accredited by them to participate as observers in the Conference, its
Main Committees and, as appropriate, any of the committees or working groups, on
questions within the scope of their activities.
Written
statements (Rule 67): Written statements submitted by the designated
representatives referred to in rules 59 to 66 shall be distributed by the
secretariat to all delegations in the quantities and in the language in which
the statements are made available to it at the site of the Conference, provided
that a statement submitted on behalf of a non-governmental organization is
related to the work of the Conference and is on a subject in which the
organization has a special competence.
The World Conference on Human
Rights was attended by the representatives of 24 national institutions and 6
Ombudsmen, 11 United Nations human rights and related bodies, 9 other
organizations, 248 non-governmental organizations in consultative status with
the Economic and Social Council and 593 other non-governmental
organizations.
At the Conference, NGOs made joint statements through
spokespersons on themes, such as disabled persons, indigenous people, refugees
and displaced persons, and torture.
4. GLOBAL CONFERENCE ON THE
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES 25 April
- 6 May 1994, Barbados
Summary
Accreditation: The General Assembly decided (A/RES/47/189) to invite
relevant NGOs, particular those from small island developing States and those
related to major groups to participate in the preparatory process and the
Conference, in accordance with the procedures established for the United Nations
Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The GA also decided to invite
to the Conference those NGOs, which were accredited to the Preparatory
Committee.
Along with the UNCED practice, the NGOs in consultative
status with the ECOSOC and other NGOs were able to apply for accreditation. In
the case of ECOSOC/NGOs, no new information was necessary, as the information
they had submitted already as part of their consultative status application was
deemed to be sufficient. The ECOSOC/NGOs could express their interest to
participate to the secretariat. Applications of other NGOs needed to include
information on their relevance and competence on the areas of Conference
preparations. The secretariat evaluated applications and prepared the lists of
NGOs, which were recommended to the Preparatory Committee for accreditation. In
case the secretariat did not recommend a NGO for accreditation it had to explain
the reasons for its decision. These lists of NGOs needed to be available at the
beginning of each session. The Committee had to take a decision upon
accreditation within 24 hours after the lists of recommendation had been
introduced. In case the Committee was unable to decide upon accreditation of the
recommended NGOs, an interim accreditation was granted until a decision was
taken.
At its organizational session, the Preparatory Committee affirmed
the guidelines for accreditation in the line with the General Assembly
resolution 47/189. The decision of the Preparatory Committee was once again
endorsed by the General Assembly (A/RES/48/193).
Accreditation was a continuous process during which the Preparatory
Committee accredited all together 89 NGOs by consensus.
Modalities: At its organizational session, the Preparatory
Committee decided on the modalities for the Conference (Rules of Procedure,
A/CONF.167/2). The decision was endorsed by the General Assembly (A/RES/48/193)
and finally adopted by the Conference. According to the decision,
representatives of NGOs could make oral statements at the Conference and the
Main Committee upon the invitation of the presiding officer and at the approval
of the body concerned. Representatives of NGOs were allowed to distribute
written statements on the issues, which were related to the Conference and in
the field of their special competence.
Conference Secretariat:
Commission on Sustainable Development. Secretariat for NGO
arrangements: UN/DESA.
4.1 Accreditation for non-governmental
organizations
The General Assembly decided (A/RES/47/189), in December
1992 to convene the Conference. The General Assembly invited relevant NGOs, in
particular those from small developing States and those related to major groups
to participate. It was decided that the accreditation procedure should follow
the practice established at the United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development (UNCED):
18. Invites relevant non-governmental
organizations from developed and developing countries, in particular those from
small island developing States, including those related to major groups, to
contribute to the Conference, within the areas of their competence and
expertise, on the basis of the procedures for their accreditation followed for
the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, as recommended in
paragraph 38.44 of Agenda. (A/RES/47/189)
The General Assembly
requested by the same resolution the Secretary-General to invite to the
Conference all NGOs accredited to the preparatory process. The Secretary-General
was also requested to prepare a report to the organizational session of the
Preparatory Committee containing recommendations on an adequate preparatory
process. These recommendations needed to take into account the provisions of the
resolution A/RES/47/189 and the views expressed by Governments during the United
Nations Conference on Environment and Development.
At its organizational
session, in April 1993 the Preparatory Committee considered the report of the
Secretary-General (A/CONF.167/PC/2). The report stressed the importance of NGOs
in the preparatory process and the Conference:
22. As with the United
Nations Conference on Environment and Development, the community of
non-governmental organizations clearly has a major contribution to make to the
deliberations of the Conference and its preparatory process and is expected to
serve once again as an important channel for disseminating the results of the
Conference, as well as for mobilizing public support for strengthened policies
at the national and international levels.
Against this background,
the Preparatory Committee decided to invite NGOs to participate in the
preparatory process and the Conference itself. The draft proposal was made by
the representative of Canada and amended by the representative of China by
inserting the words "including major groups":
At its 3rd meeting, on
16 April 1993, the Preparatory Committee for the Global Conference on the
Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States decided to invite
non-governmental organizations, including major groups, to contribute actively
to the Conference and its preparatory process in accordance with the procedures
followed for the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.
(A/48/36, section VI, decision 4)
The decision was endorsed by the
General Assembly (A/RES/48/193) in December
1992:
6. Endorses Preparatory Committee decisions 1 and 4 concerning
the participation of associate members of regional commissions and of
non-governmental organizations, including major groups, in the Conference and
its preparatory process. (A/RES/48/193)
Accreditation was a
continuous process, where all together 89 NGOs were accredited by the
Preparatory Committee.
First session, 30 Aug.-10 Sept. 1993:
Accreditation for 68 NGOs was approved (A/CONF.167/PC/L.4; A/48/36, part two,
section VIII, decision 9). First session, resumed, 7-11 Mar. 1994:
Accreditation for 21 NGOs was approved (A/CONF.167/PC/L.4/Add.1; A/48/36/Add.2,
decision 21). 4.2 Modalities for participation of non-governmental
organizations
The General Assembly requested (A/RES/47/189), in December
1992 the Secretary-General to provide a draft rules of procedure for the
consideration of the organizational session of the Preparatory Committee. At its
organizational session, in April 1993 the Preparatory Committee approved a
provisional rules of procedures on modalities for participation of NGOs. The
decision was endorsed by the General Assembly (A/RES/48/193) and finally
adopted by the Conference (A/CONF.167/2).
The Committee decided that
representatives of NGOs could participate the Conference as observers. They
could make oral statements upon the invitation of the presiding officer and at
the approval of the body concerned. They could also distribute written
statements on the issues related to the Conference and in the area of their
special competence:
Representatives of non-governmental organizations
(Rule 67): 1. Non-governmental organizations invited to the Conference may
designate representatives to sit as observers at public meetings of the
Conference and the Main Committee. 2. Upon the invitation of the presiding
officer of the conference body concerned and subject to the approval of that
body, such observers may make oral statements on questions in which they have
special competence.
Written statements (Rule 68): Written statements
submitted by the designated representatives referred to in rules 60 to 66 shall
be distributed by the secretariat to all delegations in the quantities and in
the language in which the statements are made available to it at the site of the
Conference, provided that a statement submitted on behalf of a non-governmental
organization is related to the work of the Conference and is on a subject in
which the organization has a special competence.
5. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON
POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT (ICPD) 5-13 September 1994, Cairo
Summary
Accreditation: The General Assembly
requested (A/RES/47/176) the Economic
and Social Council (ECOSOC) to formulate arrangements for participation of
relevant NGOs in the preparatory process and the Conference. The arrangements
were requested to follow the practice established for the United Nations
Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) and the experience of previous
UN population conferences. In response, the ECOSOC formulated the arrangements
simultaneously for accreditation (ECOSOC/1993/4)
in the Preparatory Committee and the Conference. The General Assembly endorsed
the decision (A/RES/48/186).
NGOs in consultative status with the ECOSOC were accredited to the
Preparatory Committee and the Conference without further screening, after they
had expressed their interest to participate to the secretariat. Other NGOs could
apply. Their applications needed to include information on their relevance and
competence in the population and development issues, as well as their interests
in the objectives of the Conference. Applications were first evaluated by the
secretariat, which recommended NGOs for accreditation to the Preparatory
Committee. The recommendations had to be available at least one week before each
session of the Committee. The secretariat needed to explain to the Committee, in
the case of NGOs it was unable to recommend, reasons for rejecting their
applications. The Committee had to make its decision on accreditation within 24
hours, after recommendations had been introduced. In case of those NGOs, the
Committee was unable to decide on accreditation within this timeframe,
recommended NGOs were to be granted an interim accreditation until the decision
was taken.
Accreditation was a continuous process, were the Preparatory
Committee accredited all together 934 NGOs by consensus.
Modalities: The General Assembly requested (A/RES/47/176) the
Economic and Social Council to formulate arrangements for participation of
relevant NGOs in the preparatory process and the Conference, according the
practice established for the United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development (UNCED) and the experience of previous UN population conferences. In
response, the ECOSOC formulated the arrangements simultaneously for modalities
(ECOSOC/1993/4) in the Preparatory Committee and in the Conference. The General
Assembly endorsed the decision (A/RES/48/186).
Relevant NGOs in
consultative status with the ECOSOC could speak in the Preparatory Committee.
Other relevant NGOs could also speak. The Committee could request the NGOs to
speak through spokespersons, if a number of requested statements was high. Oral
statements could be made at the discretion of the Chairman and with the consent
of the Committee or the body concerned. Relevant NGOs were allowed to distribute
written statements.
At its third session, the Preparatory Committee
decided on the modalities for the Conference (Rules of Procedure, A/CONF.171/2).
Representatives of NGOs were able to attend the Conference as observers.
Otherwise, the modalities at the Conference were the same as those at the
Preparatory Committee.
After the Conference, the Population Commission
was renamed as the Commission on Population and Development.
Conference Secretariat: The Executive Director of the United
Nations Population Fund was appointed as Secretary-General of the Conference and
the Director of the Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social
Development as the Deputy Secretary-General of the Conference.
Secretariat for NGO arrangements: UN/DESA and UNFPA
5.1 Introduction
The General Assembly decided (A/RES/47/176) to convene
the Conference on Population and Development in December 1992. The resolution
endorsed the decision taken by the Economic and Social Council one year earlier
(ECOSOC 1989/91).
At its first session, in March 1991, the Preparatory
Committee emphasized the role of NGOs:
8. Requests the
Secretary-General of the Conference to make use of the substantive contribution
of all organs, organizations and bodies of the United Nations system concerned,
as well as of intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations in the
preparatory activities for the Conference. (E/1991/47)
At the same
meeting, the Committee also considered the draft provisional Rules of Procedure
(E/CONF.84/PC/2), but decided to defer its consideration to a subsequent session
(E/1991/47, chapter II).
The General Assembly recognized (A/RES/47/176),
in December 1992 the importance of the participation of relevant NGOs:
12. Recognizes the importance of the participation in the Conference
and its preparatory process of all relevant non-governmental organizations from
developed and developing countries. (A/RES/47/176)
The same
resolution also requested the Economic and Social Council to formulate and adopt
modalities for participation of relevant NGOs. The arrangements for the
participation of NGOs were requested to follow the procedures established for
the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) and
experience of previous UN population conferences:
13. Requests the
Economic and Social Council, at its organizational session for 1993, to
formulate and adopt modalities to ensure the participation in and contribution
to the Conference and its preparatory process of relevant non-governmental
organizations, in particular those from developing countries, taking into
account the procedures followed in the United Nations Conference on Environment
and Development process and the experience gained in this regard during previous
United Nations population conferences. (A/RES/47/176)
5.2
Accreditation for non-governmental organizations
At the request of
the General Assembly (A/RES/47/176), the Economic and Social Council formulated
arrangements for accreditation of relevant NGOs (ECOSOC 1993/4). NGOs in
consultative status with the ECOSOC, who would express their interest to
participate, would be accredited to the Preparatory Committee without further
screening.
Other NGOs could apply by sending an application to the
conference secretariat. These applications needed to include information on
their relevance and competence in the population and development issues, as well
as their interests in the objectives of the Conference. Applications were first
to be evaluated by the secretariat, which would recommend NGOs for accreditation
to the Preparatory Committee. The secretariat needed to explain to the
Committee, in the case of a NGO it was unable to recommend, reasons for
rejecting their applications. The recommendations had to be made available at
least one week before each session of the Committee. The Committee had to make
its decision on accreditation within 24 hours, after recommendations had been
introduced. In case of those NGOs, whose accreditation the Committee was unable
to decide upon within the 24-hour timeframe, recommended NGOs was to be granted
an interim accreditation until the decision was taken:
Recalling also
General Assembly resolution 47/176 of 22 December 1992, in which, inter alia,
the Assembly recognized the importance of ensuring an adequate intergovernmental
preparatory process for the Conference, as well as the importance of the
participation in the Conference and its preparatory process of all relevant
non-governmental organizations from developed and developing
countries:
4. Adopts the modalities for the participation in and
contribution to the Conference and its preparatory process of non-governmental
organizations, as set out in the annex to the present resolution;
6.
Recognizes the importance of non-governmental participation in the preparatory
process and the Conference itself and encourages all support to enable
representatives of non-governmental organizations from developing countries to
participate fully.
Annex: Participation of Non-governmental
organizations in the International Conference on Population and Development and
its Preparatory Process
1. Non-governmental organizations in consultative
status with the Economic and Social Council which express their wish to attend
the Conference and its Preparatory Committee meetings shall be accredited for
participation. Others wishing to be accredited may apply to the Conference
secretariat for this purpose in accordance with the requirements of the present
resolution.
2. The secretariat of the International Conference on
Population and Development shall be responsible for the receipt and preliminary
evaluation, in accordance with the provisions of this resolution, of requests
from non-governmental organizations for accreditation to the Conference and its
preparatory process.
3. All such applications must be accompanied by
information on the organization's competence and relevance to the work of the
Preparatory Committee, indicating the particular areas of the Conference
preparations to which such competence and relevance pertain, and should include,
inter alia, the following: (a) The purposes of the organization; (b)
Information on its programmes and activities in areas relevant to the Conference
and its preparatory process and in which country(ies) they are carried out;
(c) Confirmation of its activities at the national and/or
international level; (d) Copies of its annual reports with financial
statements, and a list of members of the governing body and their country of
nationality; (e) A description of its membership, indicating the total
number of members and their geographical distribution.
4. In the
evaluation of the relevance of non-governmental applications for accreditation
to the Conference and its preparatory process, it is agreed that their
background and involvement in population issues or population and development
issues, including those mentioned in paragraph 4 of Council resolution 1991/93,
will determine their relevance.
5. Non-governmental organizations seeking
accreditation shall be asked to confirm their interest in the goals and
objectives of the Conference.
6. In cases where the Conference
secretariat believes, on the basis of the information provided in accordance
with the present resolution, that the organization has established its
competence and relevance to the work of the Preparatory Committee, it will
recommend to the Preparatory Committee that the organization be accredited. In
cases where the Conference secretariat does not recommend the granting of
accreditation, it will make available to the Preparatory Committee its reasons
for not doing so. The Conference secretariat should ensure that its
recommendations are available to members of the Preparatory Committee at least
one week prior to the start of each session.
7. The Preparatory
Committee will decide on all proposals for accreditation within twenty-four
hours of the Conference secretariat's recommendations having been taken up by
the Preparatory Committee in plenary meeting. In the event of a decision not
being taken within this period, interim accreditation shall be accorded until
such time as a decision is taken. (ECOSOC/1993/4, see the rest of the annex on
the chapter on modalities)
The General Assembly reaffirmed (A/RES/48/186), in December
1993 the guidelines for participation of NGOs, which had been formulated and
adopted by the ECOSOC (ECOSOC/1993/4):
8. Reaffirms the importance of the participation in and contribution
to the preparatory process and the Conference itself of non-governmental
organizations, in accordance with the relevant provisions of Economic and Social
Council resolution 1993/4. (A/RES/48/186)
Accreditation of NGOs was a
continuous process. A total number of 934 non-governmental organizations were
accredited by the Conference: 1st session, 4-8 Mar. 1991: (no
accreditation) 2nd session, 10-21 May 1993: Accreditation for 336
non-governmental organizations: E/CONF.84/PC/10 and Add. 1 - 3 was approved
(E/1993/69, chapter I, section C, decision 2/1). 3rd session, 4-22 Apr.
1994: Accreditation for 598 non-governmental organizations: A/CONF.171/PC/6
and Add. 1 - 5) was approved (A/CONF.171/PC/9, annex I, decision 3/1).
5.3 Modalities for participation of non-governmental
organizations
At its first session, in March 1991, the Preparatory
Committee emphasized the substantive contribution of NGOs to the preparatory
process:
8. Requests the Secretary-General of the Conference to make
use of the substantive contribution of all organs, organizations and bodies of
the United Nations system concerned, as well as of intergovernmental and
non-governmental organizations in the preparatory activities for the Conference.
(E/1991/47)
At the same meeting, the Committee also considered a
draft provisional rules of procedure. During the debate some delegations
suggested that the status of NGOs should be revised in order to increase their
role in the preparatory process and the event itself. The Commission decided to
defer consideration of the draft to a subsequent session. (E/1991/47, section
II.)
The General Assembly requested (A/RES/47/176), in December
1992 the ECOSOC to formulate and adopt modalities for participation of relevant
NGOs:
13. Requests the Economic and Social Council, at its
organizational session for 1993, to formulate and adopt modalities to ensure the
participation in and contribution to the Conference and its preparatory process
of relevant non-governmental organizations, in particular those from developing
countries, taking into account the procedures followed in the United Nations
Conference on Environment and Development process and the experience gained in
this regard during previous United Nations population conferences.
(A/RES/47/176)
Following the request by the General Assembly, the
ECOSOC adopted in February 1992 (ECOSOC/1993/4)
the modalities for the participation of NGOs. According to a decision, relevant
NGOs in consultative status with the ECOSOC were able make oral statements at
the Preparatory Committee. Also other relevant NGOs could speak. The Committee
could request the NGOs to speak through spokespersons, if a number of requested
speakers was high. Oral statements were made at the discretion of the Chairman
and at the approval of the Committee:
8. A non-governmental
organization that has been granted accreditation to attend a session of the
Preparatory Committee may attend all its future sessions.
9. In
recognition of the intergovernmental nature of the International Conference on
Population and Development, non-governmental organizations shall have no
negotiating role in the work of the Conference and its preparatory process.
10. Relevant non-governmental organizations in consultative status with
the Economic and Social Council may be given an opportunity to briefly address
the Preparatory Committee in plenary meeting and its subsidiary bodies. Other
relevant non-governmental organizations may also ask to speak briefly at such
meetings. If the number of requests is too large, the Preparatory Committee
shall request the non-governmental organizations to form themselves into
constituencies, each constituency to speak through one spokesperson. Any oral
intervention by a non-governmental organization should, in accordance with
normal United Nations practice, be made at the discretion of the Chairman and
with the consent of the Preparatory Committee. 11. Relevant non-governmental
organizations may, at their own expense, make written presentations during the
preparatory process in the official languages of the United Nations as they deem
appropriate. Those written presentations will not be issued as official
documents except in accordance with United Nations rules of procedure.
(ECOSOC/1993/4, Annex)
The General Assembly reaffirmed
(A/RES/48/186), in December 1993 the guidelines for participation of NGOs, which
had been formulated and adopted by the ECOSOC (ECOSOC/1993/4):
8.
Reaffirms the importance of the participation in and contribution to the
preparatory process and the Conference itself of non-governmental organizations,
in accordance with the relevant provisions of Economic and Social Council
resolution 1993/4. (A/RES/48/186)
At the third session, in April 1994
the Preparatory Committee approved a provisional rules of procedure
(A/CONF.171/PC/9, annex I, decision 3/2), which were finally adopted by the
Conference (A/CONF.171/2). Representatives of NGOs were able to attend the
Conference as observers. Otherwise, the modalities at the Conference were the
same as at the Preparatory Committee:
Representatives of
non-governmental organizations (Rule 65): 1. Non-governmental organizations
accredited to participate in the Conference may designate representatives to sit
as observers at public meetings of the Conference and the Main Committee. 2.
Upon the invitation of the presiding officer of the conference body concerned
and subject to the approval of that body, such observers may make oral
statements on questions in which they have special competence. If the number of
requests to speak is too large, the non-governmental organizations shall be
requested to form themselves into constituencies, such constituencies to speak
through spokespersons.
Written statements (Rule 66): Written
statements submitted by the designated representatives referred to in rules 59
to 65 shall be distributed by the secretariat to all delegations in the
quantities and in the language in which the statements are made available to it
at the site of the Conference, provided that a statement submitted on behalf of
a non-governmental organization is related to the work of the Conference and is
on a subject in which the organization has a special competence. Written
statements shall not be made at United Nations expense and shall not be issued
as official documents. 5.4 Documents and Preparatory Committee
meetings
6. WORLD SUMMIT FOR SOCIAL
DEVELOPMENT 6 - 12 March 1995, Copenhagen
Summary
Accreditation: The General Assembly requested (A/RES/47/92) the NGOs in
consultative status with the ECOSOC to participate in the Summits and its
preparatory process. At its organizational session, the Preparatory Committee
decided upon the accreditation process for NGOs at the preparatory process and
the Summit itself. ECOSOC/NGOs were invited to participate in the Preparatory
Committee and the Summit without further screening, by expressing their interest
to the secretariat. Other NGOs were able to apply. Their applications needed to
include information on their relevance and competence in social development
issues, as well as their interest in targets of the Summit. Applications were
evaluated by the secretariat, which recommended NGOs for accreditation to the
Preparatory Committee. The secretariat needed to explain to the Committee, in
the case of NGOs it was unable to recommend, reasons for rejecting their
applications. The recommendations had to be available at least one week before
each session of the Committee. The Committee had to take its decision on
accreditation within 24 hours, after recommendations had been introduced. In
case the Committee was unable to decide on accreditation within this timeframe,
recommended NGOs were to be granted an interim accreditation until the decision
was taken.
Accreditation was a continuous process, where all together
1138 NGOs were accredited by consensus. The secretariat postponed the final date
for applications once during the process. Only once the secretariat's positive
recommendation was not agreed upon.
The NGOs, which were accredited to
the Preparatory Committee, were automatically invited to the Summit.
Modalities: At its organizational session, the Preparatory
Committee decided on the modalities for participation of NGOs in the preparatory
meetings. The relevant ECOSOC/NGOs were able to address the Committee. The other
NGOs were also able to speak at the Committee meetings. The Committee could
request the NGOs to speak through spokespersons, if a number of requested
speakers was high. Oral statements were made at the discretion of the Chairman
and with the consent of the Committee. Relevant NGOs could distribute written
statements.
At its second session, the Preparatory Committee took a
decision on the modalities for the Summit (Rules of Procedure, A/CONF.166/2), according to which
the representatives of NGOs were able to attend the Summit as observers. They
could make oral statements upon the invitation of the presiding officer and at
the approval of the body concerned. In the field of their special competence,
they could also distribute written statements, which were related to the Summit.
At the Summit, during the general debate 29 NGOs and NGO coalitions made
oral statements. NGO Forum was organized by the Host country. The outcome of the
Forum was not part of the final report of the Summit.
Summit
secretariat: Ad hoc secretariat consisting of relevant personnel from the UN
secretariat and agencies was constituted within the Department for Policy
Coordination and Sustainable Development at the UN Secretariat in New York.
Secretariat for NGO arrangements: UN/DESA and Division for Social
Policy and Development
6.1 Introduction
The General
Assembly decided (A/RES/47/92), in December
1992 to convene the Social Summit. The GA called by the same resolution the NGOs
in consultative status with the ECOSOC to participate in the Summit and its
preparatory process: 17. Requests the non-governmental organizations
in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council to contribute in
accordance with established practice to the Summit and the preparatory process,
as appropriate. (A/RES/47/92)
6.2 Accreditation for
non-governmental organizations
At its organizational session in
April 1993, the Preparatory Committee adopted a decision on accreditation for
NGOs at the preparatory process and the Summit itself. According to the
decision, ECOSOC/NGOs needed to indicate their interest to participate in order
to become accredited. They did not need to apply or send any further information
to the Preparatory Committee. Other NGOs could apply for accreditation. Their
applications needed to include information, which proved their competence and
relevance in social development issues, as well as their interest in the
objectives of the Summit. Their applications were evaluated by the Secretariat
and recommended to the Preparatory Committee:
ANNEX II: Decisions
adopted by the Preparatory Committee at its organizational session 2.
Non-governmental organizations At its 5th meeting, on 16 April 1993, the
Preparatory Committee for the World Summit for Social Development:
(a)
Adopted the modalities for participation in and contribution to the World Summit
for Social Development and its preparatory process of non-governmental
organizations, as set forth in the annex to the present decision; (b)
Recognized the importance of the participation of non-governmental organizations
in the preparatory process and in the Summit itself, and requested all possible
aid to ensure full participation of representatives of non-governmental
organizations from developing countries.
Annex: Participation of
non-governmental organizations in the World Summit for Social Development and
its preparatory process Non-governmental organizations in consultative status
with the Economic and Social Council that express the wish to attend the World
Summit for Social Development and the meetings of its Preparatory Committee will
be accredited for participation. Others wishing to be accredited may apply to
the Summit secretariat for this purpose in accordance with the following
requirements:
(a)The secretariat of the World Summit for Social
Development will be responsible for the receipt and preliminary evaluation, in
accordance with the provisions given below of requests from non-governmental
organizations for accreditation to the Summit and its preparatory process;
(b) All such applications must be accompanied by information on the
competence of the organizations and on its relevance to the work of the
Preparatory Committee, indicating the particular areas of the Summit
preparations to which such competence and relevance pertain, and should include,
inter alia, the following: (i) Purposes of the organization; (ii)
Information on its programmes and activities in areas relevant to the Summit and
its preparatory process and on the country or countries in which those
programmes and activities are carried out; (iii) Confirmation of its
activities at the national and/or the international level; (iv) Copies of its
annual reports with financial statements, and a list of members of the governing
body and their country of nationality; (v) A description of its membership,
indicating the total number of members and their geographical distribution;
c) In the evaluation of the relevance of non-governmental organizations
applying for accreditation to the Summit and its preparatory process, it is
agreed that the background of those organizations and their involvement in
social development issues, including core issues as defined in paragraph 6 of
General Assembly resolution 47/92 of 16 December 1992, will determine such
relevance;
(d) Non-governmental organizations seeking accreditation will
be asked to confirm their interest in the goals and objectives of the Summit;
(e) In cases where the Summit secretariat believes, on the basis
of the information provided in accordance with the present document, that an
organization has established its competence and relevance to the work of the
Preparatory Committee, it will recommend to the Preparatory Committee that the
organization be accredited. In cases where the Summit secretariat does not
recommend the granting of accreditation, it will make available to the
Preparatory Committee its reasons for so acting. The Summit secretariat should
ensure that its recommendations are available to members of the Preparatory
Committee at least one week prior to the start of each session;
(f) The
Preparatory Committee will decide on all proposals for accreditation within 24
hours of the Summit secretariat's recommendations' having been taken up by the
Preparatory Committee in plenary meeting. Should a decision not be taken within
that period, interim accreditation will be accorded until such time as a
decision is taken.
(g) A non-governmental organization that has been
granted accreditation to attend one session of the Preparatory Committee may
attend all future sessions, as well as the Summit itself. (A/48/24, annex II,
decision 2, see the rest in the chapter on modalities).
At its
organizational session, in April 1993, the Preparatory Committee also decided to
take special measures to facilitate the participation of non-governmental
organizations from developing countries in the Summit and its preparatory
process (A/48/24, annex II, decision 4).
The secretariat evaluated the
applications and recommended NGOs for accreditation with relevant information on
their competence in the field of social development. A total number of 1,132
non-governmental organizations were accredited by the Preparatory Committee.
(A/CONF.166/4)
First session, Jan. - Feb. 1994: Accreditation for
76 non-governmental organizations was approved (A/CONF.166/PC/11; A/49/24, annex
III, decision 1/1). Second session, Aug. - Sept. 1994: Accreditation
for 282 non-governmental organizations was approved (A/CONF.166/PC/11/Add.1;
A/49/24/Add. 1, annex I, decision 2/1). Third session, Jan. 1995: The
Summit secretariat decided to postpone the original deadline for submission of
applications from non-governmental organizations from 15 December 1994 to 31
January 1995. Accreditation for 608 non-governmental organizations and for
another 167 non-governmental organizations was approved with an exception of one
organization (A/CONF.166/PC/11/Add.2; A/CONF.166/PC/11/Add.3; A/CONF.166/PC/28, annex 1,
decision 3/1).
6.3 Modalities for participation of non-governmental
organizations
At its organizational session, in April 1993, the
Preparatory Committee decided upon the modalities for the meetings of the
Preparatory Committee. The relevant ECOSOC/NGOs could address the Preparatory
Committee. Other relevant NGOs could also speak at the Preparatory Committee.
The Committee could request the NGOs to select spokespersons, if a number of
requested speakers was high. The oral interventions were made at the discretion
of the Chairman and with the consent of the Preparatory Committee. Relevant NGOs
were also able to distribute written presentations in the meetings of the
Preparatory Committee:
(h) In recognition of the intergovernmental
nature of the World Summit for Social Development, non-governmental
organizations will have no negotiating role in the work of the Summit and
its preparatory process;
(i) Relevant non-governmental organizations in
consultative status with the Economic and Social Council may be given an
opportunity to briefly address the Preparatory Committee in plenary meeting and
its subsidiary bodies. Other relevant non-governmental organizations may also
ask to speak briefly at such meetings. If the number of requests is too large,
the Preparatory Committee will request that the non-governmental organizations
form themselves into constituencies, with each constituency speaking through one
spokesperson. Any oral intervention by a non-governmental organization should,
in accordance with normal United Nations practice, be made at the discretion of
the Chairman and with the consent of the Preparatory Committee;
(j)
Relevant non-governmental organizations may, at their own expense, make written
presentations in the official languages of the United Nations during the
preparatory process, as they deem appropriate. Those written presentations will
not be issued as official documents unless they are in accordance with United
Nations rules of procedure. (A/48/24, annex II, decision 2)
The
General Assembly called again (A/RES/48/100), in December
1993 upon the NGOs in consultative status with the United Nations and those
accredited to the Summit and its preparatory process to contribute fully to the
work of the Preparatory Committee and to the Summit:
Considering also
the contributions of non-governmental organizations; 9. Calls upon the
non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the United Nations
and those accredited to the Summit and its preparatory process to contribute
fully to the work of the Preparatory Committee and to the Summit.
(A/RES/48/100)
At its second session, in August-September 1994 the
Preparatory Committee, took a draft decision on the provisional Rules of
Procedure for the Summit, which were recommended to the Summit for adoption. The
Summit adopted them as a document A/CONF.166/2, According to the decision,
representatives of accredited NGOs were able to attend meetings as observers.
They could make oral statements upon the invitation by the presiding officer and
at the approval of the body concerned. The NGOs could also be requested to speak
through spokespersons. The NGOs could distribute written statements, which were
related to the Summit and reflected their special competence:
Representatives of non-governmental organizations (Rule 62): 1.
Non-governmental organizations accredited to participate in the Summit may
designate representatives to sit as observers at public meetings of the Summit
and the main committee. 2. Upon the invitation of the presiding officer of
the body concerned and subject to the approval of that body, such observers may
make oral statements on questions in which they have special competence. If the
number of requests to speak is too large, the non-governmental organizations
shall be requested to form themselves into constituencies, such constituencies
to speak through spokespersons.
Written statements (Rule 63): Written
statements submitted by the designated representatives referred to in rules 57
to 62 shall be distributed by the secretariat to all delegations in the
quantities and in the language in which the statements are made available to it
at the site of the Summit, provided that a statement submitted on behalf of a
non-governmental organization is related to the work of the Summit and is on a
subject in which the organization has a special competence. Written statements
shall not be issued at United Nations expense and shall not be issued as
official documents. (A/CONF.166/2) 6.4 Documents and Preparatory
Committee meetings
7. THE
FOURTH WORLD CONFERENCE ON WOMEN: ACTION FOR EQUALITY, DEVELOPMENT AND
PEACE 4 - 15 September 1995, Beijing
Summary
Accreditation: In March 1992, the Commission on Status on
Women, acting as the preparatory body for the Conference adopted a decision
36/8, where the Commission made recommendations regarding participation in the
Conference. NGOs in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council
were invited to participate.
In May 1993, the Commission considered the
accreditation for NGOs not in consultative status. In resolution 37/7, the
Commission urged a series of steps to permit non-governmental organizations not
in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council to participate in
the Conference. Many Member States stressed the importance of NGOs and referred
to the precedents set by the other conference. The importance of the need for
close proximity between the NGO Forum and the Conference, as well as the hope
that many women's organizations would participate in the Forum, was expressed by
a few representatives.
The General Assembly decided (A/RES/48/108) upon the
guidelines for accreditation and modalities for participation of NGOs to the
Fourth Conference on Women and its preparatory process. NGOs in consultative
status with the Economic and Social Council were invited to express their
interest to participate and become accredited to the process. Other NGOs were
able to apply. Their applications needed to include information on their
competence and relevance on gender issues, as well as their interest on the
objectives of the Conference. The secretariat evaluated the applications and
recommended NGOs for accreditation to the Preparatory Committee. The Committee
had to take a decision on accreditation within 24 hours after the lists of
recommended NGOs had been introduced. In case the Committee was unable to decide
on accreditation within this timeframe, an interim accreditation was granted
until the decision was taken.
Modalities: The General Assembly
decided (A/RES/48/108), in December 1993 on the modalities for participation of
NGOs in the preparatory process. Relevant ECOSOC/NGOs could make oral statements
in the Commission acting as a preparatory body. Other relevant NGOs could also
speak. The Commission could request the NGOs to speak through spokespersons, if
a number of requested speakers was high. All oral statements were made at the
discretion of the Chairman and with the consent of the Commission. Relevant NGOs
could also distribute written presentations.
In 1995, the Commission on
the Status on Women approved at its thirty-ninth session, as the preparatory
body for the Conference a draft Rules of Procedure, which were endorsed by the
General Assembly (A/RES/49/482) and finally adopted by the Conference
(A/CONF.177/2). According to the decision, representatives of NGOs were able to
participate the Conference as observers. They were able to speak upon the
invitation of the presiding officer and at the approval of the body concerned.
The Conference could request the NGOs to speak through spokespersons, if the
number of requested speakers was high. The representatives of NGOs were able to
distribute written statements.
At the plenary of the Conference, 51
statements were made by individual NGOs and NGO coalitions. Non-governmental
organizations did not address the Main Committee. NGO Forum was organized by the
International Steering Committee. The outcome of the Forum was not part of the
Final Report.
Preparatory Committee: The Commission on the Status
of Women
Secretariat for NGO arrangements: UN/DESA/DAW
7.1 Introduction
The General Assembly endorsed (A/RES/45/129; A/RES/46/98) the Economic
and Social Council resolution 1990/12, in which the Council recommended
convening a world conference on women and requested the Commission on the Status
of Women to act as the preparatory body for the conference.
7.2
Accreditation of non-governmental organizations
In March 1992, the Commission on Status on Women, acting as the preparatory
body for the Conference adopted a decision 36/8, entitled "Preparations for the
Fourth World Conference on Women: Action for Equality, Development and Peace"
(E/CN.6/1992/13). The Commission made recommendations regarding participation in
the Conference, the preparatory process of the Conference at the national and
regional levels, as well as for the non-governmental organizations forum. NGOs
in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council were invited to
participate:
(f) Interested non-governmental organizations in
consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, to be represented by
observers at the Conference;
3. Requests the Economic and Social Council
to request the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations to consider on a
priority basis, in advance of the Conference, the granting of consultative
status to more non-governmental organizations concerned with the advancement of
women, with particular attention being given to applications from
non-governmental organizations from developing countries, and also requests that
the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations be provided with additional
resources to deal with the additional workload;
4. Recommends that the
arrangements for consultation with non-governmental organizations, as approved
by the Economic and Social Council in its resolution 1296/(XLIV) of 23/May/1968,
be reviewed to make consultative status more accessible to non-governmental
organizations, particularly those from developing countries.
In May
1993, the Commission considered the accreditation for NGOs not in consultative
status. In resolution 37/7, the Commission urged a series of steps to permit
non-governmental organizations not in consultative status with the Economic and
Social Council to participate in the Conference. Many Member States stressed the
importance of NGOs and referred to the precedents set by the other conference.
The importance of the need for close proximity between the NGO Forum and the
Conference, as well as the hope that many women's organizations would
participate in the Forum, was expressed by a few representatives:
Bearing in mind the important role of non-governmental organizations in
all activities for the advancement of women and the fact that some of them,
specially those from developing countries, do not enjoy consultative status with
the Economic and Social Council:
1. Invites Governments to include, whenever possible, non-governmental
organizations in their delegations;
3. Also requests the
Secretary-General of the Conference to obtain from the regional commissions a
list of those non-governmental organizations not in consultative status with the
Economic and Social Council which were determined to be eligible, which will be
submitted to the Commission at its thirty-ninth session so that the Commission
may make the list of those to be invited to the World Conference, bearing in
mind that for the proper functioning of the Conference and the efficient
participation of non-governmental organizations themselves, their number should
not be excessive and that the list should have a regional balance; attention
will be given to the existing resources and facilities available in the host
country;
4. Further requests the Secretary-General of the Conference to submit to
the Commission at its thirty-ninth session a proposal for criteria to be used by
the Commission in drawing up the final list.
In October 1993, the
conference secretariat conducted a two-day informal workshop on information and
communication strategy for the Conference. More than 100 organizations from all
over the world participated the workshop. At the meeting, NGOs emphasized that
global participation of the preparatory process should be extended to as many
groups and organizations as possible.
The General Assembly emphasized (A/RES/48/108), in December
1993 the fact that several NGOs from developing countries do not enjoy
consultative status with the Economic and Social Council:
Bearing in
mind the important role non-governmental organizations play in all activities
for the advancement of women and the fact that some of them, especially those
from developing countries, do not enjoy consultative status with the Economic
and Social Council. (A/RES/48/108)
Therefore, the General Assembly
adopted the guidelines for accreditation and modalities for participation of
NGOs to the Conference and its preparatory process. The resolution emphasized
particularly the participation of NGOs from the developing countries. The NGOs
in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council were invited to
express their interest to participate and become accredited to the process.
Other NGOs were able to apply. Their applications needed to include information
on their competence and relevance on gender issues, as well as their interest on
the objectives of the Conference. The secretariat was to evaluate the
applications and recommend NGOs for accreditation to the Preparatory Committee.
The Committee had to take a decision on accreditation within 24 hours after the
lists of recommended NGOs had been introduced. In case the Committee was unable
to decide on accreditation within this timeframe, an interim accreditation was
granted until the decision was taken. 30. Decides, taking into
account Commission on the Status of Women resolution 37/7 of 25 March 1993, to
adopt the modalities for the participation in and contribution to the Fourth
World Conference on Women and its preparatory process by the non-governmental
organizations, particularly those from the developing countries, set out in the
annex to the present resolution. (A/RES/48/108)
ANNEX: Participation of
non-governmental organizations in the Fourth World Conference on Women and its
preparatory body:
Non-governmental organizations in consultative
status with the Economic and Social Council that express the wish to attend the
Conference and the meetings of the Commission on the Status of Women, acting as
its preparatory body, will be accredited for participation. Others wishing to be
accredited may apply to the Conference secretariat for that purpose in
accordance with the following requirements:
(a) The secretariat of the
Fourth World Conference on Women will be responsible for the receipt and
preliminary evaluation, in accordance with the provisions set out below, of
requests from non-governmental organizations for accreditation to the Conference
and the Commission on the Status of Women acting as preparatory
body;
(b) All such applications must be accompanied by information
on the competence of the organization and on its relevance to the work of the
preparatory body, indicating the particular areas of the preparations for the
Conference to which such competence and relevance pertain, and should include
the following: (i) The purposes of the organization; (ii) Information on
its programmes and activities in areas relevant to the Conference and on the
country or countries in which those programmes and activities are carried out;
(iii) Confirmation of its activities at the national and/or the
international level; (iv) Copies of its annual reports, with financial
statements and a list of members of the governing body and their country of
nationality; (v) A description of its membership, indicating the total
number of members of the governing body and their country of nationality;
(c) Non-governmental organizations seeking accreditation will be asked
to confirm their interest in the goals and objectives of the
Conference;
(d) In cases where the Conference secretariat believes, on
the basis of the information provided in accordance with the present document,
that an organization has established its competence and relevance to the work of
the Commission on the Status of Women acting as preparatory body, it will
recommend to the Commission that the organization be accredited. In cases where
the Conference secretariat does not recommend the granting of accreditation, it
will make such information available to members of the Commission at least one
week prior to the start of each session;
(e) The Commission on the
Status of Women will decide on all proposals for accreditation within
twenty-four hours of the recommendations of the Conference secretariat having
been taken up by the Commission in plenary session. Should a decision not be
taken within that period, interim accreditation will be accorded until such time
as a decision is taken. (A/RES/48/108, Annex)
In March 1995, at its thirty-ninth session, the Commission on the Status of
Women, acting as the preparatory body for the Fourth World Conference on Women,
recommended a draft resolution on accreditation of non-governmental
organizations to the Conference for adoption by the General Assembly and
recommended the provisional rules of procedure of the Conference, as amended,
for approval by the General Assembly (see chap. II). The Commission recommended
the provisional agenda and proposed organization of work of the Conference for
adoption by the Conference (resolution 39/1). The Commission also decided to
grant observer status to a number of intergovernmental organizations and other
entities (decision 39/1), approved the list of non-governmental organizations
recommended for accreditation to the Conference (decision 39/2). (E/1995/26 -
E/CN.6/1995/14)
The deadline of 13 January 1995 for accreditation to
the 39th session of the Commission was the final deadline for application for
accreditation to the Fourth World Conference. 7.3 Modalities for
participation of non-governmental organizations
In March 1992, the
Commission on Status on Women, acting as the preparatory body for the Conference
adopted a decision 36/8. One part of the resolution concerned the NGO Forum. The
Commission emphasized the importance of close proximity between the forum and
the official meetings:
Forum for non-governmental organizations 1.
Emphasizes the importance of close proximity between the forum and the Fourth
World Conference on Women: Action for Equality, Development and Peace, as well
as some concurrence in time; 2. Invites the committee of non-governmental
organizations arranging the forum and national and regional activities to
provide information, including media arrangements, to the Commission through a
report of the Secretary-General on preparations for the Conference; 3.
Emphasizes the importance of unrestricted participation by the media in covering
the forum.
The General Assembly decided (A/RES/48/108), in December
1993 on the modalities for participation of NGOs in the preparatory process.
Relevant ECOSOC/NGOs could make oral statements in the Commission acting as a
preparatory body. Other relevant NGOs could also speak. The Commission could
request the NGOs to speak through spokespersons, if a number of requested
speakers was high. All oral statements were made at the discretion of the
Chairman and with the consent of the Commission. Relevant NGOs could also
distribute written presentations.
(f) A non-governmental organization
that has been granted accreditation to attend one session of the Commission on
the Status of Women acting as preparatory body may attend all future sessions
and the Conference;
(g) In recognition of the intergovernmental nature of
the Fourth World Conference on Women, non-governmental organizations will have
no negotiating role in the work of the Conference and its preparatory
process;
(h) Relevant non-governmental organizations in consultative
status with the Economic and Social Council may be given the opportunity briefly
to address the Commission on the Status of Women acting as preparatory body in
plenary meeting and its subsidiary bodies. Other relevant non-governmental
organizations may also ask to speak briefly at such meetings. If the number of
requests is too large, the Commission will request that non-governmental
organizations form themselves into constituencies, with each constituency
speaking through one spokesperson. Any oral intervention by a non-governmental
organization should, in accordance with usual United Nations practice, be made
at the discretion of the Chairman and with the consent of the
Commission;
(i) Relevant non-governmental organizations may, at their own
expense, make written presentations in the official languages of the United
Nations during the preparatory process, as they deem appropriate. Those written
presentations will not be issued as official documents unless they are in
accordance with the rules of procedure of the Conference. (A/RES/48/108, Annex)
In 1995, the Commission on the Status on Women approved at its
thirty-ninth session, as the preparatory body for the Conference a draft Rules
of Procedure, which were endorsed by the General Assembly (A/RES/49/482) and finally
adopted by the Conference (A/CONF.177/2). According to the
decision, representatives of NGOs were able to participate the Conference as
observers. They were able to speak upon the invitation of the presiding officer
and at the approval of the body concerned. The Conference could request the NGOs
to speak through spokespersons, if the number of requested speakers was high.
The representatives of NGOs were able to distribute written statements:
Representatives of non-governmental organizations (Rule 65): 1.
Non-governmental organizations accredited to participate in the Conference may
designate representatives to sit as observers at public meetings of the
Conference and the Main Committees. 2. Upon the invitation of the presiding
officer of the body concerned and subject to the approval of that body, such
observers may make oral statements on questions in which they have special
competence. If the number of requests to speak is too large, the
non-governmental organizations shall be requested to form themselves into
constituencies, such constituencies to speak through spokespersons.
Written statements (Rule 66): Written statements submitted by
the designated representatives referred to in rules 59 to 65 shall be
distributed by the secretariat to all delegations in the quantities and in the
language in which the statements are made available to it at the site of the
Conference, provided that a statement submitted on behalf of a non-governmental
organization is related to the work of the Conference and is on a subject in
which the organization has a special competence. Written statements shall not be
issued at United Nations expense and shall not be issued as official documents.
(A/CONF.177/2)
7.4 Documents and Preparatory Committee
meetings ECOSOC
1990/12
8. UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON HUMAN
SETTLEMENTS (Habitat II) 3 - 14 June 1996,
Istanbul
Summary
Accreditation: The General
Assembly decided (A/RES/47/180) to invite
NGOs, particularly those from developing countries and those related to major
groups to participate in the Conference and its preparatory process. The
arrangements for participation were requested to follow the practice established
at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED).
At its first session, the Preparatory Committee adopted the guidelines
for NGO participation, which had been proposed by the Secretary-General in his
report, with one additional paragraph. The Committee decided simultaneously on
the accreditation for the Preparatory Committee and the Conference. NGOs in
consultative status with the Economic and Social Council were invited to
participate without further screening, by expressing their interest to the
secretariat. Other NGOs were able to apply. Their applications needed to include
information on their relevance and competence in human settlement issues, as
well as their interest in the objectives of the Conference. Applications were
first evaluated by the Secretariat, which recommended NGOs for accreditation to
the Preparatory Committee. The secretariat needed to explain to the Committee,
in the case of a NGO it was unable to recommend, reasons for rejecting the
application. The recommendations needed to be available at least one week before
each session of the Committee. After a recommendation had been introduced, the
Committee had to make its decision on accreditation within 24 hours. Otherwise,
recommended NGOs were to be granted an interim accreditation until the decision
was taken.
Accreditation was a continuous process, where all together
(correct number still missing) NGOs and international associations of local
authorities were accredited by consensus. During the process, special references
were made to the participation of indigenous people and local communities. At
its second session, the Committee decided that NGOs accredited to the Commission
on Sustainable Development could be accredited without further screening, by
expressing its interest to the secretariat.
Accredited NGOs were automatically able to attend the Conference.
Modalities: The General Assembly requested (A/RES/47/180) the
Secretary-General to make recommendations on a preparatory process. At its first
session, the Preparatory Committee adopted the guidelines for NGO participation
in the preparatory process, proposed by the Secretary-General in his report,
with one additional paragraph. According to the decision, relevant ECOSOC/NGOs
could make oral statements at the Preparatory Committee. Other NGOs could also
make oral statements. The Committee could request the NGOs to speak through
spokespersons, if a number of requested speakers was high. Oral statements could
be made at the discretion of the Chairman and with the consent of the Committee.
Relevant NGOs were allowed to distribute written statements.
The General
Assembly called (A/RES/49/109) upon the
broad-based participation of civil society, including local authorities,
academia, trade unions, and the private sector. At its third session, the
Preparatory Committee affirmed the need to involve civil society at large in the
process and recommended that the General Assembly should authorize a special
modality on the participation of representatives of local authorities.
At its third session, the Preparatory Committee also decided on the
modalities for the Conference (Rules of Procedure), which were endorsed by the
General Assembly (A/RES/50/100) and finally
adopted by the Conference (A/CONF.165/2).
According to the decision, representatives of local authorities may participate,
without the right to vote, in the deliberations of the Conference and its
bodies. Representatives of NGOs may participate as observers and make oral
statements upon the invitation of the presiding officer and at the approval of
the body concerned. NGOs may also be requested to speak through spokespersons.
They could distribute written statements.
NGOs made oral statements at
the Preparatory Committee. At the Conference, 27 NGOs (mostly representing
caucuses) made oral statements. At the Hearings Committee (Committee II)
presentations were heard from NGOs, local authorities, academia, trade unions,
and the private sector. A summary of the outcome of each of the Hearing was
included as an integral part of the final report of the
Conference.
Besides speaking arrangements at the official meetings, civil
society was able to shape the outcome of the conference through participating in
meetings of the informal drafting group on the Istanbul Programme of Action.
Their participation was extended to tabling textual amendments directly.
The NGO Forum was organized by the Host Country. Its programme included
the Youth Day, event for the Decade of Indigenous People, as well as the
International Trade Fair, which accommodated over 1000 companies from 40
countries. The outcome of the NGO Forum was not part of the Final Report.
Conference secretariat: Ad hoc secretariat as part of the United
Nations Centre for Human Settlements.
Secretariat for NGO
arrangements: Habitat (UNCHS) 8.1 Accreditation for civil society
participation
The General Assembly decided (A/RES/47/180), in December
1992 to convene the Conference and invited NGOs, particularly those from
developing countries and those related to major groups to participate in the
Preparatory Committee and the Conference. It was decided that the arrangements
for participation of NGOs should follow the practice established for the United
Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED):
6. Invites
non-governmental organizations, particularly those from developing countries and
including those related to major groups, to participate in and contribute to the
Conference and its preparatory process, and, to this end, decides that the
Preparatory Committee shall formulate and adopt modalities for the accreditation
and participation of those organizations, taking into account the procedures
followed at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.
(A/RES/47/180)
The resolution also requested the Secretary-General
to prepare a report with recommendations on an adequate preparatory process for
the organizational session of the Preparatory Committee. At its organizational
session, in March 1993 the Committee considered the report of the
Secretary-General (A/CONF.165/PC/2). The report stressed a broad-based
participation of civil society, such as mayors, local authorities,
parliamentarians, private sector and community-based organizations as a means to
enrich the deliberations and mobilize support for the Conference:
(f)
Arranging for participation of local authorities and the non-governmental sector
24. As has been previously pointed out, intensive participation by all
important sectors and organizations outside the national government, i.e. mayors
of cities, local authorities, parliamentarians, housing finance organizations
and other parts of the private sector, community sector groups and other
non-governmental organizations, as well as associations of these entities, is
considered essential to the preparation of a credible plan of action. Their
extensive participation can enhance and enrich the deliberations of the
Committee and the Conference, as well as mobilize support for the Conference
findings. Therefore every effort should be made to involve the greatest
representation of interested groups.
26. The involvement of mayors of
cities, local authorities, and their associations should be promoted and
encouraged by inviting them to participate, as part of national delegation or
otherwise, in relevant meetings, and by suggesting that they organize and
conduct their own meetings in such a way as to prepare and make the necessary
contributions to preparatory process and the Conference itself.
(A/CONF.165/PC/2)
The Secretary-General's report included draft
guidelines for civil society participation in the process (A/CONF.165/PC/2,
annex I). At its first session, in April 1994 the Preparatory Committee approved
the proposed guidelines with an additional paragraph 9 (A/48/37). According to
the decision, the ECOSOC/NGOs could be accredited to the preparatory process
without further screening, by expressing their interest to the secretariat.
Other NGOs were able to apply for accreditation. Their applications needed to
include information on their relevance and competence in the human settlement
issues, as well as their interest in the objectives of the Conference.
Applications were first evaluated by the Secretariat, which recommended NGOs for
accreditation to the Preparatory Committee. The secretariat needed to explain to
the Committee, in the case of a NGOs it was unable to recommend, reasons for
rejecting the application. The recommendations needed to be available at least
one week before each session of the Committee. After a recommendation had been
introduced, the Committee had to make its decision on accreditation within 24
hours. In case the Committee was unable to decide on accreditation within this
timeframe, recommended NGOs were to be granted an interim accreditation until
the decision was taken:
13. Decides that, in order to enable
non-governmental organizations effectively to participate in the Conference and
its preparatory process, their participation shall be governed by the procedures
annexed to the present resolution:
ANNEX :Rules of procedure for the
participation of non-governmental organizations 1. Non-governmental
organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council that
express their wish to attend the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements
(Habitat II) and the meetings of its Preparatory Committee shall be accredited
for participation. Others wishing to be accredited may apply to the Conference
secretariat for this purpose in accordance with this decision. 2.
The secretariat of the Conference shall be responsible for the receipt and
preliminary evaluation of requests from non-governmental organizations for
accreditation to the Conference and its preparatory process.
3. All such
applications must be accompanied by information on the organization's competence
and relevance to the work of the Preparatory Committee, indicating the
particular areas of the Conference preparations to which such competence and
relevance pertain, and which should include, inter alia, the following
information: (a) The purpose of the organization, and the country or
countries in which it is active; (b) Date of establishment and location of
the principal office of the organization and confirmation of its activities at
the national and/or international level; (c) Information as to the programmes
and activities of the organization in areas relevant to the Conference and its
preparatory process, and the country or countries in which they are carried
out; (d) Copies of its annual reports with financial statements and a list of
members of the governing body and their country of nationality;
(e) A description of its membership, indicating the total number of
members and their geographical distribution.
4. In the evaluation of the
relevance of non-governmental applications for accreditation to the Conference
and its preparatory process, it is agreed that their background and involvement
in human settlement issues will determine their relevance.
5.
Non-governmental organizations seeking accreditation shall be asked to confirm
their interest in the goals and objectives of the Conference. 6.
In cases where the Conference secretariat believes, on the basis of the
information provided in accordance with this decision, that the organization has
established its competence and relevance to the work of the Preparatory
Committee, it will recommend to the Preparatory Committee that the organization
be accredited. In cases where the Conference secretariat does not recommend the
granting of accreditation, it will make available to the Preparatory Committee
the reasons for not doing so. The Conference secretariat should ensure that its
recommendations are available to the Preparatory Committee at least one week
prior to the start of the session.
7. The Preparatory Committee will
decide on all cases and proposals for accreditation within twenty-four hours of
the Conference secretariat's recommendations having been taken up by the
Preparatory Committee in plenary meeting. In the event of a decision not having
been taken within this period, interim accreditations shall be accorded until
such time as a decision is taken.
8. A non-governmental organization
that has been granted accreditation to attend a session of the Preparatory
Committee may attend all its future sessions. (A/48/37, see the rest of the
annex in the chapter on modalities)
The accreditation of NGOs was a
continuous process, where accreditation was granted by consensus: 1st
session of the Preparatory Committee, 11 to 22 April 1994: Accreditation for
35 NGOs was approved (A/CONF.165/PC.1/CRP.5; A/49/37, decision I/3). 2nd
session of the Preparatory Committee, 24 April - 5 May 1995: Accreditation
for 93 NGOs was approved (A/CONF.165/PC.2/CRP.1; A/50/37, annex, decision II/9);
the Committee also took note of the decision of the Economic and Social Council,
dated 25 July 1994, which stated that NGOs accredited to the Commission on
Sustainable Development should be placed on the Roster. 3rd session of
the Preparatory Committee, 5 - 16 February 1996: Accreditation for (correct
number still missing) NGOs (A/CONF.165/PC.3/2 and Add.1) was approved with two
exceptions (A/CONF.165/PC.3/7, annex I, decision 3/1 A, B and C); accreditation
for 4 international associations of local authorities was approved
(A/CONF.165/PC.3/2/Add.2; A/CONF.165/PC.3/7, annex I, decision 3/2); the
consideration for accreditation to one organization was postponed to the
pre-Conference consultations.
8.2 Modalities for civil society
participation
The General Assembly requested (A/RES/47/180), in December
1992 the Secretary-General to prepare a report with recommendations on an
adequate preparatory process for the organizational session of the Preparatory
Committee in March 1993. The Secretary-General's report, including draft
guidelines for civil society participation (A/CONF.165/PC/2, annex I) were
introduced at the organizational session. At its first session, in April 1994
the Preparatory Committee approved the proposed guidelines with an additional
paragraph 9 (see the chapter on accreditation above for the first paragraphs of
the annex). According to the decision, ECOSOC/NGOs could make oral statements at
the Preparatory Committee. Other NGOs could also speak. The Committee could
request the NGOs to make statements through spokespersons, if the number of
requested speakers was high. All the oral statements were made at the discretion
of the Chairman and with the consent of the Committee. Relevant NGOs could also
distribute written statements, which were in the area of their special
competence and related to the Conference: 9. In recognition of the
intergovernmental nature of the Conference, non-governmental organizations shall
have no negotiating role in the work of the Conference and its preparatory
process.
10. Relevant non-governmental organizations in consultative status with
the Economic and Social Council may be given an opportunity to address the
Preparatory Committee briefly in plenary meeting and in its subsidiary bodies.
Other relevant non-governmental organizations may also ask to speak briefly at
such meetings. If the number of requests is too large, the Preparatory Committee
shall request the non-governmental organizations to form themselves into
constituencies, each constituency to speak through one spokesperson. Any oral
intervention by a non-governmental organization should, in accordance with
normal United Nations practice, be at the discretion of the Chairman and with
the consent of the Preparatory Committee.
11. Relevant non-governmental organizations may, at their own expense,
make written presentations during the preparatory process in the official
languages of the United Nations as they deem appropriate. Those written
presentations will not be issued as official documents except in accordance with
United Nations rules of procedure. (A/48/37, annex)
The General Assembly called again (A/RES/49/109), in December
1994 upon the participation of NGOs from developing countries and the
broad-based participation of civil society, including local authorities,
academia, trade unions, and the private sector:
13. Encourages all relevant interested non-governmental organizations,
particularly those from developing countries, to participate in, and contribute
to the Conference and its preparatory process, on the basis of procedures
followed at recent United Nations conferences;
14. Also encourages the above-mentioned organizations to contribute fully
to increasing world awareness of the problems and potential of human settlements
as important inputs to social progress and economic growth, and world leaders to
commit themselves to making cities, towns and villages in their countries
healthy, safe, just and sustainable;
16. Calls upon all States to encourage the broad-based participation of
local authorities and all relevant actors, including the scientific community,
industry, trade unions, non-governmental organizations and the private sector,
in the national, regional and international preparatory process and to encourage
a wide exchange of information and experience in this respect, in particular on
the programmes of work and activities of national committees. (A/RES/49/109)
Against this background, at its third session, the Preparatory
Committee affirmed the need to involve civil society at large in the process.
The Committee recommended that the General Assembly would authorize a special
modality on the participation of representatives of local authorities:
2. To ensure a meaningful broad-based participation of local
authorities, non-governmental organizations and all other relevant actors,
Habitat II needs to become a conference of partnerships, as has been the case
for the preparatory process at the national, regional and international levels,
in accordance with paragraph 16 of the above-mentioned General Assembly
resolution. This partnership includes a wide-exchange of information and
experiences between Member States and representatives designated by
international associations, consisting of: local authorities; relevant
professionals; researchers and academics; non-governmental and community-based
organizations; youth organizations; industry, commerce, finance and services;
trade unions; parliamentarians; and media invited to the Conference. Also
included are all agencies, programmes and organizations of the United Nations
system, which have been called upon to be actively associated in the preparatory
process of the Conference. In order to facilitate this process, the secretariat
should continue to solicit and encourage the participation of non-governmental
partners in the preparatory process, with a view to attaining representation of
the broadest possible spectrum of views and contributions in terms of
geographical coverage and different constituencies.
3. Member States have the sole and final responsibility in the
decision-making process. (A/CONF.165/PC/3/7, Decision II/3, annex, paragraphs 2
and 3)
VI. PARTICIPATION OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES
19. To ensure the
broad-based participation of local authorities in Habitat II, as foreseen by the
General Assembly in resolution 49/109, the Preparatory Committee recommends to
the General Assembly that it authorize a special modality, comparable to that
provided to the representatives of national human rights institutions at the
World Conference on Human Rights, held in Vienna from 14 to 25 June 1993, and to
the representatives of selected scientific associations at the World Conference
on Natural Disaster Reduction, held at Yokohama, Japan, from 23 to 27 May 1994.
20. The appropriate modality for Habitat II would be to encourage the
full participation of local authorities. Consequently, an additional rule, Rule
61, is added to the provisional rules of procedure, to provide the following:
Representatives of local authorities, designated by accredited international
associations of local authorities in consultation with national associations of
local authorities, invited to the Conference may participate, without the right
to vote, in the deliberations of the Conference, its Main Committees and, as
appropriate, any other committee or working group, on questions within the scope
of their activities. Every effort shall be made to make the representation of
local authorities balanced in terms of region, size and type of local
authorities. (A/CONF.165/PC/3/7, Decision II/3, annex, paragraphs 19 and 20)
At its third session, the Preparatory Committee also decided upon the
provisional rules of procedure for the Conference, which were endorsed by the
General Assembly (A/RES/50/100) and finally
adopted by the Conference (A/CONF.165/2).
According to the decision, representatives of local authorities may participate,
without the right to vote, in the deliberations of the Conference and its
bodies. Representatives of NGOs may participate as observers and make oral
statements upon the invitation of the presiding officer and at the approval of
the body concerned. NGOs may also be requested to speak through spokespersons.
They could distribute written statements.
Representatives of local
authorities (Rule 62): Representatives of local authorities, designated by
accredited international associations of local authorities in consultation with
national associations of local authorities, invited to the Conference may
participate, without the right to vote, in the deliberations of the Conference,
its Main Committees and, as appropriate, any other committee or working group,
on questions within the scope of their activities. Every effort shall be made to
make the representation of local authorities balanced in terms of region, size
and type of local authorities.
Representatives of non-governmental organizations (Rule 63): 1.
Non-governmental organizations accredited to participate in the Conference may
designate representatives to sit as observers at public meetings of the
Conference and the Main Committees. 2. Upon the invitation of the presiding
officer of the body concerned and subject to the approval of that body, such
observers may make oral statements on questions in which they have special
competence. If the number of requests to speak is too large, the
non-governmental organizations shall be requested to form themselves into
constituencies, such constituencies to speak through spokespersons.
Written statements (Rule 64): Written statements submitted by
the designated representatives referred to in rules 57 to 63 shall be
distributed by the secretariat to all delegations in the quantities and in the
language in which the statements are made available to it at the site of the
Conference, provided that a statement submitted on behalf of a non-governmental
organization is related to the work of the Conference and is on a subject in
which the organization has a special competence. Written statements shall not be
issued at United Nations expense and shall not be issued as official documents.
(A/CONF.165/2)
9. THIRD UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON THE
LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES 14-20 May 2001,
Brussels
Summary
Accreditation: The General
Assembly emphasized (A/RES/55/) the participation of NGOs, in particular from
the least developed countries in the preparatory process and the Conference.
NGOs in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council were invited to
participate without further screening, by expressing their interest to the
secretariat. Invitation was also addressed to NGOs who were accredited to the
Second Conference on the Least Developed Countries, in 1990 and NGOs who are in
consultative status with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
(UNCTAD). Other interested NGOs and the private sector were able to apply using
the form designed by the secretariat. The Bureau of the Preparatory Committee
was to consider applications on a no-objection basis by 31 January 2001, for
final decision of the second session of the Preparatory Committee.
At
its second session, in February 2001, the Preparatory Committee approved ad
referendum the list of civil society actors applying for accreditation in the
preparatory process and the Conference. The deadline for any objections was 16
of February 2001. The Committee took a decision, where the deadline of NGO
applications for accreditation was extended until the end of March.
Modalities At its first session, in July 2000, the
Preparatory Committee decided on the modalities (Rules of Procedure) for the
Conference. According to the decision, representatives of NGOs could attend the
Conference and its Committee of the Whole as observers. Upon the invitation of
the presiding officer and at the approval of the body concerned, NGOs could
speak at the meetings. NGOs could also distribute written statements.
A
representative of NGOs made a statement at the first session of the Committee on
the outcome of the parallel NGO Forum. A representative of NGOs addressed the
Committee also during the second and third session.
Preparatory
Committee: Open-ended Preparatory Committee with the UNCTAD secretariat.
Secretariat for NGO arrangements: UNCTAD
9.1
Introduction
The General Assembly decided (A/RES/45/206, A/RES/50/103), in December
1995 to consider to convene a global review and appraisal of the Programme of
Action on the Least Developed Countries in the end of the decade. The GA decided
(A/RES/52/187), in
December to convene the Third United Nations Conference on the Least Developed
Countries at a high level in 2001.
9.2 Accreditation for civil
society
In December 1998 and December 1999, the General Assembly
invited the Secretary-General of the Conference to facilitate the participation
of NGOs and the private sector in the preparatory process and the Conference:
9. Invites the Secretary-General of the Conference to make arrangements,
on the basis of consultations with Member States, to facilitate the involvement
of civil society, including non-governmental organizations and the private
sector, in the preparatory process and the Conference. (A/RES/53/182;
A/54/235)
The Conference secretariat encouraged civil society groups
to be part of the preparation of national programmes of action. Several meetings
for NGOs were organized at regional and international levels prior to the
Conference. The Liaison Committee of Development NGOs to the European Union
agreed to act as the focal point and convenor of an NGO Forum parallel to the
Conference. An NGO steering group was established to plan the Forum, which would
take place just before and during the official Conference.
The Secretary-General of the Conference sent an invitation for NGOs to
participate during the first session of the Preparatory Committee, in July 2001.
A large number of NGOs attended the first session and the parallel NGO Forum on
24-26 of July. The outcome of the Forum was represented to the Preparatory
Committee through a spokesperson, who made a statement on behalf of 50 NGOs from
South and North.
The General Assembly emphasized (A/RES/55/214), in
December 2000 the participation of NGOs, in particular from the least developed
countries in the preparatory process and the Conference. NGOs in consultative
status with the Economic and Social Council were invited to participate without
further screening, by expressing their invitation to the secretariat. Invitation
was also addressed to NGOs who were accredited to the Second Conference on the
Least Developed Countries, in 1990 and NGOs who are in consultative status with
the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Other
interested NGOs and the private sector were able to apply. The Bureau of the
Preparatory Committee was to consider applications on a no-objection basis by 31
January 2001, for final decision of the second session of the Preparatory
Committee. The Committee was invited to consider forms of participation of civil
society in the final session of the Committee and at the Conference:
7. Recognizes the importance of the contribution of civil society actors
at the Conference and its preparatory process, stresses, in this regard, the
need for their active participation, including those from the least developed
countries, and invites donors to make appropriate contributions for that
purpose;
8. Invites the participation in the Conference and in its preparatory
process of (a) the relevant non-governmental organizations that are in
consultative status with the Economic and Social Council in accordance with
Council resolution 1996/31 of 25 July 1996; (b) the non-governmental
organizations that were accredited to the Second United Nations Conference on
the Least Developed Countries, held from 3 to 14 September 1990 and (c) the
non-governmental organizations that are in consultative status with the United
Nations Conference on Trade and Development, decides that the accreditation of
other interested civil society actors, in particular non-governmental
organizations and the business sector, to the Conference and its preparatory
process shall be considered by the Bureau of the Preparatory Committee on a
no-objection basis before 31 January 2001 for final decision by the Committee at
its second session, provided that requests for accreditation are submitted to
the secretariat of the Conference before 15 January 2001 and are accompanied by
the relevant information, and requests the Secretary-General of the Conference
to inform the community of civil society actors appropriately about this
accreditation process;
9. Also invites the Bureau of the Preparatory Committee to make
recommendations for the consideration of Member States during the second session
of the Committee as to the form of involvement of civil society actors in the
final session of the Committee and at the Conference. (A/RES/55/214)
At its second session, in February 2001, the Preparatory Committee approved
ad referendum the list of civil society actors applying for accreditation in the
preparatory process and the Conference (A/CONF.191/IPC/CRP.5). The deadline for
any objections was 16 of February 2001.
At the same session, a representative of International Steering Committee
made a statement on behalf of NGOs at the Preparatory Committee. A large number
of NGOs was again attending the session. The Committee took a decision, where
the deadline of NGO applications for accreditation was extended until the end of
March. The secretariat was invited to provide a list of NGOs for the approval of
the Committee:
Annex I: decision on Acreditation on Civil Society Actors The
Intergovernmental Preparatory Committee for the Third United Nations Conference
on the Least Developed Countries, at its second session, Decides to extend to
31 March 2001 the deadline for the accreditation of interested civil society
actors, as referred to in paragraph 8 of General Assembly resolution 55/214, and
requests the Secretary-General of the Conference to submit the list of
interested civil society actors that have met the extended deadline for decision
by the Committee at its third session. (A/CONF.191/3)
9.3 Modalities for participation of civil society
At its first session, in July 2000, the Preparatory Committee decided on the
modalities (Rules of Procedure, A/CONF.191/IPC/L.2) for the
Conference. According to the decision, representatives of NGOs could attend the
Conference and its Committee of the Whole as observers. Upon the invitation of
the presiding officer and at the approval of the body concerned, NGOs could
speak at the meetings. NGOs could also distribute written statements.
Representatives of non-governmental organizations (Rule 64): 1.
Non-governmental organizations invited to the Conference may designate
representatives to sit as observers at public meetings of the Conference and its
Committee of the Whole. 2. Upon the invitation of the presiding officer of
the Conference body concerned and subject to the approval of that body, such
observers may make oral statements on questions in which they have special
competence.
Written statements (rule 65): Written statements submitted by the
designated representatives referred to in rules 60 to 64 shall be distributed by
the secretariat to all delegations in the quantities and in the languages in
which the statements are made available to the secretariat for distribution,
provided that a statement submitted on behalf of a non-governmental organization
is on a subject in which the organization has a special competence and is
related to the work of the Conference. (A/CONF.191/IPC/L.2)
A
representative of NGOs made a statement at the first session of the Committee on
the outcome of the parallel NGO Forum. A representative of NGOs addressed the
Committee also during the second and third session.
10. UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON THE ILLICIT
TRADE IN SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS IN ALL ITS ASPECTS 9 -
20 July 2001, New York
Summary
Accreditation: At its third session, the
Preparatory Committee decided on the accreditation of NGOs in the preparatory
process and the conference itself. Relevant NGOs in consultative status with the
Economic and Social Council were invited to participate, through expressing
their interest to the Chairman of the Preparatory Committee. Other interested
NGOs could apply for accreditation through the Chairman. Their applications
needed to include information on their relevance and competence to the scope and
purpose of the Conference.
In June 2001, the conference secretariat circulated to Member States a list
of 177 NGOs that were applying for accreditation at the conference. Following
the draft rule 64, these NGOs were to be accredited without any separate
decision, if no objection was expressed by 25 of June. The list of NGOs was
circulated with copies of applications of each NGO, as well as a note verbale
explaining the background for accreditation process.
There were no
objections NGO on the list. All together 50 NGOs with consultative status with
the ECOSOC and 127 NGOs without consultative status with the ECOSOC were
accredited to the conference.
Modalities: At its third session, the Preparatory Committee decided
on the modalities for participation of NGOs. Accredited NGOs could attend the
meetings of the Preparatory Committee and the Conference, except the meetings
announced to be closed. Accredited NGOs could speak at the Preparatory Committee
and the Conference during one meeting, which is especially allocated for this
purpose. This one meeting should not take place simultaneously with other
meetings of the Committee and the Conference. Upon request, accredited NGOs
could receive documents of the Committee and the Conference. They could also
circulate written material outside the conference room, in the area of the
meeting.
The conference heard statements of NGOs and other concerned civil society
actors on the morning session of July 16. Representatives of 42 organizations
addressed a variety of issues.
Preparatory Committee: Open-ended Preparatory Committee with the
secretariat of the Department of Disarmament Affairs..
Secretariat
for NGO arrangements: Department of Disarmament Afffairs.
10.1
Accreditation for non-governmental organizations
The General
Assembly decided (A/RES/54/54), in
December 1999 to convene an international conference on the illicit trade in
small arms and light weapons in all its aspects. In the same resolution, the GA
recognized the important role of civil society, including NGOs on the issues of
small arms and light weapons:
Recognizing the importance of the role
of civil society, including non-governmental organizations, in preventing and
reducing the excessive and destabilizing accumulation of small arms and light
weapons.
4. Decides that the specialized agencies, other relevant
intergovernmental organizations and relevant entities, having received a
standing invitation to participate as observers in the sessions and in the work
of the General Assembly, shall participate, as observers, in the Preparatory
Committee, and requests the Committee to take a decision on the modalities of
attendance of non-governmental organizations at its sessions.
6. Stresses
the need to ensure the widest possible and effective participation in the
conference in 2001. (A/RES/54/54, section V)
At its first session, in
February-March 2000 the Preparatory Committee decided to defer the arrangements
for participation of non-governmental organizations to the subsequent sessions
of the Committee (A/CONF.192/1). Two working papers were submitted to the first
session of the Committee on participation of NGOs (Working paper submitted by
Algeria A/CONF.192/PC/17;
Working paper submitted by Canada A/CONF.192/PC/15).
At its second session, in January 2001 the Preparatory Committee decided to
hold an informal meeting on 18 January to hear the views of NGOs. It was agreed
that the decision of the Preparatory Committee had been taken without prejudice
to its consideration of the draft decision on "modalities of attendance of NGOs
at the sessions of the Preparatory Committee". It was also agreed that this
decision would not constitute any precedent for the future. On 18 January, the
Committee held an informal meeting during which over thirty representatives of
the NGOs presented their views (see the list of NGOs: A/CONF.192/1). The
Committee decided to defer the consideration of arrangements for participation
of NGOs to the next session.
At its third session, in March 2001 the
Preparatory Committee considered and took a decision upon the draft proposal of
the Chairman on the accreditation of NGOs in the preparatory process and the
conference itself. Relevant NGOs in consultative status with the Economic and
Social Council were invited to participate, through expressing their interest to
the Chairman of the Preparatory Committee. Other interested NGOs could apply for
accreditation through the Chairman. Their applications needed to include
information on their relevance and competence to the scope and purpose of the
Conference (CONF.192/PC/L.7/Rev.2;
A/CONF.192/L.1). Representatives of non-governmental
organizations Rule 63:
The Preparatory Committee for the United Nations Conference on the Illicit
Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects decides that, with
respect to the attendance of non-governmental organizations at the Preparatory
Committee and the Conference, attendance will be open to:
(a) Relevant non-governmental organizations in consultative status with
the Economic and Social Council in accordance with the provisions of resolution
1996/31 of 25 July 1996. These non-governmental organizations should inform the
Chairman of the Preparatory Committee about their interest to attend;
(b) Other interested non-governmental organizations relevant and
competent to the scope and the purpose of the Conference provided that requests
to do so are submitted to the Chairman of the Committee and are accompanied by
information on the organization's purpose, programmes and activities in areas
relevant to the scope of the Conference. The Chairman of the Preparatory
Committee will subsequently provide the Committee with a list of these
non-governmental organizations for consideration on a no-objection basis.
A/CONF.192/L.1, see the rest below):
In June 2001, the conference secretariat circulated to Member States a list
of 177 NGOs that were applying for accreditation at the conference. Following
the draft rule 64, these NGOs were to be accredited without any separate
decision, if no objection was expressed by 25 of June. The list of NGOs was
circulated with copies of applications of each NGO, as well as a following note
verbale explaining the background for accreditation process: The
Secretariat of the United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms
and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects presents its compliments to the Permanent
Mission of…to the United Nations and has the honour to draw the attention of the
Mission to the decision contained in paragraph 23 of the Report of the third
session of the Preparatory Committee for the Conference (A/CONF.192/PC/50) by
which the Preparatory Committee adopted the modalities of attendance of
non-governmental organizations at the Conference.
In accordance with the decision, which will be reflected in draft rule 64
of the draft rules of procedure for the Conference, attendance will be open to
relevant NGOs in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council
(ECOSOC) as well as other interested NGOs relevant and competent to the scope
and purpose of the Conference. While relevant NGOs in consultative status with
ECOSOC were requested to inform the Chairman of the Preparatory Committee of
their interest to attend, other interested NGOs were requested to submit
information on their purposes, programmes and activities relevant to the scope
of the Conference.
Enclosed please find the final list and copies of all NGOs having
requested accreditation to the Conference. Section (A) reflects NGOs in
consultative status with ECOSOC while section (B) reflects non-ECOSOC
NGOs.
NGO requests for accreditation were received primarily in English, while a
large number also arrived in French and Spanish. To facilitate review by Member
States, the Secretariat is providing unofficial translations of the French and
Spanish documents into English. Those unofficial translations currently
available are enclosed, each accompanying the request in its original language.
All efforts are being made to expedite the translation into English of the
remaining French and Spanish documents.
In accordance with draft rule 64, the President will not ask for a
decision on section (A), but he will assume each NGO in section (B) of the list
to which no objection has been made by Monday, 25 June, is accredited to the
Conference.
There were no objections concerning one NGO on the list. All together 50
NGOs with consultative status with the ECOSOC and 127 NGOs without consultative
status with the ECOSOC were accredited to the conference.
10.2 Modalities for participation of non-governmental
organizations
During the second session, the Preparatory Committee
considered the draft provisional rules of procedure (A/CONF.192/PC/L.5), which
was introduced by the Chairman of the Preparatory Committee. The Committee
decided to continue the consideration at its third session.
At its third session, in March 2001, the Preparatory Committee decided on the
modalities for participation of NGOs. Accredited NGOs could attend the meetings
of the Preparatory Committee and the Conference, except the meetings announced
to be closed. Accredited NGOs could speak at the Preparatory Committee and the
Conference during one meeting, which is especially allocated for this purpose.
This one meeting should not take place simultaneously with other meetings of the
Committee and the Conference. Upon request, accredited NGOs could receive
documents of the Committee and the Conference. They could also circulate written
material outside the conference room, in the area of the meeting
(CONF.192/PC/L.7/Rev.2; A/CONF.192/L.1):
Representatives of non-governmental organizations Rule 63
(c)
Non-governmental organizations accredited through the process specified above
may attend meetings of the Preparatory Committee and the Conference, other than
those designated as closed;
(d) Representatives of accredited
non-governmental organizations will be allowed to address the Preparatory
Committee and the Conference during one meeting specifically allocated for this
purpose. These meetings will not coincide with other meetings of the Preparatory
Committee and the Conference;
(e) Accredited non-governmental
organizations will be provided, upon request, with documents related to the
Preparatory Committee and to the Conference, and they may, at their own expense,
provide material to the delegations, outside the conference room, in the area of
the Preparatory Committee and the Conference;
(f) Arrangements
concerning the accreditation and attendance of non-governmental organizations at
the Preparatory Committee and the Conference shall in no way create a precedent
for other United Nations conferences. (A/CONF.192/L.1, see the rest
above)
Written statements Rule 64
Written statements
submitted by the designated representatives referred to in rules 59 to 63 shall
be distributed by the secretariat to all delegations in the quantities and in
the language in which the statements are made available to it at the site of the
Conference, provided that a statement submitted on behalf of a non-governmental
organization is related to the work of the Conference and is on a subject in
which the organization has a special competence. Written statements shall not be
made at United Nations expense and shall not be issued as official
documents.
The conference heard statements of NGOs and other
concerned civil society actors on the morning session of July 16.
Representatives of 42 organizations addressed a variety of issues. Medical
doctors and community health officials addressed issues related to firearm
injuries and the effects of trauma. Other speakers addressed the impact of the
illicit trade in small arms on the development of communities. Several speakers
also addressed the importance of domestic and international controls, as well as
follow-up measures. Several representatives spoke of the humanitarian impact of
the illegal arms trade on the world's most vulnerable populations, namely,
disabled persons, women and children. 10.3 Documents and Preparatory
Committee meetings
11. WORLD CONFERENCE AGAINST RACISM,
RACIAL DISCRIMINATION, XENOPHOBIA AND RELATED INTOLERANCE 31
August - 7 September 2001, Durban
Summary
Accreditation: The Commission on Human Rights, in April 2000
encouraged (E/CN.4/RES/2000/14)
the participation of NGOs in the Preparatory Committee and the Conference. The
Commission called the Secretary-General of the Conference to propose
arrangements for the accreditation of the NGOs.
At its first session, in May 2000, the Preparatory Committee accredited 11
NGOs to the first session of the Preparatory Committee, based on their
competence and relevance, which had been evaluated by the secretariat on
(A/CONF.189/PC.1/20, decision PC.1/5). The Committee also decided that
indigenous people that are accredited according to the ECOSOC resolution 1995/32
could apply for accreditation following the same practice as for NGOs.
At its first session, the Preparatory Committee also recognized the fact that
the next session of the Committee was only one year later, which required
arrangements for interim accreditation for NGOs not in consultative status with
the ECOSOC. The Committee decided that the Bureau, in consultation with regional
groups should accredit NGOs between the two session of the Committee. The
secretariat was requested to review all the applications and circulate the lists
to all Member States with a note verbale, giving the Governments 14 days to make
comments on the application. In case, a consultative status of a NGO had been
suspended or withdrawn, the secretariat was requested to inform on the reasons.
In case Member States raised concerns on an application, the final decision was
to be made at the second session of the Committee.
Modalities: The Commission on Human Rights, in April 2000 requested
the High Commissioner of Human Rights to consult NGOs on organizing a civil
society forum. The High Commissioner was also invited to explore ways to involve
national parliaments in the deliberations. All Member States were invited to
promote the participation of NGOs.
As requested by the General Assembly (A/RES/52/111; A/RES/53/132),
several NGOs submitted reports, studies and other documents for the first
session of the Preparatory Committee. All these documents were placed at the
Conference website.
At its first session, in May 2000, the Preparatory Committee adopted a draft
rules of procedure for the Conference (A/CONF.189/PC.1/2). According to the
decision, representatives of NGOs and national human rights institutions were
able to participate the Conference and its bodies as observers. The national
human rights institutions could be replaced by ombudspersons or by specialized
independent national bodies in the field of promoting racial equality.
Representatives of NGOs were able to speak at the Conference upon the request of
the presiding officer and at the approval of the body concerned. NGOs could also
be requested to speak through spokespersons.
The General Assembly endorsed (A/RES/54/154) that
interested NGOs could attend the Committee and the Conference as observers. NGOs
were requested to assist the Committee to make recommendations concerning the
preparatory process and the Conference.
Preparatory Committee: Commission on Human Rights
Secretariat for NGO arrangements: Office of the United Nations High
Commissioner for Human Rights
11.1 Introduction
The General Assembly decided (A/RES/52/111), in
December 1997 to convene the world conference against racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. The GA also decided that the
Commission on Human Rights will serve as the Preparatory Committee for the
conference. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights was appointed
as the Secretary-General of the Conference.
11.2 Accreditation for non-governmental organizations
The General Assembly stressed (A/RES/52/111; A/RES/53/132), in
December 1997 and December 1998 the importance of the participation of NGOs in
the preparatory process and the Conference. The Commission on Human Rights, in
August 1999 encouraged (E/CN.4/SUB.2/RES/1999/6) the
participation of NGOs in the preparatory process:
Encouraging the effective participation of nongovernmental organizations
in the preparatory process for the World Conference.
(E/CN.4/SUB.2/RES/1999/6)
The Commission on Human Rights, in April 2000 encouraged (E/CN.4/RES/2000/14) the participation
of NGOs in the Preparatory Committee and the Conference. The Commission called
the Secretary-General of the Conference to propose arrangements for the
accreditation of the NGOs:
55. Encourages the participation of non-governmental organizations in the
World Conference and in the sessions of the Preparatory Committee and calls upon
the Secretary-General of the World Conference to expedite arrangements for
accreditation of non-governmental organizations, including those that are not in
consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, in accordance with
Council arrangements for consultation with non-governmental organizations,
adopted by the Council in its resolution 1996/31 of 25 July 1996.
(E/CN.4/RES/2000/14)
At its first session, in May 2000, the Preparatory Committee accredited 11
NGOs to the first session of the Preparatory Committee, based on their
competence and relevance, which had been evaluated by the secretariat on
(A/CONF.189/PC.1/21, annex I, decision PC.1/5, A/CONF.189/PC.1/20). The
Committee also decided that indigenous people that are accredited according to
the ECOSOC resolution 1995/32 could apply for accreditation following the same
practice as for NGOs:
Participation of indigenous representatives (PC.1/11.): At its 11th
meeting, on 5 May 2000, the Preparatory Committee decided, without a vote, that
indigenous representatives that are accredited pursuant to Economic and Social
Council resolution 1995/32 of 25 July 1994 and that submit an application shall
be accredited to the World Conference. Other interested indigenous
representatives could also be accredited following normal procedures established
by decision PC.1/5.
At its first session, the Preparatory Committee recognized the fact that the
next session of the Committee was only one year later, which required
arrangements for interim accreditation for NGOs not in consultative status with
the ECOSOC. The Committee decided that the Bureau, in consultation with regional
groups should accredit NGOs between the two session of the Committee. The
secretariat was requested to review all the applications and circulate the lists
to all Member States with a note verbale, giving the Governments 14 days to make
comments on the application. In case, a consultative status of a NGO had been
suspended or withdrawn, the secretariat was requested to inform on the reasons.
In case Member States raised concerns on an application, the final decision was
to be made at the second session of the Committee (A/CONF.189/PC.1/21, annex I,
decision 1/5):
Accreditation of non-governmental organizations (PC.1/5.): The
Preparatory Committee,
Noting that the mechanism established by the
Economic and Social Council in its resolution 1996/31 of 26 July 1996 should be
the framework for accreditation of non-governmental organizations and noting,
moreover, that, since the second session of the Preparatory Committee will not
take place until May 2001, a process for interim accreditation is desirable, so
that non-governmental organizations not in consultative status with the Economic
and Social Council can be accredited between the two sessions of the Preparatory
Committee and can participate fully in the preparatory process for the World
Conference, decided, at its 9th meeting, on 4 May 2000, without a vote:
(a) That the Bureau, in consultation with regional groups, will act for
the Preparatory Committee to accredit non-governmental organizations in the
period between the two sessions of the Preparatory Committee;
(b) That the secretariat will continue to review all applications received
to ensure that they meet the requirements set out in Economic and Social Council
resolution 1996/31;
(c) That non-governmental organizations not in consultative status with
the Economic and Social Council shall be accredited in accordance with Council
resolution 1996/31; however, where non-governmental organizations have had their
consultative status withdrawn or suspended under paragraph 57 (a) or (b) of
Council resolution 1996/31, the secretariat will include information on the
reasons for withdrawal or suspension, including the date of the decision, in the
list circulated to all Governments;
(d) That, periodically, the secretariat will compile a list of those
non-governmental organizations seeking accreditation which have met the
requirements specified in Council resolution 1996/31; the secretariat will
circulate these lists to all Governments with a note verbale, giving the
Governments 14 days to make any comments on the application;
(e) That where no comments have been received, the names of the
non-governmental organizations will be sent on to the Bureau for accreditation;
(f) That, in the event that a Government raises questions concerning the
accreditation of a non-governmental organization, the final decision on those
cases shall be taken by the Preparatory Committee, in accordance with the
standard process set out in Council resolution 1996/31.
The Commission on Human Rights, in August 2000 encouraged (CN.4/SUB.2/RES/2000/3) the
participation of all parts of society, NGOs representing victims of racism and
indigenous peoples:
16. Encourages the active and effective participation in the World
Conference of all organs of society from all parts of the world, including
non-governmental organizations representing victims of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, including those representing
indigenous peoples. (CN.4/SUB.2/RES/2000/3)
The Commission on Human Rights, in April 2001 welcomed (E/CN.4/RES/2001/5) the efforts of the
Secretary-General of the Conference to elaborate arrangements for accreditation
of NGOs:
55. Encourages the participation of non-governmental organizations in the
World Conference and in the sessions of the Preparatory Committee and welcomes
the efforts of the Secretary-General of the World Conference to expedite
arrangements for accreditation of non-governmental organizations, including
those that are not in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council,
in accordance with the arrangements for consultation with non-governmental
organizations adopted by the Council in its resolution 1996/31 of 25 July 1996.
(E/CN.4/RES/2001/5)
11.3 Modalities for participation of non-governmental organizations
The General Assembly requested (A/RES/52/111), in
December 1997, among others, NGOs to assist the preparatory committee on
reviewing and making recommendations concerning the preparatory process and the
conference. The resolution of the Commission on Human Rights (1998/26) repeated
the request, as well as the General Assembly again in December 1998 (A/RES/53/132):
30. Requests Governments, the specialized agencies, other international
organizations, concerned United Nations bodies, regional organizations,
non-governmental organizations, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination, the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on
contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance, and other human rights mechanisms to assist the preparatory
committee, to undertake reviews and submit recommendations concerning the
conference and the preparations therefor to the preparatory committee through
the Secretary-General, and to participate actively in the conference.
(A/RES/52/111)
35. Requests, in accordance with Commission on Human Rights resolution
1998/26, Governments, the specialized agencies, other international
organizations, concerned United Nations bodies, regional and non-governmental
organizations, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the
Subcommission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities of
the Commission on Human Rights, the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on
Human Rights on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia
and related intolerance and other human rights mechanisms to participate
actively both in the preparatory process of the World Conference, including by
assisting the Preparatory Committee, again in accordance with Commission
resolution 1998/26, by, inter alia, undertaking reviews and studies and
submitting recommendations concerning the Conference and the preparations
therefore, through the Secretary-General, to the Preparatory Committee, and in
the Conference itself. (A/RES/53/132)
The Commission on Human Rights, in August 1999 encouraged (E/CN.4/SUB.2/RES/1999/6) the
participation of NGOs in the preparatory process:
Encouraging the effective participation of nongovernmental organizations
in the preparatory process for the World Conference. (E/CN.4/SUB.2/RES/1999/6)
The Commission on Human Rights, in April 2000 requested the High Commissioner
of Human Rights to consult NGOs on organizing a civil society forum. The High
Commissioner was also invited to explore ways to involve national parliaments in
the deliberations. All Member States were invited to promote the participation
of NGOs:
56. Requests the High Commissioner to undertake appropriate consultations
with nongovernmental organizations on the possibility that they might hold a
forum before and partly during the World Conference and, insofar as possible, to
provide them with technical assistance for that purpose;
64. Invites Governments to promote the participation of national
institutions and local nongovernmental organizations in the preparations and in
regional meetings and to organize debates in national parliaments on the
objectives of the World Conference;
65. Encourages all parliaments to participate actively in the preparation
of the World Conference and requests the High Commissioner to explore ways and
means of effective involvement of parliaments through the relevant international
organizations. (E/CN.4/RES/2000/14)
As requested by the General Assembly (A/52/111; A/53/132), several
NGOs submitted reports, studies and other documents for the first session of the
Preparatory Committee, in May 2000. The documents submitted by the ECOSOC/NGOs,
which had already been accredited to the Preparatory Committee received symbol
numbers in the NGOs series of the Commission on Human Rights
(E/CN.4/2000/NGO/…). The documents submitted by other ECOSOC/NGOs received a
symbol number of the Conference (A/CONF.189/PC.1/NGO/…). All these documents
were placed at the Conference website.
At its first session, in May 2000, the Preparatory Committee considered the
draft rules of procedure for the Conference (A/CONF.189/PC.1/2). After a number
of amendments, the Committee adopted the rules by consensus.
(A/CONF.189/PC.1/21, decision PC.1/4). According to the decision,
representatives of NGOs and national human rights institutions were able to
participate the Conference and its bodies as observers. The national human
rights institutions could be replaced by ombudspersons or by specialized
independent national bodies in the field of promoting racial equality.
Representatives of NGOs were able to speak at the Conference upon the request of
the presiding officer and at the approval of the body concerned. NGOs could also
be requested to speak through spokespersons:
Representatives of national human rights institutions (Rule 65):
1. Representatives designated by national institutions for the protection
and promotion of human rights may participate as observers in the deliberations
of the Conference, any Committee and any other committee or working group on
questions within the scope of their activities.
2. In the situation where
a country does not have a national institution for the promotion and protection
of human rights, representatives designated by ombudspersons or by specialized
independent national bodies for the promotion and protection of racial equality
may participate as observers in the deliberations of the Conference, any
Committee and any other committee or working group on questions within the scope
of their activities.
Representatives of non-governmental organizations (Rule 66):
1. Non-governmental organizations accredited to participate in the
Conference may designate representatives to participate as observers in the
Conference, any Committee and any committee or working group on questions within
the scope of their activities.
2. Upon the invitation of the presiding officer of the body concerned and
subject to the approval of that body, such observers may make oral statements on
questions in which they have special competence. If the number of requests to
speak is too large, the non-governmental organizations shall be requested to
form themselves into constituencies, such constituencies to speak through
spokespersons.
Written statements (Rule 67):
Written statements submitted by the designated representatives referred to
in rules 59 to 65 shall be distributed by the secretariat to all delegations in
the quantities and in the language in which the statements are made available to
it at the site of the Conference, provided that a statement submitted on behalf
of a non-governmental organization is related to the work of the Conference and
is on a subject in which it has a special competence.
The General Assembly endorsed (A/RES/54/154), in
December 2000 that interested NGOs could attend the Preparatory Committee and
the Conference as observers. Among other actors, NGOs were requested to assist
the Preparatory Committee to review and make recommendations concerning the
conference and its preparations:
30. Decides that the World Conference and the sessions of the Preparatory
Committee should be open to the participation of: (g) Interested
non-governmental organizations, which shall be represented by observers in
accordance with Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31 of 25 July 1996;
37. Requests Governments, the specialized agencies, other international
organizations, concerned United Nations bodies, regional organizations,
non-governmental organizations, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination, the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on
contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance, the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the
human rights of migrants and other human rights mechanisms to assist the
Preparatory Committee and to undertake reviews and submit recommendations
concerning the World Conference and the preparations therefore to the
Preparatory Committee, through the Secretary-General, and to participate
actively in the Conference. (A/RES/54/154)
The Commission on Human Rights, in April 2001 welcomed (E/CN.4/RES/2001/5) the decision of
NGOs to hold a forum before and partly during the Conference. Local NGOs and
national parliaments were encouraged to participate:
56. Welcomes the decision of non-governmental organizations, in
consultation with the High Commissioner, to hold a forum before and partly
during the World Conference, and requests the High Commissioner, insofar as
possible, to provide them with technical assistance for that purpose;
59. Invites Governments to promote the participation of national
institutions and local non-governmental organizations in the preparations for
and the process of the World Conference and to organize debates in national
parliaments on the objectives of the World Conference;
60. Encourages all parliaments to participate actively in the preparation
of the World Conference and requests the High Commissioner to explore ways and
means of effectively involving parliaments through the relevant international
organizations. (E/CN.4/RES/2001/5)
Several NGOs made oral statements and distributed documents at the
Preparatory Committee. NGOs participated actively also at the regional level
preparations. 11.4 Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings
12. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE FINANCING
FOR DEVELOPMENT First Quarter of 2002, Mexico
Summary
Accreditation: At the resumed
fifty-second session, the Second Committee organized a meeting to seek views of
the Member States on the preparatory process. During the meeting, several Member
States considered civil society, including NGOs and the private sector among key
actors in the process.
The General Assembly decided (A/RES/53/173) to
establish the Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group to elaborate the agenda, scope and
form of the high level event. The Working Group held two dialogue events with
the NGO community. In its report, the Working Group recommended an inclusive
preparatory process, which would include all stakeholders. The General Assembly
requested (A/RES/54/196) the
Preparatory Committee to consider innovative ways to involve all relevant
actors. The GA also requested the Secretary-General and the Bureau to continue
consultations with all the stakeholders and propose modalities for their
participation. As requested, the secretariat continued consultation through an
online questionnaire and informal consultation for NGOs.
At its organizational session, the Preparatory Committee decided to invite
NGOs in consultative status with the ECOSOC without further screening, by
expressing their interest to the secretariat. Other NGOs and the private sector
were able to apply through the Bureau. The Committee requested the Bureau to
make proposals on the participation of the private sector.
At its first session, the Preparatory Committee decided to extend the
accreditation process for NGOs and the private sector beyond the original date.
Accreditation was a continuous process (there is not yet a final number of
accredited civil society actors).
Modalities: As requested by the General Assembly (A/RES/54/196), at
its organizational session, the Preparatory Committee proposed three types of
modalities to engage the civil society in the process. The accredited NGOs could
attend the meetings and distribute written statements at the Committee. The
Preparatory Committee would seek policy proposals and comments on documents
through web-site consultations. The Committee decided also to organize two sets
of hearings for civil society.
At its third session, in May 2001, the Bureau reported on the outcome of its
meetings with NGOs in Geneva. The Preparatory Committee considered modalities
for business sector participation on the basis of the interim report of the
special taskforce.
At the same session, the Preparatory Committee requested the Bureau to select
topics for technical background notes. The Bureau was to prepare notes during
summer months, in consultations with the major institutional stakeholders, as
well as experts from civil society and the business community. The Committee
also encouraged implementing concrete initiatives, such as expert panels and
roundtables and to have the outcomes of these efforts reported to the next
session. Stakeholders organizing policy events, related to the process, were
invited to inform the secretariat.
At the same session, the Committee also requested the secretariat to advise,
assist and monitor a programme of work with the business sector organizations,
and put in place a procedure for the participation of individual firms in the
preparatory process. The General Assembly adopted a resolution on these
arrangements in June 2001. In the resolution, Member States welcome the
preparatory activities carried out so far, including the substantive interactive
dialogue and contribution of all stakeholders. Member States also requested the
coordinating secretariat in full consultation with the bureau to advise, assist
and monitor a program of work developed with the business sector. This program
of work was called to include workshops, seminars, round-tables, forums and
other forms of input. The secretariat was invited to bring the outcome of this
programme to the attention of preparatory committee
The resolution further decided on modalities of the participation of the
business sector. Those business sector entities in consultative status with
ECOSOC were to participate according to the existing rules. The ones without
consultative status could participate for accreditation in a similar manner as
NGOs. Their accreditation was to be decided on the non-objection basis.
According to the resolution, the other modalities, including arrangements for
roundtables were to be decided during the resumed third session of the
Preparatory Committee. Business sector activities at the national and regional
levels were also encouraged. In addition, the resolution decided that NGOs and
the business sector shall participate in the Conference.
12.1 Introduction
The General Assembly took a decision during several sessions (A/RES/46/205, A/RES/48/187, A/RES/50/93, A/RES/52/179, A/RES/53/173) to
consider convening an international conference on financing for development. In
December 1997, the General Assembly decided (A/RES/52/179) to convene a resumed
fifty-second session to collect views from the Member States on the key elements
to be discussed and on the inputs required form the all the stakeholders.
At the resumed session, in March 1998, the Second Committee organized a
meeting to provide the Member States with an opportunity to give their initial
views on topics that should be addressed in the preparatory process. They also
suggested key groups of stakeholders that they wished the Secretariat to contact
on their behalf to obtain ideas, research studies and other inputs that could
benefit the preparatory process. Civil society, including NGOs and the private
sector were considered as one of key actors in the process by several Member
States (A/52/840).
During the spring/summer of 1998, the Bureau of the Second Committee hosted a
series of informal briefings for Member States, secretariat, media, and NGOs.
These informal briefings provided an opportunity to examine a number of issues
relating to financing for development.
In the fall of 1998, the delegations in the Second Committee held an open
debate on the establishment of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group. Subsequently
the General Assembly recalled the resolution 52/179 and decided (A/RES/53/173)
to establish the Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group to determine the agenda, form
and scope of the high level event. The task of the working group was to examine
all the inputs and report to the GA. The President of the General Assembly was
requested to make arrangements regarding the working group. The Bureau of the
Second Committee, with the assistance of the Secretariat, was requested to
organize appropriate briefings or panel discussions.
The Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group held its first session in December 1998
under the chairmanship of the President of the General Assembly. The
Vice-Chairpersons of Austria and India chaired the second session (9-11 February
1999), third session (4 May 1999) and fourth session (28 May 1999). The working
group held also two informal sessions (16-19 March 1999, 5-8 March 1999). The
major topics to be considered were identified in the Index Report (A/53/470).
Before the informal consultations took place, there were two public events.
On 15 March 1999, there was a panel consisting of two business leaders and two
NGO leaders. On the afternoon of 15 March 1999, the Vice-Chairpersons of the Ad
Hoc Working Group and delegations held an open dialogue with members of the
ECOSOC/NGO community on the forthcoming series of informal discussions.
The first set of informal sessions on the high-level event were held from 16
to 19 March 1999. A further panel discussion consisting of research institutions
was held on 1 April. The second set of informal discussions was held on 5-8 of
April 1999. On 30 April, a second dialogue with civil society was held.
The Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group provided a report (A/54/28), which
recommended that an inclusive and continuing preparatory process will increase
awareness and build international support and participation towards the success
of the international event:
20. c) Both the final event and the preparatory process should involve
participation by all relevant stakeholders, including interactive and other
innovative modalities for exchange of views. (A/54/28, chapter IV)
The General Assembly endorsed (A/RES/54/196), in
December 1999 the report of the Working Group and decided to convene a
high-level intergovernmental event, at least at the ministerial level on
financing for development. The Preparatory Committee was requested to consider
innovative ways and mechanisms to involve all relevant stakeholders in the
preparatory process and the event itself. The Secretary-General and the Bureau
of the Preparatory Committee were requested to continue consultations with all
the stakeholders and propose to the Committee modalities for various
stakeholders. The Secretary-General was also requested to establish a
secretariat for the financing for development under the authority of the
Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs:
4. Reiterates that, as identified in the report of the Working Group, both
the preparatory process and the high-level intergovernmental event should
involve the participation of all relevant stakeholders;
6. Also decides that the Preparatory Committee, at its resumed
organizational session, based on the results of consultations to be held with
all relevant stakeholders in a flexible manner, should consider innovative ways
and mechanisms to facilitate the active involvement of all relevant stakeholders
in both the preparatory process and the high-level intergovernmental event;
7. Requests the Secretary-General, in consultation with Member States and
in the context of paragraphs 20 and 21 of the report of the Working Group and
paragraphs 17 and 18 of Economic and Social Council resolution 1999/51, to
initiate as soon as possible preliminary consultations with all relevant
stakeholders, in particular the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and
the World Trade Organization, on the potential modalities for their
participation in both the substantive preparatory process and the high-level
intergovernmental event, and also requests the Secretary-General to provide the
results of those consultations to the Preparatory Committee for consideration at
the first part of its organizational session;
10. Requests the Bureau, inter alia, in the context of paragraphs 20 and
21 of the report of the Working Group and paragraphs 17 and 18 of Economic and
Social Council resolution 1999/51 and with the further assistance of the
Secretary-General, to continue consultations with all relevant stakeholders on
the modalities for their participation, including the possibility of creating a
joint task force, in both the substantive preparatory process and the high-level
intergovernmental event, and also requests the Bureau to submit proposals to the
Preparatory Committee at its resumed organizational session on the modalities of
participation of all relevant stakeholders;
11. Decides that the resumed organizational session of the Preparatory
Committee should be held as soon as possible and no later than March 2000, and,
on the basis of the report of the Working Group and the proposals on modalities
to be submitted by the Bureau, and taking into account the outcome of the
consultations of the Secretary-General, will consider the following questions:
(f ) Modalities for the participation of other stakeholders, notably
non-governmental organizations and the private sector, in both the preparatory
process and the high-level intergovernmental event;
14. Calls upon the relevant entities of the United Nations system,
including the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the
regional commissions, as well as the regional development banks and all other
relevant stakeholders, to provide inputs for consideration during the
preparatory process. (A/RES/54/196)
As requested, the Secretary-General provided the organizational session of
the Preparatory Committee, in January 2000 with a report (A/AC.257/1) containing
consultations on modalities for participation of all relevant stakeholders in
the preparatory process and the event itself. In his report, the
Secretary-General recognized that the secretariat had already contacted several
stakeholders and invited them to make comments and suggestions on their
participation. Besides panels and informal meetings held previously, the views
of partners were invited through letters and an online questionnaire of the
Financing for Development web site. In January 2000, there were also preliminary
consultations with NGOs in New York. The report stressed different traditions
and practices of various stakeholders. The Bureau and the Preparatory Committee
were invited to consider means to involve all different stakeholders, such as
NGO's, the private sector, academia, foundations, trade unions and religious
organizations to engage with the United Nations. Therefore, the Bureau and the
Preparatory Committee need to consider further, how to involve various
stakeholders in the process. However, the consultations proved a wide
willingness of stakeholders to participate in the process:
20. Each of these communities of stakeholders has different traditions and
practices regarding their engagement with the United Nations, a different
potential contribution regarding the financing for development process and
different priorities within the proposed scope and agenda of the final event.
The Bureau and the Preparatory Committee will need to consider further how its
wishes to engage each of these different stakeholder groups in the process and
how to undertake its consultations on this matter.
III. Conclusion: 21. The initial consultations indicated a wide
willingness of stakeholders to participate in the financing for development
process. Time did not permit many stakeholders, however, to formulate specific
replies on the modalities of participation. Some stakeholders with specific
areas of interest were awaiting the outcome of ongoing discussions in the
preparatory process before proposing specific modalities for participation. All
consultations held on behalf of the Secretary-General were preliminary to those
of the Bureau of the Preparatory Committee on these matters. (A/AC.257/1)
12.2 Accreditation for civil society
The General Assembly requested the Bureau of the Preparatory Committee was
requested by the General Assembly resolution 54/196 (see above) to consult all
relevant stakeholders on the modalities for their participation. The resolution
also requested the Bureau to provide proposals to the resumed organizational
session of the Preparatory Committee on the participation of all stakeholders.
However, due to the delay in the selection of the Bureau not all aspects of the
consultation process could be covered within this time frame.
The Bureau reported to the resumed organizational session, in March 2000,
that due to the delay in the selection of the Bureau not all aspects of the
consultation process had been covered within the proposed timeframe. The Bureau,
however, reported that it had already benefited from some consultations,
including the internet questionnaire, and was able to make recommendations on
the participation of civil society (A/AC.257/6).
The Bureau recommended participation of NGOs in consultative status with
the ECOSOC. Other NGOs and the private sector were to be able to apply for
accreditation through the secretariat. The applications of NGOs needed to
include information on their relevance and competence on the issues before the
event. The Bureau was to decide on a no-objection basis upon the accreditation
and inform the Preparatory Committee:
16. Participation would be open to NGOs currently in consultative status
with the Economic and Social Council. Other NGOs and business sector entities
would be welcome to apply to the Preparatory Committee for consultative status.
[ largely copied from E/CN.6/2000/PC/L.4 for Beijing +5.] Applications for
accreditation should be submitted by 1 January 2001 to a committee composed of
the Bureau of the Preparatory Committee and the Coordinating Secretariat and
should contain, in the case of NGOs, the following information:
1. The purpose of the organisation; 2. Information identifying the
programmes and activities of the organisation in areas relevant to the subject
of the high-level event and indicating in which country or countries they are
carried out; 3. Confirmation of the activities of the organisation at the
national, regional or international levels; 4. Copies of annual or other
reports of the organisation, with financial statements and a list of financial
sources and contributions, including governmental contributions; 5. A list
of the members of the governing body of the organisation and their countries of
nationality; 6. A description of the membership of the organisation,
indicating the total number of members, the names of organisations that are
members and their geographical distribution; and 7. A copy of the
constitution and/or by-laws of the organisation. The Bureau would decide on
a no-objection basis regarding accreditation of these NGOs and inform the
Preparatory Committee. The Coordinating Secretariat will disseminate widely to
the community of NGOs all available information on accreditation procedures.
(A/AC.257/6)
Based on the proposals of the Bureau, the Preparatory Committee adopted a
draft resolution concerning preparations for the substantive preparatory process
and the high-level international event. According to the draft resolution, the
Bureau needed to submit to the Preparatory Committee the lists of NGOs, which
are applying for accreditation. The Committee also requested the Bureau to make
proposals and recommendations on the participation of the business sector:
2. Approves: (e) The recommendations regarding the participation of
non-governmental organizations and the business sector, as contained in
paragraphs 14 to 19 of the report, and requests the Bureau to submit to the
Preparatory Committee for its approval the applications for accreditation of
those non-governmental organizations which do not already have consultative
status with the Economic and Social Council;
4. Also requests the Bureau to continue consultations intensively with the
institutional stakeholders indicated in paragraph 11 (e) (i) of General Assembly
resolution 54/196 of 22 December 1999 on modalities of their participation and
to report to the Preparatory Committee as soon as possible with proposals and
recommendations thereon, as well as possible proposals and recommendations for
additional modalities of the participation of the private sector. (A/RES/54/279)
At the second report of the Bureau (A/AC.257/8), prepared for the May resumed
organizational session, the Bureau stated that the applications of NGOs will be
brought to the Preparatory Committee, when the secretariat has received and
processed a sufficient number of them:
12. As far as Non Governmental Organisations is concerned, the receipt of
registration applications of NGOs not already accredited to ECOSOC was begun on
3 April, following corresponding decisions taken by the Preparatory Committee at
its resumed organisational session of 31 March. These applications will be
referred to the membership of the Preparatory Committee by the Bureau once a
sufficient number have been received and processed by the Coordinating
Secretariat. (A/AC.257/8)
At its first session, the Committee decided to extend the accreditation
process for NGOs and the private sector beyond the original date, 1 of January
2001:
Extension of the accreditation of non-governmental organizations (Decision
1/4): At its 12th meeting, on 16 November 2000, the Preparatory Committee
decided to extend the accreditation of non-governmental organizations and
business sector entities in the substantive preparatory process for the
high-level international intergovernmental event on financing for development
beyond 1 January 2001.
At its third session, in May 2001, the Preparatory Committee agreed
continuing to explore ways and means to deepen the efforts of all relevant
stakeholders at the regional level as well as within civil society in support of
the preparatory process. Interested NGOs, who were not currently accredited to
ECOSOC, were invited to submit their accreditation papers apply on-line by the
October 2001 session. Accreditation was a continuous process as follows:
1st resumed session: Accreditation for 18 NGOs was approved
(A/55/26, chapter VI, section B, decision 1/2 and 1/3) 2nd session:
Accreditation for 10 NGOs was approved (A/AC.257/10/Add. 2) 3rd
session: Accreditation for 13 NGOs was approved (A/AC.257/10/Add.3)
12.3 Modalities for participation of civil society
The General Assembly requested (A/RES/54/196) the
Bureau of the Preparatory Committee to consult relevant stakeholders and propose
modalities for their participation. Still further, the resolution requested the
Secretary-General to initiate as soon as possible consultations with all
relevant stakeholders.
At the resumed organizational session, in May 2000 the Bureau responded to
the request of the resolution 54/196 and proposed three types of modalities for
participation of NGOs and the private sector: hearings, communications with the
secretariat and the meetings of the Preparatory Committee and the event itself.
First, accredited NGOs could attend the meetings and circulate written
statements. Second, the secretariat would arrange in consultation with the
Bureau of the Preparatory Committee two sets of hearings, each of two days
duration. The participants of hearings would include NGO community, academics,
and the private sector. In addition, the Preparatory Committee should welcome
initiatives by civil society to organize public discussions, where the members
of the Preparatory Committee could also be invited. Third, the Preparatory
Committee could seek policy proposals and comments on documents through
web-based consultations:
14. From the very start of the process of consideration of Financing for
Development, the General Assembly made clear its intention to fully involve all
relevant stakeholders. In addition to the official stakeholders noted above,
modalities are required for the appropriate involvement of other stakeholders,
notably non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the business sector. The
Bureau envisages three modalities of participation of non-official stakeholders:
in meetings of the Preparatory Committee and the high-level event; in hearings
and other forms of consultation and dialogue; and in communications with the
Secretariat.
15. Regarding the first modality, it is envisaged that NGOs could be
accredited to the Preparatory Committee and the high-level event and that as
such they would be welcome to attend formal meetings. Accredited NGOs would be
invited to submit written statements to the Preparatory Committee.
17. The proposed second modality of participation of non-official
stakeholders is for the Preparatory Committee to hold two sets of "hearings" in
the fourth quarter of 2000 in New York, each of two days duration, comprised of
morning and afternoon panel sessions. The FfD agenda would define the subjects
of the hearings and the Coordinating Secretariat, acting in consultation with
the Bureau, would invite individuals to participate. Participants would give
brief statements and engage in a dialogue with Committee members. They would be
selected from among NGO leaders, business leaders, academic and applied
researchers, foundation leaders and so on. The Coordinating Secretariat would
prepare a summary report of the hearings for the benefit of the Preparatory
Committee.
18. By the same token, the Preparatory Committee should welcome
initiatives by NGOs and other interested parties, including from the business
sector, to organize public discussions for informational and analytical purposes
in various venues to which members of the Preparatory Committee could be invited
to participate in their personal capacity, including at the time of the final
event.
19. The third modality of participation draws upon the technology of the
Internet and the growing practice of international institutions seeking comment
on policy proposals through "web-based consultations". Thus, the major documents
being considered by the Preparatory Committee might be placed on the FfD web
site for comment. Comments received could be edited and distributed to all
commentators in an iterative process. A summary of views could be provided to
the meetings of the Preparatory Committee, expected to take place in 2001.
20. Taking all the modalities together, the object would be to mobilise as
much of the talent, expertise and experience as can be reached in the world at
large in order to channel the very best ideas and proposals into the Financing
for Development process. (A/AC.257/6)
At its resumed organizational session, the Bureau informed the Committee that
the secretariat has already started to categorize and collect lists of different
type of private sector stakeholders in order to organize hearings later on the
same year. The Bureau also informed that it intends to consider other possible
means to engage the private sector in the process:
13. The Preparatory Committee also requested the Bureau to report on
possible proposals and recommendations for additional modalities for
participation of the private sector. The coordinating Secretariat has begun the
work of categorization and drawing up of lists of the different types of private
sector stakeholders with a view to organizing the "hearings" which are to take
place in the last quarter of this year. The Bureau intends to consider in due
course other possible modalities for participation and involvement of the
private sector in the Financing for Development process. (A/AC.257/8)
The Secretary-General also prepared a note on the preparations for the
substantive preparatory process and the high-level international event
(A/AC.257/9) for the consideration of the resumed organizational session. The
noted included detailed information on the civil society hearings, such as time
schedule and selection of participants:
Preparation for the hearings Hearings with non-governmental
organizations: 7. The Preparatory Committee accepted the Bureau's
recommendation to hold a set of "hearings" with representatives of
non-governmental organizations of two days' duration, consisting of morning and
afternoon sessions in panel format. Tentative dates for these are 6 and 7
November 2000. The specific subjects for these hearings will be drawn from the
financing for development agenda. It is expected that the participation will be
welcomed of accredited non-governmental organization representatives, from,
inter alia, the following broad categories: the academic and research community,
foundations, religious organizations, trade unions, the media and other
non-governmental organizations.
8. General participation in the financing for development process has been
opened, according to the decision of the Preparatory Committee, to
non-governmental organizations currently in consultative status with the
Economic and Social Council and other non-governmental organizations are welcome
to apply for ad hoc consultative status (see A/54/L.82, operative para. 2 (e)).
It is expected that the non-governmental organizations that participate in the
hearings will be drawn from one of these two categories.
9. The financing for development coordinating secretariat may also seek
the assistance of "organizing partners", from among the non-governmental
organization community, who can help in carrying out the preparatory and
logistic work for the hearings. (A draft list of non-governmental organizations
participants should be available by 1 October 2000).
10. Each session of the hearings will start with a 15-minute presentation
by each of the participants, followed by possible 10-minute reactions from
appointed delegation "commentators". The remaining time will be devoted to an
interactive dialogue between non-governmental organization participants and
governmental delegates, moderated by the Co-Chairmen of the Preparatory
Committee, without a previously fixed list of speakers. United Nations agencies
and intergovernmental organization representatives may also participate in the
discussion.
11. A Co-Chairman's general summary of the hearings will be prepared to
serve as an informal record of the key views expressed and proposals made in the
hearings, reflecting the nature of the debate as accurately as possible. This
summary will hopefully provide a useful reference for delegations in their
official deliberations.
Hearings with the business sector: 12. The Preparatory Committee also
decided, upon the recommendation of the Bureau, to hold a two-day set of
hearings with representatives of the business sector. Tentative dates for these
hearings are 11 and 12 December 2000 and they also will comprise morning and
afternoon sessions in panel format. The subject of the hearings would be defined
by the financing for development agenda and the chairman of the hearings would
prepare a summary of the views exchanged, similar to that for the
non-governmental organization hearings. This summary, besides being made
available to delegations, will be taken into account by the Secretariat in the
preparation of the documentation that will be presented to the future
substantive sessions of the Preparatory Committee.
13. The coordinating secretariat, in consultation with the Bureau, would
invite business representatives from the following broad categories to
participate in the hearings: private banks (including investment banks,
commercial banks, savings institutions and savings and loan associations),
institutional investors (including pension funds, mutual funds, hedge funds,
micro-finance funds and venture capital companies), other market institutions
(including markets, supervisory bodies and credit rating agencies),
non-financial corporations, and business associations. Within each category,
efforts will be made so that the "leading" institutions are selected to receive
an invitation to the hearings, but other important criteria will also be taken
into consideration, such as, for example, an adequate representation of business
entities from developing countries.
14. Apart from the two-day set of hearings in December, the Preparatory
Committee and the Bureau may also consider additional modalities of engaging
with the private sector. For example, they could encourage private initiatives
to organize public discussions on financing for development topics that could be
attended by members of the Bureau and the Preparatory Committee. Likewise, side
activities, involving the private sector (for example, panels, discussions)
could be organized in parallel to the final event and during the sessions in
2001 of the Preparatory Committee. (A/AC.257/9)
At the resumed organizational session, the Preparatory Committee also had
before it a conference room paper number one, which provided a summary of
relevant paragraphs concerning the civil society participation. The paper also
included some explanations by the secretariat on the concept of NGOs,
accreditation of the private sector representatives, and the format of the civil
society hearings. In addition, the secretariat stated that additional modalities
to involve the private sector may also be applied for representatives of NGOs
and civil society at large:
Additional explanations provided by the Coordinating Secretariat: At
the resumed organizational session held on 30th May 2000. the Executive
Coordinator addressed questions and comments posed by delegations on this
subject and explained that the term "NGOs" was being understood broadly, meaning
representatives of civil society in general. He also indicated that with
reference to the Business hearings, if the Preparatory Committee so wished, the
list of invitees will be brought by the Bureau to the attention of the
Preparatory Committee for its approval, in the same way as it will be done with
the NGOs hearings.
The Executive Coordinator said that the same additional modalities for
participation referred in paragraphs 14 of the Secretary-General note
(A/AC.257/8) that will be sought for the business sector, can also be applied,
if so desired by the Preparatory Committee, to representatives of NGOs and civil
society at large.
In addition, the Executive Coordinator clarified that the format of the
hearings was designed to allow for a question and answer period to follow the
initial presentations, and that it was in only this sense that the term
"interactive dialogue" used in the Secretary-General's note should be
understood. (A/AC.257/CRP.1)
At the resumed first session, in May-June 2000, the Preparatory Committee
took note of the list of panelists for both civil society (24 participants) and
business sector hearings (18 participants). The Committee also took note of the
list of representatives of NGOs (11 participants) seeking to participate in
hearings as observers. In addition, the Committee adopted a decision, where it
recognized the hearings organized for the civil society and upcoming hearings
for the private sector:
The General Assembly: e) Welcomes the hearings held with the civil
society, to support the financing for development process, looks forward to the
contribution of the upcoming hearings with the private sector and encourages the
deepening of these efforts in support of the financing for development
preparatory process and the high-level international intergovernmental event,
within the framework of its substantive agenda. (A/55/26)
The report on the civil society hearings, on 6 and 7 November 2000
(A/AC.257/18.pdf) and the report on the business community hearings, on 11 and
12 December 2000 (A/AC.257/19.pdf) , as well as the statements made at the
hearings were placed at the website.
At its second session, in February 2001, the Preparatory Committee adopted a
draft resolution, where Governments and other relevant stakeholders, including
civil society and the business sector at the regional level, were encouraged to
design concrete initiatives within the process. The Bureau was again requested
to explore and propose ways and means to engage civil society and business
sector:
Encouraging Governments and all other relevant stakeholders to
continue considering concrete initiatives in support of the financing for
development preparatory process and the high-level international
intergovernmental event, within the framework of its substantive agenda,
Further encouraging the deepening of the efforts of all relevant
stakeholders, including at the regional level, as well as by civil society and
the business sector, in support of the financing for development preparatory
process and the high-level international intergovernmental event, within the
framework of its substantive agenda,
7. Further requests the Bureau to explore ways and means to deepen the
efforts of all relevant stakeholders, including at the regional level, as well
as by civil society and the business sector, in support of the financing for
development preparatory process, within the framework of its substantive agenda,
and to submit proposals for consideration and decision by the Preparatory
Committee. (A/55/L.77)
At its third session, in May 2001, the Bureau
reported on the outcome of its meetings with NGOs in Geneva. Several NGO
representatives had emphasized the need to strengthen the opportunities for
civil society to contribute to the consultative process. In addition, the
secretariat had reviewed a number of high-level policy statements from Heads of
State and Government, civil society and business community and indexed those to
the agreed agenda. Governments and other users were encouraged to forward to the
secretariat any additional statements that should be included in the
database.
The Preparatory Committee considered modalities for business
sector participation on the basis of the interim report of the special
taskforce:
18. As indicated in the taskforce report, in order to engage the business
sector in such a substantive manner, certain issues need to be addressed,
including the substantive topics requiring business sector perspectives, the
methods of identifying and approaching relevant representatives of the business
community, the appropriate modalities for engagement, and the next practical
steps forward.
19. Companies with significant business interests, and those considering
investments, in developing countries (both multinationals and local companies,
including small and medium sized enterprises) could be considered for
engagement. The need to ensure geographical distribution as well as a gender
perspective should be kept in mind so as to provide a diversity of perspectives.
Where individuals from the business sector are invited to participate in round
tables, workshops and panels, they should have hands-on expertise of the
relevant issues - though they need not necessarily be the heads
or chairpersons of companies, but rather professionals who are both
influential and senior and able to provide an innovative input into our
substantive deliberations.
20. Given the heterogeneity of the business sector and the difficulties
involved in identifying the best representatives to engage with, it is useful to
have appropriate interlocutors representative of different segments of the
business community. Following this approach, suggested in the taskforce report,
the Bureau has extended invitations to a first set of interlocutors (including
representatives of international labour groupings) to participate in an informal
dialogue with members of the Preparatory Committee on 2 May 2001, from 2 to 4
pm.
21. It seems that, based on previous experience, holding focused and
interactive round table sessions, workshops and seminars (including those that
bring together people from different backgrounds - business sector, civil
society, academia and governments) offer a useful modality for engagement with
the business community. Round tables could be held during inter-sessional
periods as well as during the International Conference itself.
22. Panels, though less intensive than round table meetings and workshops,
could also be appropriate as a forum, especially for presenting important
business-community findings and ideas. Furthermore, entities like the World
Economic Forum or the International Chamber of Commerce, from their internal
deliberations, could produce papers containing their contributions on
substantive issues (if required, these could then be presented at a panel).
Similarly, surveys on business sector opinions conducted by the above
interlocutors could be supplied to the Preparatory Committee and become an
important substantive contribution.
23. The World Economic Forum and other such bodies should be encouraged to
use their processes to generate outcomes related to substantive issues
identified by the Preparatory Committee. During its visit to Geneva, the Bureau
paid a visit to the headquarters of the W.E.F. and had a very fruitful meeting
with its Director for Global Issues and other senior members of its Managing
Board. The idea was raised, inter alia, of including Financing for Development
as one of the agenda items for the 2002 annual Forum meeting in Davos.
24. Some business organizations, including the International Chamber of
Commerce, have mentioned the possibility of organizing a meeting of business
leaders from around the world that could take place in conjunction with the
International Conference in Mexico next year. This idea should be further
developed, in collaboration with the host country. Likewise, other
business-sector organizations, including bodies linked with national U.N.
Associations, have offered to help in the organization of workshops, seminars
and side events during the remainder of the preparatory process.
25. The Bureau thus recommends that the Preparatory Committee, with the
support of the Coordinating Secretariat, follow-up on the interaction with
interlocutors scheduled for 2 May with respect to the engagement of the private
sector with the Preparatory Committee and the International Conference. This
follow-up should lead inter alia to the formulation of a work program from May
to the date of the International Conference that may include round tables,
workshops, seminars and panels as indicated above.
26. With regard to accreditation modalities, the Bureau notes that the
Preparatory Committee has already decided that the procedure for ad-hoc
accreditation of business associations is the same as for non-ECOSOC accredited
non-governmental organizations.
27. As far as individual companies, on the basis of the issues to be
discussed and keeping in mind the need for balanced representation, the Bureau
might propose to the Prep Com to invite individual businesses enterprises that
express an interest to participate as observers in the FfD preparatory process.
Once the detailed format of the Conference is decided, the Preparatory Committee
may also wish to make recommendations on possible modalities for the attendance
of individual corporate officials in the International Conference itself.
(A/AC.257/22).
At the same session, the Preparatory Committee requested the Bureau to select
topics for technical background notes. The Bureau was to prepare notes during
summer months, in consultations with the major institutional stakeholders, as
well as experts from civil society and the business community. The Committee
also encouraged implementing concrete initiatives, such as expert panels and
roundtables and to have the outcomes of these efforts reported to the next
session. Stakeholders organizing policy events, related to the process, were
invited to inform the secretariat.
At the same session, the Committee
also requested the secretariat to advise, assist and monitor a programme of work
with the business sector organizations, and put in place a procedure for the
participation of individual firms in the preparatory process. The General
Assembly adopted a resolution on these arrangements in June 2001. In the
resolution, Member States welcome the preparatory activities carried out so far,
including the substantive interactive dialogue and contribution of all
stakeholders. Member States also requested the coordinating secretariat in full
consultation with the bureau to advise, assist and monitor a program of work
developed with the business sector. This program of work was called to include
workshops, seminars, round-tables, forums and other forms of input. The
secretariat was invited to bring the outcome of this programme to the attention
of preparatory committee:
Encouraging Governments and all other
relevant stakeholders to continue considering concrete initiatives in support of
the financing for development preparatory process and the International
Conference on Financing for Development, within the framework of its substantive
agenda;
Further encouraging the deepening of efforts of all relevant
stakeholders, including at the regional level as well as by the civil society
and the business sector, in support of the financing for development preparatory
process and the International Conference on Financing for Development within the
framework of its substantive agenda;
Recalling the holistic nature of
the financing for development preparatory process and the need to take into
account other ongoing processes of relevance to the substantive agenda for the
financing for development process.
2. Stresses the importance of
effective preparations for the International Conference on Financing for
Development, and welcomes the preparatory activities carried out so far,
including the substantive interactive dialogue and contribution of all
stakeholders held during the third Session of the Preparatory
Committee;
8. Encourages Governments as well as all relevant
stakeholders, including the World Bank, the IMF and the WTO, the UNCTAD, the
UNDP, the regional development banks and all other relevant regional bodies, to
continue considering concrete initiatives in support of the financing for
development preparatory process and the International Conference on Financing
for Development, within the framework of its substantive agenda, including
through the organization of expert panels and roundtables, and in this regard
requests the Coordinating Secretariat to bring information on this work to the
attention of the Preparatory Committee at its resumed third substantive session.
9. Reaffirms the importance to continue strengthening ways and means to
deepening the efforts of all relevant stakeholders, including at the regional
level as well as by the civil society and the business sector, in support of the
financing for development preparatory process and the International Conference
on Financing for Development within the framework of its substantive agenda, and
in this regard, having considered the report "Engaging with the business
community" and the proposals contained therein (letter 21 March 2001 from the
co-chairs) and on that basis.
a) Express its satisfaction with the
informal discussion carried out with business sector interlocutors on 2 May
2001, and in this context, requests the coordinating secretariat in full
consultation with the bureau to advise, assist and monitor a program of work
developed with the business sector that draws on its perspectives relevant to
the substantive agenda items. This program of work may run from May 2001 to the
conference and may include workshops, seminars, round-tables, forums and other
forms of input. The secretariat should bring the outcomes to the attention of
preparatory committee.
The resolution further decided on modalities
of the participation of the business sector. Those business sector entities in
consultative status with ECOSOC were to participate according to the existing
rules. The ones without consultative status could participate for accreditation
in a similar manner as NGOs. Their accreditation was to be decided on the
non-objection basis:
b) Decides to invite the participation of
business sector entities as follows:
1.- Business sector entities in
consultative status with ECOSOC will participate according to the existing
rules,
2.- Business sector entities not having consultative status with
ECOSOC will be accredited on an ad hoc basis in a similar manner as
non-governmental organizations (3), using the following procedure: They shall
provide the name and information about the company or organization such as
annual reports and business prospectus to the coordinating secretariat which
shall distribute the names and information of these entities to members of the
Preparatory Committee which will decide on a non-objection basis.
According to the resolution, the other modalities, including
arrangements for roundtables were to be decided during the resumed third session
of the Preparatory Committee. Business sector activities at the national and
regional levels were also encouraged. In addition, the resolution decided that
NGOs and the business sector shall participate in the Conference:
c)
Further decides that the modalities for their participation in the Conference
will be finalized when the format of the Conference will be decided by the
Preparatory Committee at the resumed session of the Third Preparatory
Committee.
d) Encourages other initiatives to involve the business sector
at national and regional levels and to inform the Preparatory Committee
thereof.
2. Further decides that the Conference shall also include the
participation of all relevant stakeholders, including the business sector and
civil society
13. Requests, in reference to paragraphs 11 and 12, that
the Bureau prepares a proposal for the consideration and decision of the session
of the Preparatory Committee, at its third resumed session, on the specific
format and rules of procedure of the Conference as well as possible roundtables
or other suitable arrangements for the various segments.
Index Report: A/53/470 Report of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group:
A/54/28 Report of the Secretary-General: A/AC.257/1
Org. session
February-March 2000 Resumed org. session 27-31 March 2000: A/AC.257/6
1st session 30 May and 2 June, 2000, New York: A/AC.257/8 Resumed 1st
session 16, 20, 27 November, New York: A/55/26 2nd session 12-23 February
2001, New York 3rd session 2-8 May 2001
13. SPECIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL
ASSEMBLY FOR THE OVERALL REVIEW AND APPRAISAL OF THE AGENDA
21 (EARTH SUMMIT + 5); 23-27 June 1997, New York
Summary
Accreditation: The Commission on Sustainable Development served as
a preparatory body. A number of NGOs were accredited to the Commission and no
additional accreditation process was initiated.
Modalities: The General Assembly recognized the important
contributions made by major groups, including NGOs, at the United Nations
Conference on Environment and Development and in the implementation of its
recommendations. The GA requested by the same resolution the President of the
General Assembly to propose arrangements for the participation of NGOs.
At its fifth session, in April 1997, the Commission on Sustainable
Development urged Governments, regional intergovernmental organizations, the
United Nations system and major groups identified in Agenda 21 to participate in
the preparatory process. A large number of non-governmental organizations in
consultative status with the Economic and Social Council or accredited to the
United Nations Conference on Environment and Development also attended the
session. During the preparatory process, the Commission organized
multi-stakeholder dialogues.
As requested by resolution A/RES/51/181, in April
1997, the President of the General Assembly proposed modalities for the
effective involvement of major groups in the special session. On the basis of
the mandate given by the GA and following consultations with Member States, the
President introduced a draft proposal (A/51/864, annex), which was orally
amended and adopted by the GA. According to the decision, the major groups as
identified in Agenda 21 and represented by NGOs in consultative status with
ECOSOC and on the roster were invited to participate in the special session. The
President of the General Assembly was invited to extend invitations. On the
basis of this decision, 12 representatives of nine major groups identified in
Agenda 21 made oral statements in the plenary meeting of the special session.
Preparatory Committee: Commission on Sustainable Development
Secretariat for NGO arrangements: Commission on Sustainable
Development
13.1 Introduction
The General Assembly endorsed (A/RES/47/190), in December
1992 the outcome documents of the United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development (UNCED) and decided to convene a special session for the purpose of
an overall review and appraisal of Agenda 21. The GA requested the
Secretary-General to submit to the General Assembly recommendations on the
format, scope and organizational aspects of such a special session. The GA
decided (A/RES/50/113),
in December 1995 further details on organizing a special session.
13.2 Accreditation and modalities for participation of non-governmental
organizations
The General Assembly stressed (A/RES/50/113), in December 1995 the need for
participation of NGOs and major groups in the preparatory process and the
special session itself:
11. Recognizes the important role played by major groups, including
non-governmental organizations, at the United Nations Conference on Environment
and Development and in the implementation of its recommendations, and recognizes
the need for their active involvement in preparations for the special session,
as well as the need to ensure appropriate arrangements for their contribution
during the special session. (A/RES/50/113)
The General Assembly recognized (A/RES/51/181), in December
1996 the important contributions made by major groups, including NGOs, at the
United Nations Conference on Environment and Development and in the
implementation of its recommendations. The GA requested by the same resolution
the President of the General Assembly to propose arrangements for the
participation of NGOs:
Recognizes the important contributions made by major groups, including
non-governmental organizations, at the United Nations Conference on Environment
and Development and in the implementation of its recommendations, and the need
for their effective participation in preparations for the special session, as
well as the need to ensure appropriate arrangements, taking into account the
practice and experience gained at the Conference, for their substantive
contributions to and active involvement in the preparatory meetings and the
special session, and in that context invites the President of the General
Assembly, in consultation with Member States, to propose to Member States
appropriate modalities for the effective involvement of major groups in the
special session;
10. Requests that other contributions to the special session, in addition
to those identified in its resolution 50/113, include submissions from relevant
bodies and organizations of the United Nations, including the Ad Hoc
Intergovernmental Panel on Forests of the Commission on Sustainable Development
and the Global Environmental Facility, information on the outcomes of United
Nations conferences held since the United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development, such as the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of
Small Island Developing States, regional and subregional conferences, summits
and other inter-sessional meetings on sustainable development organized by
countries, and information on the activities of relevant United Nations
conventions on the environment and development and the global freshwater
assessment, and that account be taken of the activities organized by major
groups, including business and industry and non-governmental organizations.
(A/RES/51/181)
At its fifth session, in April 1997, the Commission on Sustainable
Development urged Governments, regional intergovernmental organizations, the
United Nations system and major groups identified in Agenda 21 to participate in
the preparatory process. A large number of non-governmental organizations in
consultative status with the Economic and Social Council or accredited to the
United Nations Conference on Environment and Development also attended the
session:
5. Urges all Governments, regional intergovernmental bodies or similar
arrangements, relevant United Nations organizations, bodies and agencies of the
United Nations system and major groups identified in Agenda 21 to commence
preparations for the full review and comprehensive assessment of progress made
in the implementation of the Programme of Action since its adoption at
Bridgetown, Barbados, in 1994 by the Global Conference on the Sustainable
Development of Small Island Developing States. (E/1997/29-E/CN.17/1997/25)
The Commission on Sustainable Development served as a preparatory body. A
number of NGOs were accredited to the Commission and no additional accreditation
process was initiated. During the preparatory process, the Commission organized
multi-stakeholder dialogues.
As requested by resolution A/RES/51/181, in April 1997, the President of the
General Assembly proposed modalities for the effective involvement of major
groups in the special session. On the basis of the mandate given by the GA and
following consultations with Member States, the President introduced a draft
proposal (A/51/864, annex), which was orally amended and adopted by the GA.
According to the decision, the major groups as identified in Agenda 21 and
represented by NGOs in consultative status with ECOSOC and on the roster were
invited to participate in the special session. The President of the General
Assembly was invited to extend invitations:
Participation of major groups, including non-governmental organizations,
in the nineteenth special session of the General Assembly: The General
Assembly, recalling its resolution 51/181 of 16 December 1996, in which it
recognized, inter alia, the important contributions made by major groups,
including non-governmental organizations, at the United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development, held at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 3 to 14 June
1992, and in the implementation of its recommendations, and recalling also that
in the same resolution it invited the President of the General Assembly, in
consultation with Member States, to propose to Member States appropriate
modalities for the effective involvement of major groups in the nineteenth
special session of the General Assembly:
(a) Decides that major groups, as identified in Agenda 21and represented
by non-governmental organizations with consultative status with ECOSOC and on
the roster, will be invited to participate in the plenary meeting of the
nineteenth special session of the General Assembly in the debate on an overall
review and appraisal of the implementation of Agenda 21; (b) Decides also
that representatives of such major groups, who cannot be accommodated in the
debate on an overall review and appraisal of the implementation of Agenda 21 in
the plenary meeting of the nineteenth special session may be invited to address
the Ad Hoc Committee of the Whole of the special session; (c) Invites the
President of the General Assembly to extend invitations to representatives of
such major groups, to participate in the nineteenth special session of the
General Assembly; (d) Decides that arrangements concerning the
participation of representatives of such major groups, in the nineteenth special
session of the General Assembly will in no way create a precedent for other
special sessions of the Assembly.
On the basis of this decision, 12 representatives of nine major groups
identified in Agenda 21 made oral statements in the plenary meeting of the
special session.
Ad Hoc Open-ended Inter-sessional Working Group 24 Feb.-7Mar. 1997, New
York Commission on Sustainable Development, 5th session 7-25 April 1997, New
York (E/1997/29-E/CN.17/1997/25)
14. THE SPECIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL
ASSEMBLY ON THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON POPULATION AND
DEVELOPMENT (ICPD + 5) New York, 30 June - 2 July 1999
Summary
Accreditation: At its first session, the Preparatory Committee
decided to invite all NGOs in consultative status with the ECOSOC to participate
in the special session without further screening, by expressing their interest
to participate. The invitation was extended also to those NGOs, which had been
already once accredited to the International Conference on Population and
Development and/or to the Preparatory Committee of the special session. No
further screening was required from these NGOs. Other interested NGOs, including
those who had applied for consultative status with the ECOSOC were invited to
participate, by sending an application. These applications needed to include
information on their relevance and competence on population and development
issues. Applications were first evaluated by the committee composing of the
secretariat and the Bureau of the Preparatory Committee. This committee
recommended lists of NGOs to the Preparatory Committee.
At its resumed session, the Preparatory Committee approved by consensus the
accreditation of 24 NGOs to the special session.
Modalities: At its first session, the Preparatory Committee
adopted modalities for the participation of NGOs. According to the decision, a
limited number of NGOs were able to make statements in the debate in the plenary
of the special session. The President of the General Assembly was requested to
ensure such participation on an equal and transparent basis. All representatives
of NGOs were able to make statements in the Ad Hoc Committee of the Whole.
Other characteristics: As part of the preparatory process, the United
Nations Population Fund organized a number of round table and technical
meetings, including the Hague Forum in The Netherlands, from 8-12 February 1999
for representatives of Member States, the United Nations system, and civil
society.
The Hague Forum was preceded by the Parliamentarians' Forum (4-6 February)
and the Youth and NGO Forum (6-7 February). The Hague Forum's outcome and
conclusions contributed to the Report of the Secretary-General for the Special
Session.
The United Nations Population Fund also organized a NGO Forum in order to
elicit and ensure an adequate consultation with NGOs and civil society
organizations. The final report of the Forum, entitled "Partnership with Civil
Society", is accessible electronically through the website
(http://www.unfpa.org).
Preparatory Committee: Commission on Population and Development
Secretariat for NGO arrangements: Commission on Population and
Development.
14.1 Introduction
The Economic and Social Council made a recommendation (1997/42) to the
General Assembly, in 1997 to consider convening a special session to review and
appraise the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population
and Development. The General Assembly decided (A/RES/52/188), in
December 1997 to convene a special session at the highest possible level of
participation. The GA also decided that the Commission on Population and
Development will serve as a preparatory body for the special session, reporting
through the Economic and Social Council.
14.2 Accreditation for non-governmental organizations
The General Assembly stressed (A/RES/52/188), in December 1997 the need for
effective participation of civil society, particularly NGOs in the preparatory
process and the special session itself. The President of the General Assembly
was invited to propose to Member States appropriate modalities:
Recognizing the important contributions made by actors of civil society,
particularly non-governmental organizations, to the Conference, its follow-up
and the implementation of its Programme of Action;
11. Stresses the need for the effective participation of actors of civil
society, particularly non-governmental organizations, in preparation for the
special session, as well as the need to ensure appropriate arrangements, taking
into account the practice and experience gained at the International Conference
on Population and Development, for their substantive contributions to and active
involvement in the preparatory meetings and the special session, and in that
context invites the President of the General Assembly, in consultation with
Member States, to propose to Member States appropriate modalities for their
effective involvement in the special session. (A/RES/52/188)
The Commission on Population and Development, acting as the Preparatory
Committee for the special session held its first session of the Preparatory
Committee in March-April 1999. The Committee orally revisited and adopted a
draft decision (E/CN.9/1999/PC/L.2) entitled "Arrangements for the accreditation
of non-governmental organizations at the twenty-first special session of the
General Assembly". According to the decision, NGOs in consultative status with
the ECOSOC were invited to participate in the special session without further
screening, through expressing their interest to the secretariat. The invitation
was extended also to those NGOs, which had been already once accredited to the
International Conference on Population and Development and/or to the Preparatory
Committee of the special session. No further screening was required from these
NGOs. Other interested NGOs, including those who had applied for consultative
status with the ECOSOC were invited to participate, by sending an application.
These applications needed to include information on their relevance and
competence on population and development issues. Applications were first
evaluated by the committee composing of the secretariat and the Bureau of the
Preparatory Committee. This committee recommended lists of NGOs to the
Preparatory Committee:
Arrangements for the accreditation of non-governmental organizations at
the twenty-first special session of the General Assembly (decision
1999/PC/1):
At its 6th meeting, on 1 April 1999, the Commission on
Population and Development acting at its thirty-second session as preparatory
committee for the twenty-first special session of the General Assembly for the
review and appraisal of the implementation of the Programme of Action of the
International Conference on Population and Development noting that 2 pursuant to
Assembly resolutions 52/188 of 18 December 1997, and 53/183 of 15 December 1998,
the President of the Assembly was invited, in consultation with Member States to
propose appropriate modalities for the effective involvement of non-governmental
organizations in the special session: (a) Decided to invite to the
twenty-first special session of the General Assembly: (i) Non-governmental
organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council;
(ii) Non-governmental organizations already accredited to the International
Conference on Population and Development and/or the Preparatory Committee for
the twenty-first special session of the General Assembly; (b)
Also decided that the accreditation of other interested non-governmental
organizations including those that have applied for consultative status with the
Economic and Social Council should be examined by a committee composed of the
Bureau of the preparatory committee for the twenty-first special session of the
General Assembly and the Secretariat by 14 May 1999, which will make appropriate
recommendations to the preparatory committee at its resumed session for a
decision, provided that requests for accreditation are accompanied by
information on the organization's competence and relevance to the subject of the
special session and include the following information to be submitted by 30
April 1999: (i) The purpose of the organization; (ii) Information
identifying the programmes and activities of the organization in areas relevant
to the subject of the special session, and indicating in which country or
countries they are carried out; (iii) Confirmation of the activities of the
organization at the national, regional or international levels; (iv) Copies
of annual or other reports of the organization, with financial statements and a
list of financial sources and contributions, including governmental
contributions; (v) A list of the members of the governing body of the
organization and their countries of nationality; (vi) A description of the
membership of the organization, indicating the total number of members, the
names of organizations that are members and their geographical distribution;
(vii) A copy of the constitution and/or by-laws of the organization.
(A/S-21/2, chapter V, section B, decision 1999/PC/1)
At its resumed
session, in June 1999 the Committee approved by consensus the accreditation of
24 NGOs to the special session. (E/CN.9/1999/PC/6, A/S-21/2/Add.1, chapter V,
decision 1999/PC/3).
14.3 Modalities for non-governmental organizations
The Commission on Population and Development, acting as the Preparatory
Committee for the special session considered at its first session of the
Preparatory Committee in March-April 1999 the note by the Chairman
(E/CN.9/1999/PC/CRP.2) containing recommendations on a draft organizational
arrangements. The draft was orally revised on the basis of informal
consultations and adopted by the Committee. According to the decision, a limited
number of NGOs may make statements in the debate in the plenary of the special
session. The President of the General Assembly was requested to ensure such
participation on an equal and transparent basis. All representatives of NGOs may
make statements in the Ad Hoc Committee of the Whole:
16. Given availability of time and bearing in mind General Assembly
decision 51/467 of 18 April 1997, a limited number of non-governmental
organizations may also make statements in the debate in the plenary, subject to
the approval of the special session. The President of the Assembly is requested
to ensure such participation on an equal and transparent basis, taking into
account the diversity of non-governmental organizations.
18. Representatives of non-governmental organizations may make statements
in the Ad Hoc Committee of the Whole. (A/S-21/2, chapter V, section A, draft
decision II)
According to the decision, the Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly
should apply at the special session. Statements in the plenary of the special
session should be limited to seven minutes, except by the representatives of
NGOs to five minutes.
14.3 Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings
1st session 24 Mar.-1 Apr.1999, New York: A/S-21/2 (32nd session of the
Commission on Population and Development) Resumed 1st session 24-29 June 1999,
New York: A/S-21/2/Add.1-2
Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly Organizational arrangements:
A/S-21/2, chapter V, section A, draft decision II
15. SPECIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL
ASSEMBLY FOR THE REVIEW AND APPRAISAL OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAMME OF
ACTION FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING
STATES 27 - 28 September 1999, New York
Summary
Accreditation: The General Assembly invited
(A/RES/53/189)
the President of the General Assembly, in consultation with Member States to
propose to Member States appropriate modalities for the participation of NGOs.
At its first session, the Preparatory Committee decided to invite NGOs in
consultative status with the Economic and Social Council to the special session,
without further screening. Invitation was extended also to those NGOs, which had
been accredited to the Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small
Island Developing States. These NGOs could express their interest to participate
to the secretariat.
Modalities: At its first session, the Preparatory Committee adopted
a decision on organizational arrangements in the special session. According to
the decision, a limited number of NGOs could speak in the plenary of the special
session, at the approval of the President of the General Assembly. All NGOs were
able to speak in the Ad Hoc Committee of the Whole.
At the special
session, NGOs made three statements through spokespersons during the plenary
debate.
Preparatory Committee: Commission on Sustainable Development
Secretariat for NGO arrangements: Commission on Sustainable
Development
15.1 Introduction
At its nineteenth special session, the General Assembly decided (S-/19/2,
annex, para 71) to convene a special session to review and appraise the
implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of
Small Island Developing States. The GA later reaffirmed this decision (A/RES/51/183; A/RES/52/202; A/RES/53/189). The
Commission on Sustainable Development was to serve as a preparatory body for the
special session.
15.2 Accreditation for civil society
The General Assembly stressed (A/RES/53/189), in December 1998 the need for
effective participation of civil society, particularly NGOs in the preparatory
process and the special session itself. The President of the General Assembly
was invited, in consultation with Member States to propose to Member States
appropriate modalities for their involvement:
5. Welcomes the actions taken by Governments, regional commissions and
organizations, organizations of the United Nations system, intergovernmental
organizations and non-governmental organizations in support of activities
relating to the outcome of the Global Conference on the Sustainable Development
of Small Island Developing States;
8. Stresses the need for the effective participation of actors of civil
society, particularly non-governmental organizations, in preparation for the
special session, as well as the need to ensure appropriate arrangements, taking
into account the practice and experience gained at the Global Conference, for
their substantive contributions to and active involvement in the preparatory
meetings and the special session, and in that context invites the President of
the General Assembly, in consultation with Member States, to propose to Member
States appropriate modalities for their effective involvement in the special
session. (A/RES/53/189)
In April 1999, the Commission on Sustainable Development, acting as a
preparatory body for the special session considered the informal paper
containing arrangements for the accreditation of NGOs at the special session.
NGOs in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, as well as
NGOs already once accredited to the Global Conference on the Sustainable
Development of Small Island Developing States were invited to the special
session, without further screening. These NGOs could express their interest to
participate to the secretariat:
Decision 1999/PC/1. Arrangements for
the accreditation of non-governmental organizations at the special session of
the General Assembly for the review and appraisal of the implementation of the
Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing
States.
The Commission on Sustainable Development acting as preparatory
body for the special session of the General Assembly for the review and
appraisal of the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable
Development of Small Island Developing States, decides to invite to the special
session: (a) Non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the
Economic and Social Council; (b) Non-governmental organizations already
accredited to the Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small
Island Developing States. (A/S-22/2, chapter V, section B, decision 1999/PC/1)
At the same meeting, the Commission also took note of the letter of
the President of the General Assembly, which was contained in the conference
room paper (E/CN.17/1999/PC/CRP.2).
15.3 Modalities for participation
In April 1999, the Commission on Sustainable Development, acting as a
preparatory body for the special session considered the organizational
arrangements presented in the conference room paper (E/CN.17/1999/PC/CRP.1).
After general debate, the Committee adopted a draft proposal. A limited number
of NGOs were able to speak in the plenary of the special session, at the
approval of the President of the General Assembly. All NGOs were able to speak
in the Ad Hoc Committee of the Whole.
11. Observers may make statements in the debate in plenary meeting.
15. The President may invite a limited number of intergovernmental
organizations not covered under paragraph 11 above to make statements in the Ad
Hoc Committee of the Whole. 16. Given availability of time, a limited number
of non-governmental organizations designated by their constituencies may make
statement in the debate in plenary, subject to the approval of the President of
the General Assembly. 17. Representatives of non-governmental organizations
that cannot be accommodated in the plenary may make statements in the Ad Hoc
Committee of the Whole. 18. Representatives of non-governmental
organizations designated by their constituencies may make statements in the Ad
Hoc Committee of the Whole. (A/S-22/2, chapter V, section A, draft decision II)
According to the same decision, the rules of procedure of the General
Assembly were to apply at the special session.
15.4 Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings
1st session 23 + 30 Apr. 1999, New York: A/S-22/2 Resumed 1st session
9-10 Sept. 1999, New York: A/S-22/2/Add.1
Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly Organizational arrangements:
A/S-22/2, chapter V, section A, draft decision II
16. SPECIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL
ASSEMBLY WOMEN 2000; GENDER EQUALITY, DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE FOR THE TWENTY-FIRST
CENTURY (Beijing + 5) 5 - 9 June 2000, New York
Summary
Accreditation: The General Assembly invited (A/RES/52/100) the
Commission on the Status of Women, acting as a preparatory body to take
appropriate action on arrangements for the participation of NGOs in the review
process. By the same resolution, the GA also requested the Secretary-General to
provide a report on organizational arrangements. In his report, the
Secretary-General proposed that the Preparatory Commission should make
recommendations to the GA on the participation of NGOs. Accordingly, at its
first session, the Committee took a decision, where it emphasized the importance
of the participation of NGOs in the preparatory process and the special session
itself. The GA endorsed this decision (A/RES/52/231).
The GA further highlighted (A/RES/53/120) the
role of NGOs and invited the Commission to recommend appropriate arrangements
for the participation of NGOs. At its second session, the Commission decided
that NGOs in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, as well
as those accredited to the Fourth Conference on Women in Beijing could
participate in the special session. The General Assembly endorsed the decision
(A/RES/54/141; A/RES/54/142).
At its third session, the Commission reconsidered the accreditation for NGOs.
The Commission decided that all interested NGOs could apply until 5 of April
2000 through the committee composing of the secretariat and the Bureau of the
Preparatory Committee. Their applications needed to include information on their
competence and relevance on the topic of the special session. The committee was
requested to provide the list of NGOs for accreditation on 10 of April 2000. The
Preparatory Committee had one month, until 10 of May 2000 to decide on the
non-objection basis on accreditation. In addition, those NGOs whose application
for consultative status with ECOSOC has been rejected or whose consultative
status has been withdrawn or suspended could not be accredited.
Modalities: At its third session, in April 2000, the Committee took
a decision on the arrangements for NGOs at the special session. According to the
decision, NGOs could speak at the Ad Hoc Committee of the Whole. A limited
number of EOCOSOC/NGOs could speak at the plenary of the special session,
provided that their application was consultative status was not rejected or
their consultative status withdrawn or suspended. NGOs were requested to select
spokespersons who would make the plenary statements and provide the list to the
President of the General Assembly through the secretariat. The President of the
general Assembly was requested to circulate the list to the Member States and
ensure that the selection has been made on an equal and transparent manner. At
the same session, the Committee also decided upon the organizational
arrangements for the special session, where the speaking arrangements for NGOs
were confirmed.
Preparatory Committee: Commission on the Status of Women.
Preparatory Committee secretariat: Division for the Advancement of
Women.
Secretariat for NGO arrangements: UN/DESA/DAW
16.1 Introduction
The General Assembly decided (A/RES/52/100), in
December 1997 to convene a high level review to appraise and assess the progress
achieved in the implementation of the Nairobi Forward-looking Strategies for the
Advancement of Women and the Beijing Platform for Action. In the same
resolution, the GA also decided that the Commission on the Status of Women
should serve as the preparatory committee for the review. The GA invited the
Commission to report to the GA, through the Economic and Social Council, on the
preparatory process. The Secretary-General was requested to provide a report on
organizational arrangements and examine the possibility to convene a review as a
special session.
16.2 Accreditation for non-governmental organizations
The General Assembly invited (A/RES/52/100), in December 1997 the Commission
on the Status of Women to take appropriate action on arrangements for the
participation of NGOs in the review process:
46. Decides further that the Commission on the Status of Women shall serve
as the preparatory committee for the high-level review and as such will be open
to the participation of all States Members of the United Nations, members of the
specialized agencies and observers, in accordance with the established practice
of the General Assembly, and invites the Commission to take appropriate action
towards that end, including giving attention to appropriate arrangements for the
involvement and participation of non-governmental organizations in the review.
(A/RES/52/100)
In March 1998, the Commission on the Status of Women, acting as the
Preparatory Committee, held the first session of the Preparatory Committee. As
requested by the GA, the Committee considered arrangements for the special
session. As also requested by the GA, the Secretary-General prepared for a
meeting a report containing options and organizational arrangements for a
high-level plenary review (A/52/789). In his report, the Secretary-General
proposed that the Commission should make recommendations to the General Assembly
on the participation of NGOs in the review process:
34. In its resolution 52/100, the General Assembly also invited the
Commission to give attention to appropriate arrangements for the involvement and
participation of non-governmental organizations in the review. Based on
recommendations by the Commission at its forty-second session, the Assembly may
wish to consider the question of the participation in the review process of
non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the Economic and
Social Council and of other non-governmental organizations engaged in the
follow-up to the Fourth World Conference on Women. (A/52/789)
The secretariat drew attention to the report of the Secretary-General by the
note (E/CN.6/1998/10). On the basis of these documents and informal
consultations, the Committee adopted a draft text for a resolution
(E/CN.6/1998/L.11) entitled "Follow-up to the Fourth World Conference on Women
and full implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action"
(E/1998/27, chapter I, section D, decision 42/101). In June 1998, the General
Assembly endorsed the decision taken by the Committee. According to the
decision, NGOs needed to participate in the preparatory process and the special
session itself:
18. Emphasizes the important role of non-governmental organizations in
implementing the Platform for Action and the need for their active involvement
in preparations for the special session, as well as the need to ensure
appropriate arrangements for their contributions to the special session.
(A/RES/52/231)
The Economic and Social Council decided (E/RES/1998/2)
to recommend to the General Assembly that the high level review should be held
as a special session. The General Assembly decided accordingly (A/RES/52/231).
The General Assembly further highlighted (A/RES/53/120), in
December 1998 the role of NGOs and invited the Commission to recommend
appropriate arrangements for the participation of NGOs:
43. Emphasizes the important role of non-governmental organizations in
implementing the Platform for Action and the need for their active involvement
in the preparations for the special session, as well as the need to ensure
appropriate arrangements for their contributions to the special session;
45. Invites the Commission, meeting as the preparatory committee for the
special session, in March 1999, to recommend to the General Assembly appropriate
arrangements for the involvement and participation of non-governmental
organizations in the special session. (A/RES/53/120)
In March 1999, the Commission on the Status of Women, acting as the
Preparatory Committee, held the second session of the Preparatory Committee and
responded to the request of the General Assembly. The Commission adopted a draft
resolution and recommended it to the General Assembly. According to the
decision, NGOs in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, as
well as those accredited to the Fourth Conference on Women may participate in
the special session (see also the summary of the general debate in E/1999/60):
15. Emphasizes the important role of non-governmental organizations in
implementing the Platform for Action and the need for their active involvement
in the preparations for the special session, as well as the need to ensure
appropriate arrangements for their contributions to the special session;
16. Decides that non-governmental organizations in consultative status
with the Economic and Social Council, as well as the non-governmental
organizations that were accredited to the Fourth World Conference on Women, may
participate in the special session without creating a precedent for future
sessions of the General Assembly. (E/1999/60)
In December 1999, the General Assembly endorsed (A/RES/54/141; A/RES/54/142) the
decision to invite NGOs in consultative status with the Economic and Social
Council and those accredited to the Fourth Conference on Women to the special
session:
15. Reiterates the decision that non-governmental organizations in
consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, as well as the
non-governmental organizations that were accredited to the Fourth World
Conference on Women, may participate in the special session without creating a
precedent for future sessions of the General Assembly. (A/RES/54/141)
15. Emphasizes the important role of non-governmental organizations in
implementing the Platform for Action and the need for their active involvement
in the preparations for the special session as well as the need to ensure
appropriate arrangements for their contributions to the special session.
16. Decides that non-governmental organizations in consultative status
with the Economic and Social Council, as well as the non-governmental
organizations that were accredited to the Fourth World Conference on Women, may
participate in the special session without creating a precedent for future
sessions of the General Assembly. (A/RES/54/142)
In March-April 2000, the Commission on the Status of Women, acting as the
Preparatory Committee for the special session held its third session and adopted
a decision (E/CN.6/2000/PC/L.4), where the accreditation of NGOs was
reconsidered. According to the decision, all interested NGOs could apply until 5
of April 2000 through the committee composing of the secretariat and the Bureau
of the Preparatory Committee. Their applications needed to include information
on their competence and relevance on the topic of the special session. The
committee was requested to provide the list of NGOs for accreditation on 10 of
April 2000. The Preparatory Committee had one month, until 10 of May 2000 to
decide on the non-objection basis on accreditation. In addition, those NGOs
whose application for consultative status with ECOSOC had been rejected,
withdrawn or suspended could not be accredited:
Arrangements regarding accreditation of non-governmental organizations to
the special session of the General Assembly entitled "Women 2000: gender
equality, development and peace for the twenty-first century" (Draft decision
II):
The General Assembly, recalling its resolution 54/142 of 17 December
1999, Economic and Social Council resolution 1999/50 of 29 July 1999 and the
resolution adopted by the Commission on the Status of Women acting as the
preparatory committee for the special session of the General Assembly entitled
"Women 2000: gender equality, development and peace for the twenty-first
century" at its second session:
(a) Decides to reconsider the question
of accreditation of non-governmental organizations to the special session of the
General Assembly entitled "Women 2000: gender equality, development and peace
for the twenty-first century", which is contained in Assembly resolution 54/142;
(b) Also decides that those interested non-governmental organizations
that neither are in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council,
nor were accredited to the Fourth World Conference on Women and its preparatory
process, may participate in the special session, that these non-governmental
organizations should submit their application for accreditation to a committee
composed of the Bureau of the preparatory committee and the Secretariat by 5
April 2000, and that the application should contain the following information:
(i) The purpose of the organization; (ii) Information identifying the
programmes and activities of the organization in areas relevant to the subject
of the special session and indicating in which country or countries they are
carried out; (iii) Confirmation of the activities of the organization at the
national, regional or international levels; (iv) Copies of annual or other
reports of the organization, with financial statements and a list of financial
sources and contributions, including governmental contributions; (v) A list
of the members of the governing body of the organization and their countries of
nationality; (vi) A description of the membership of the organization,
indicating the total number of members, the names of organizations that are
members and their geographical distribution; (vii) A copy of the
constitution and/or by-laws of the organization; and further decides that the
Bureau of the preparatory committee should submit by 10 April 2000 to the
members of the preparatory committee a list of the non-governmental
organizations that submitted their applications, for approval, that the list
should contain information on each organization's competence and relevance to
the subject of the special session, and that members of the preparatory
committee will have until 10 May 2000 to decide on a no-objection basis
regarding accreditation of these non-governmental organizations; and further
decides that the Bureau of the preparatory committee should submit by 10 April
2000 to the members of the preparatory committee a list of the non-governmental
organizations that submitted their applications, for approval, that the list
should contain information on each organization´s competence and relevance to
the subject of the special session, and that members of the preparatory
committee will have until 10 May 2000 to decide on a no-objection basis
regarding accreditation of these non-governmental organizations;
(c) Decides that those non-governmental organizations whose
application for consultative status with the Economic and Social Council was
rejected or whose consultative status with the Council was withdrawn or
suspended shall not be accredited to the special session;
(d) Urges, in recognition of the importance of equitable geographical
participation of non- governmental organizations in the special session,
relevant United Nations bodies to assist those non-governmental organizations
that do not have resources, in particular non-governmental organizations from
developing countries and countries with economies in transition, in
participating in the special session;
(e) Requests the Secretary-General to disseminate widely to the community
of non-governmental organizations all available information on accreditation
procedures as well as information on supportive measures for participation in
the special session;
(f) Decides that the above arrangements concerning accreditation of
non-governmental organizations to the special session of the General Assembly
will in no way create a precedent for other special sessions of the Assembly.
(A/S-23/2, chapter V, section A)
16.3 Modalities for participation of non-governmental organizations
In March 1999, the Commission on the Status of Women, acting as the
Preparatory Committee, held the second session of the Preparatory Committee and
responded to the request of the General Assembly to consider arrangements for
participation of NGOs. The Committee decided to consider modalities for the
participation of NGOs at the next session of the Preparatory Committee:
17. Decides to defer consideration of all the modalities for participation
of non-governmental organizations in the special session until the next session
of the Preparatory Committee. (E/1999/60)
The General Assembly endorsed (A/RES/54/142) the
decision in December 1999:
17. Also decides to defer consideration of all the modalities for
participation of non-governmental organizations in the special session until the
next session of the Preparatory Committee. (A/RES/54/142)
At its third session, in April 2000, the Committee took a decision on the
arrangements for NGOs at the special session. According to the decision, NGOs
could speak at the Ad Hoc Committee of the Whole. A limited number of
EOCOSOC/NGOs could speak at the plenary of the special session, provided that
their consultative status had not been rejected, withdrawn or suspended. NGOs
were requested to select spokespersons, who would make plenary statements and
provide the list to the President of the General Assembly through the
secretariat. The President of the General Assembly was requested to circulate
the list to the Member States and ensure that the selection had been made on an
equal and transparent manner:
Arrangements regarding participation of non-governmental organizations at
the special session of the General Assembly entitled "Women 2000: gender
equality, development and peace for the twenty-first century" (Draft decision
I):
The General Assembly: (a) Decides that representatives from non-
governmental organizations accredited to the special session of the General
Assembly entitled "Women 2000: gender equality, development and peace for the
twenty-first century" may make statements in its Ad Hoc Committee of the
Whole;
(b) Also decides that, given the availability of time, a limited
number of non-governmental organizations that are in consultative status with
the Economic and Social Council may also make statements in the debate in the
plenary of the special session provided neither that their application for
consultative status with the Council has been rejected nor that their
consultative status with the Council has been withdrawn or suspended, and that
non- governmental organizations should be requested to select spokespersons
among themselves and provide the list thereof to the President of the General
Assembly through the Secretariat; and further decides to request the President
of the Assembly to present the list of selected non-governmental organizations
to Member States in a timely manner for approval and to ensure that such
selection is made on an equal and transparent basis, taking into account the
geographical representation and diversity of non-governmental organizations;
(c) Decides that the above arrangements concerning participation of
non-governmental organizations in the special session of the General Assembly
will in no way create a precedent for other special sessions of the Assembly.
Assembly will in no way create a precedent for other special sessions of the
Assembly. (A/S-23/2, Chapter V, Draft decision I)
Arrangements regarding accreditation of non-governmental organizations to
the special session of the General Assembly entitled "Women 2000: gender
equality, development and peace for the twenty-first century" (Draft decision
II): The General Assembly, recalling its resolution 54/142 of 17 December
1999, Economic and Social Council resolution 1999/50 of 29 July 1999 and the
resolution adopted by the Commission on the Status of Women acting as the
preparatory committee for the special session of the General Assembly entitled
id Women 2000: gender equality, development and peace for the twenty-first
century at its second session:
(a) Decides to reconsider the question of
accreditation of non-governmental organizations to the special session of the
General Assembly entitled "Women 2000: gender equality, development and peace
for the twenty-first century", which is contained in Assembly resolution 54/142;
(b) Also decides that those interested non- governmental organizations
that neither are in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council,
nor were accredited to the Fourth World Conference on Women and its preparatory
process, may participate in the special session, that these non- governmental
organizations should submit their application for accreditation to a committee
composed of the Bureau of the preparatory committee and the Secretariat by 5
April 2000, and that the application should contain the following information:
(i) The purpose of the organization; (ii) Information identifying
the programmes and activities of the organization in areas relevant to the
subject of the special session and indicating in which country or countries they
are carried out; (iii) Confirmation of the activities of the organization at
the national, regional or international levels; (iv) Copies of annual or
other reports of the organization, with financial statements and a list of
financial sources and contributions, including governmental
contributions; (v) A list of the members of the governing body of the
organization and their countries of nationality; (vi) A description of the
membership of the organization, indicating the total number of members, the
names of organizations that are members and their geographical distribution;
(vii) A copy of the constitution and/or by-laws of the organization; and
further decides that the Bureau of the preparatory committee should submit by 10
April 2000 to the members of the preparatory committee a list of the
non-governmental organizations that submitted their applications, for approval,
that the list should contain information on each organization's competence and
relevance to the subject of the special session, and that members of the
preparatory committee will have until 10 May 2000 to decide on a no-objection
basis regarding accreditation of these non-governmental organizations;
(c) Decides that those non-governmental organizations whose application
for consultative status with the Economic and Social Council was rejected or
whose consultative status with the Council was withdrawn or suspended shall not
be accredited to the special session;
(d) Urges, in recognition of the importance of equitable geographical
participation of non- governmental organizations in the special session,
relevant United Nations bodies to assist those non- governmental organizations
that do not have resources, in particular non-governmental organizations from
developing countries and countries with economies in transition, in
participating in the special session;
(e) Requests the Secretary-General to disseminate widely to the community
of non-governmental organizations all available information on accreditation
procedures as well as information on supportive measures for participation in
the special session;
(f) Decides that the above arrangements concerning accreditation of
non-governmental organizations to the special session of the General Assembly
will in no way create a precedent for other special sessions of the Assembly.
(A/S-23/2, Chapter V, Draft decision II)
At the same session, the Committee also decided upon the organizational
arrangements for the special session, where the speaking arrangements for NGOs
were confirmed. According to the same decision, the rules of procedure of the
General Assembly will apply at the special session:
16. In accordance with General Assembly decision 54/466 of 15 March 2000,
given the availability of time, a limited number of non-governmental
organizations that are in consultative status with the Economic and Social
Council may also make statements in the debate in plenary. Representatives of
non-governmental organizations may also make statements in the Ad Hoc Committee
of the Whole. These arrangements will in no way create a precedent for other
special sessions of the Assembly. (A/S-23/2, chapter V, section B, draft
decision II)
1st session 4, 6, 11-13 Mar. 1998, New York: E/1998/27-E/CN.6/1998/12 (42nd
session of the Commission on the Status of Women) 2nd session 15-19 Mar.
1999, New York: E/1999/60 (43rd session of the Commission on the Status of
Women) Resumed 2nd session 30 June 1999: E/1999/60/Add.1 3rd session
3-17 Mar., 20 Apr. 2000: A/S-23/2 + Add.1 +
Add.2 + IV/Corr.1 Resumed 3rd session June 2000: E/CN.6/2000/PC/L.9
(draft)
Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly Organizational arrangements A/S-23/2,
chapter V, section B
17. SPECIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL
ASSEMBLY WORLD SUMMIT FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND BEYOND: ACHIEVING
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT FOR ALL IN A GLOBALIZING WORLD 26 - 30 June
2000, New York
Summary
Accreditation: At its organizational session, the Preparatory
Committee adopted guidelines for accreditation of NGOs for the preparatory
process. NGOs in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council or on
the Roster were invited to participate without further screening, by expressing
their interest to the secretariat. Those NGOs, which had been accredited to the
World Summit for Social Development or other major United Nations conferences
and summits could apply through the secretariat. The Secretary-General was
requested to provide lists of those NGOs for review. On the basis of these
lists, the Preparatory Committee accredited all together 95 NGOs by consensus.
At its resumed first session, the Preparatory Committee adopted a draft
decision concerning the participation of NGOs in the special session itself.
According to the decision, all NGOs in consultative status with the Economic and
Social Council, all NGOs accredited to the World Summit for Social Development,
and all NGOs accredited to the Preparatory Committee would be automatically
accredited to the special session without further screening. Other interested
NGOs could apply following the same procedure as for the preparatory process.
The special session took a formal decision on the draft decision of the
Committee.
Modalities: There were no specific modalities for participation of
NGOs in the Preparatory Committee, as the Committee followed the guidelines of
the resolution 1996/31. NGOs were given an opportunity to speak and address the
Preparatory Committee at any time possible.
At its resumed first session, the Preparatory Committee adopted the
guidelines on modalities for participation of NGOs in the special session. A
limited number of ECOSOC/NGOs could speak in the plenary of the special session.
The President of the General Assembly was requested to provide a list of
selected NGOs for the approval of the Committee, ensuring an equal, transparent
and geographical representation of the selection of NGOs. All representatives of
NGOs could speak in the Ad Hoc Committee of the Whole.
The decision was endorsed by the General Assembly resolution (A/RES/54/407).
At its second session, the Preparatory Committee adopted organizational
arrangements for the special session, where the same speaking arrangements for
NGOs in the special session were once again adopted.
At the plenary of the special session, 9 NGOs made statements. Among these 9
NGOs, five were selected on the geographical basis and four others were major
international NGOs, active in the field of social development. In addition, at
the Ad Hoc Committee of the Whole, 28 NGOs made a statement.
There was a Forum organized by Switzerland for various actors, including
NGOs. The Forum was not part of the official meeting.
Preparatory Committee: Open-ended Preparatory Committee with the
secretariat at the Commission on Social Development
Secretariat for
NGO arrangements: UN/DESA
17.1 Introduction
The General Assembly decided (A/RES/50/161), in December
1995 to convene a special session for an overall review and appraisal of the
implementation of the outcome of the Social Summit in Copenhagen.
17.2 Accreditation for civil society
The General Assembly emphasized (A/RES/51/202), in December
1996 the need for effective social partnership and cooperation between
governments and the relevant actors of civil society, the social partners, the
major groups, including NGOs and the private sector. The GA encouraged NGOs to
participate in the work of the Commission for Social Development and in the
implementation of the outcome of the Social Summit:
Involvement of civil society and other actors: 28. Reaffirms the need
for effective partnership and cooperation between Governments and the relevant
actors of civil society, the social partners, the major groups as defined in
Agenda 21, including non-governmental organizations and the private sector, in
the implementation of and follow-up to the Declaration and Programme of Action,
and for ensuring their involvement in the planning, elaboration, implementation
and evaluation of social policies at the national level;
29. Encourages
non-governmental organizations to participate in the work of the Commission for
Social Development, in accordance with Economic and Social Council resolution
1996/31 of 25 July 1996 and decision 1996/315 of 14 November 1996, and in the
implementation process related to the Summit to the maximum extent possible.
A/RES/51/202)
At its organizational session, in May 1998 the Preparatory Committee adopted
guidelines for accreditation of NGOs at the preparatory process. NGOs in
consultative status with the Economic and Social Council or on the Roster were
invited to participate without further screening, by expressing their interest
to the secretariat. Those NGOs, which were accredited to the World Summit for
Social Development or other major United Nations conferences and summits could
apply through the secretariat. The Secretary-General was requested to provide a
list of those NGOs for review:
Participation of non-governmental
organizations (Decision 7): The Preparatory Committee, reaffirming the
importance of the participation of non-governmental organizations and the
involvement of civil society in the implementation of and follow-up to the
Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and Programme of Action of the
World Summit for Social Development:
(a) Decides that the work of the
Preparatory Committee should be open to the participation of non-governmental
organizations, which are accredited in accordance with Economic and Social
Council resolution 1996/31 of 25 July 1996 and decisions 1996/208 of 9 February
1996 and 1996/315 of 14 November 1996, in which the Council invited those
non-governmental organizations that were accredited to major United Nations
conferences and summits to attend sessions of the Commission for Social
Development, provided that they had started the process of application for
consultative status;
(b) Also decides that participation by
non-governmental organizations at the special session will be guided by relevant
resolutions of the General Assembly and will take into account the experience
gained at the mid-decade review of the outcome of major United Nations
conferences;
(c) Further decides that non-governmental organizations in consultative
status with the Economic and Social Council and on the Roster will be invited to
participate in the meetings of the Preparatory Committee; in addition, other
non-governmental organizations that were accredited to the World Summit for
Social Development or other major United Nations conferences and summits will be
invited to apply for accreditation to the Preparatory Committee; the
Secretary-General is requested to provide to Member States, in a timely fashion,
a list of the latter non-governmental organizations for review;
(d)Encourages Governments to include representatives of civil
society in their national preparatory process, as well as in their delegations
to the Preparatory Committee and the special session;
(e) Decides to defer consideration of the modalities for participation of
non-governmental organizations in the special session until its next meeting.
(A/53/45, chapter VI, section B, decision 7)
On the basis of the lists provided, the Preparatory Committee accredited all
together 95 NGOs by consensus:
1st session, 17-29 May and 15 July 1999: Accreditation for 67 NGOs
(A/AC.253/10) and accreditation for another 10 NGOs (A/AC.253/10 and Add.1) were
approved by consensus with two exceptions (A/54/45, chapter I, section E).
Resumed 1st session, 21 Sept. 1999: No accreditations. 2nd session, 3-14
Apr. 2000: Accreditation for 6 NGOs (A/AC.253/26) was approved by consensus
(A/S-24/2, chapter II, section E). Resumed 2nd session, 20 -22 June
2000: Accreditation for 22 NGOs was approved by consensus (A/AC.253/29;
A/S-24/2/Add.1, chapter III, decision 7).
At its first session, in May and July 1999 the Preparatory Committee decided
to consider the participation of NGOs in the special session itself during the
resumed session in August - September, the same year:
Accreditation and modalities for participation of non-governmental
organizations in the special session (Decision 3): The Preparatory Committee
decides to defer consideration of the accreditation and modalities of
participation of non-governmental organizations in the special session to the
inter-sessional open-ended informal consultations to be held from 30 August to 3
September 1999, subject to a decision by the General Assembly at its fifty-third
session, with a view to adopting a decision in a one-day resumed session of the
Preparatory Committee before the end of 1999. (A54/45, chapter VI, section B,
decision 3)
At its resumed first session, in September 1999 the Preparatory Committee
adopted the draft decision (A/AC.253/L.12) on the basis of informal
consultations, concerning the participation of NGOs in the special session
itself. According to the draft decision, all NGOs in consultative status with
the Economic and Social Council, all NGOs accredited to the World Summit for
Social Development, and all NGOs accredited to the Preparatory Committee would
be automatically accredited to the special session without further screening.
Other interested NGOs could apply following the same procedure as for the
preparatory process:
Accreditation of non-governmental organizations at the special session of
the General Assembly on the implementation of the outcome of the World Summit
for Social Development and Further Initiatives (Decision 5):
The
Preparatory Committee: (a) Decides that accreditation of non-governmental
organizations to the special session should be open to: (i) All
non-governmental organizations enjoying consultative status with the Economic
and Social Council; (ii) All non-governmental organizations that were
accredited to the World Summit for Social Development, unless their application
for consultative status was rejected by the Committee on Non-Governmental
Organizations; (iii) All non-governmental organizations that have been
accredited to the Preparatory Committee, with no further examination of their
credentials, unless their application for consultative status was rejected by
the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations;
(b) Decides that the accreditation of other interested non-governmental
organizations that have not participated in any of the above forums should be
examined by a Committee composed of the Bureau of the preparatory body for the
special session and the Secretariat by 7 April 2000, which would make the
appropriate recommendations to the Preparatory Committee at its second session
for review and decision, provided that requests for accreditation are
accompanied by information on the organization's competence and relevance to the
subject of the special session, including the following information, to be
submitted by March 2000: (i) The purpose of the organization; (ii)
Information identifying the programmes and activities of the organization in
areas relevant to the subject of the special session and indicating in which
country or countries they are carried out; (iii) Confirmation of the
activities of the organization at the national, regional or international
levels; (iv) Copies of annual or other reports of the organization, with
financial statements and a list of financial sources and contributions,
including governmental contributions; (v) A list of the members of the
governing body of the organization and their countries of nationality; (vi)
A description of the membership of the organization, indicating the total number
of members, the names of member organizations and their geographical
distribution; (vii) A copy of the constitution and/or by-laws of the
organization.
(c) Requests the Secretary-General to widely inform the
community of non-governmental organizations about all available accreditation
procedures. (A/54/45/Add.1, chapter II, section B)
17.3 Modalities for participation of non-governmental organizations
At its first session, in May-July 1999 the Preparatory Committee decided to
consider modalities for the participation of NGOs in the special session during
the resumed session in August-September, the same year:
Accreditation and modalities for participation of non-governmental
organizations in the special session (Decision 3):
The Preparatory
Committee decides to defer consideration of the accreditation and modalities of
participation of non-governmental organizations in the special session to the
inter-sessional open-ended informal consultations to be held from 30 August to 3
September 1999, subject to a decision by the General Assembly at its fifty-third
session, with a view to adopting a decision in a one-day resumed session of the
Preparatory Committee before the end of 1999. (A54/45, chapter VI, section B,
decision 3)
At its resumed first session, in September 1999 the Preparatory Committee
adopted the draft decision (A/AC.253/L.13) on the basis of informal
consultations. According to the decision, all representatives of NGOs may speak
in the Ad Hoc Committee of the Whole. A limited number of ECOSOC/NGOs may speak
in the plenary meetings of the special session. The President of the General
Assembly was requested to provide a list of selected NGOs for the approval of
the Committee, ensuring an equal, transparent and geographical representation of
the selection of NGOs:
Arrangements regarding participation of non-governmental organizations in
the special session of the General Assembly on the implementation of the outcome
of the World Summit for Social Development and Further Initiatives (Draft
decision IV):
The General Assembly: (a) Decides that representatives from
non-governmental organizations may make statements in the Ad Hoc Committee of
the Whole of the special session; (b) Decides that given the availability of
time, a limited number of non-governmental organizations in consultative status
with the Economic and Social Council may also make statements in the debate in
the plenary of the special session. The President of the General Assembly is
requested to present the list of selected non-governmental organizations to the
Member States in a timely manner for approval. The President of the General
Assembly is also requested to ensure that such selection is made on an equal and
transparent basis, taking into account the geographical representation and
diversity of non-governmental organizations; (c) Decides that arrangements
concerning the accreditation and participation of non-governmental organizations
in the special session will in no way create a precedent for other special
sessions of the General Assembly. (A/54/45/Add.1, chapter II, section A)
The decision was endorsed by the General Assembly resolution (A/RES/54/407).
At its second session, the Preparatory Committee adopted a draft decision
(A/AC.253/L.15) on organizational arrangements for the special session, where
the same speaking arrangements for NGOs in the special session were once again
adopted:
18. In accordance with General Assembly decision 54/407 of 8 October 1999,
representatives of non-governmental organizations may make statements in the Ad
Hoc Committee of the Whole.
19. In accordance with General Assembly decision 54/407, given the
availability of time, a limited number of non-governmental organizations in
consultative status with the Economic and Social Council may also make
statements in the debate in the plenary of the twenty-fourth special session.
(A/S-24/2, chapter V, draft decision I)
At the plenary of the special session, 9 NGOs made statements. Among these 9
NGOs, five were selected on the geographical basis and four others were major
international NGOs, active in the field of social development. In addition, at
the Ad Hoc Committee of the Whole, 28 NGOs made a statement.
18. SPECIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL
ASSEMBLY FOR AN OVERALL REVIEW AND APPRAISAL OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
OUTCOME OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON HUMAN SETTLEMENTS (ISTANBUL + 5) 6-8 June 2001, New York
Summary
Accreditation: The General Assembly recognized (A/RES/51/177) the
partnerships with various groups at the Habitat II Conference and invited
Governments to further develop partnerships with civil society, including the
private sector. The General Assembly, in December 1998 considered the report of
the Secretary-General, which had been prepared to assist the formulation of
arrangements for the special session. In his report, the Secretary-General made
proposals on the substantive and organizational aspects of the event, including
participation of civil society partners. The General Assembly took note of the
report and emphasized (A/RES/53/180) the
participation of local authorities, Habitat partners, NGOs and the private
sector in the preparatory process and the special session itself. The
arrangements for their participation were to follow the experience and practice
of the Habitat II Conference. The President of the General Assembly was invited,
in consultation with Member States to make proposals on the participation of
civil society. The General Assembly made several recommendations (A/RES/54/209), in
December 1999 on the involvement of local authorities and civil society partners
in the implementation of the Habitat Agenda at the national level. All Member
States were invited to provide financial resources for the preparatory process
to assist the participation of least developed countries and their national
civil society partners.
At its first session, the Preparatory Committee adopted a decision on the
participation of youth. The Committee stressed the participation of mayors and
presidents of global and regional associations of local authorities in its
decision on local authorities. At its first session, the Committee also invited
the President of the General Assembly to take into account the recommendation of
the Committee that the rules of procedure of the Habitat II should apply at the
special session. The Committee affirmed that the accreditation for the
Preparatory Committee and the special session should follow the practice of the
Habitat II Conference.
The General Assembly decided (A/RES/55/194), in
December 2000 upon the accreditation of Habitat Agenda partners. NGOs in
consultative status with the Economic and Social Council were invited to
participation without further screening, unless their consultative status has
been rejected, withdrawn or suspended. The invitation was extended to all
Habitat partners that were accredited to the Habitat II, in Istanbul in 1996.
Other interested and relevant Habitat Agenda partners, which had not been
accredited before, were able to apply through the committee composed of the
Bureau and the secretariat. Their applications needed to include information on
their relevance and competence in the field of human settlements. The
applications were requested to be submitted by 19 February 2001 to allow the
Preparatory Committee to take a decision on accreditation on the non-objection
basis at its second session.
Modalities: At its organizational meeting, in May 1999, the
Preparatory Committee adopted the rules of procedure of the Commission on Human
Settlements for the preparatory process with some changes. One of the changes
was to follow the GA resolution 53/180, where the Assembly stressed the
participation of local authorities and other Habitat partners. The current rule
61 of the Commission was replaced, mutatis mutandis, by rule 61 and rule 62 of
the rules of procedure of the Habitat II Conference, held in Istanbul in 1996.
According to these rules, representatives of local authorities could participate
in the deliberations of the official meeting and its bodies. Representatives of
NGOs could participate as observes and could speak upon the invitation of the
presiding officer and at the approval of the body concerned. NGOs could also be
requested to speak through spokespersons.
At its first session, in May 2000, the Preparatory Committee adopted a
decision on the structure of the special session, where the presentations by the
Habitat partners were emphasized. The Committee requested the secretariat to
propose modalities for participation of the Habitat partners, using the examples
of other forums.
The General Assembly decided (A/RES/55/194), in December 2000 on the
modalities at the special session. Representatives of local authorities, NGOs
and other Habitat Agenda partners were to make statements in the Ad Hoc
Committee of the Whole. A limited number of them could make statements in the
debate in plenary meeting. The President of the General Assembly was requested
to submit the list of selected Habitat Agenda partners to the Member States in a
timely manner for approval. He was requested to ensure that the selection of
speakers is made on an equal and transparent basis, taking into account the
geographical representation and diversity of Habitat Agenda partners. The
General Assembly also called upon (A/RES/55/195) all
Member States in a position to do so to make voluntary financial contributions
to the Secretariat to assist developing countries, in particular the least
developed countries, and their civil society partners to facilitate their
participation.
Preparatory Committee: Commission on Human Settlements
Secretariat for NGO arrangements: Commission on Human Settlements
18.1 Introduction
In the Habitat Agenda, paragraph 218 the Habitat II Conference recommended
that the General Assembly would consider holding a special session in the year
2001 to review and appraise the implementation of the outcome of the Conference.
The General Assembly decided (A/RES/52/190) to
hold a special session in 2001. The Commission on Human Settlements was invited
(A/RES/53/180) to
serve as a preparatory body for the event.
The General Assembly recognized (A/RES/51/177) the
partnerships with various groups at the Habitat II Conference and invited
Governments to further develop partnerships with civil society, including the
private sector:
4. Recognizes with satisfaction the active involvement in the Conference
of all States and other relevant actors and the innovative arrangements
introduced at the Conference to forge partnerships among various actors;
8. Invites all Governments to further encourage and support all relevant
actors of civil society, including the private sector, in the implementation of
and follow-up to the Habitat Agenda by establishing effective partnerships and
by creating an appropriate framework, in accordance with their respective
national conditions, to further facilitate and expedite such actors in
addressing human settlements issues, particularly servicing, finance
mobilization, the provision of adequate shelter and related areas, and in that
process to emphasize the need to integrate the gender perspective;
10. Calls upon all Governments to establish or strengthen, as appropriate,
participatory mechanisms for the implementation, assessment and review of and
follow-up to the Habitat Agenda and national plans of action. (A/RES/51/177)
The General Assembly, in December 1998 considered the report of the
Secretary-General, which had been prepared to assist the formulation of
arrangements for the special session. In his report, the Secretary-General made
proposals on the substantive and organizational aspects of the event, including
participation of civil society partners. The General Assembly took note of the
report and emphasized (A/RES/53/180) the
participation of local authorities, Habitat partners, NGOs and the private
sector in the preparatory process and the special session itself. The
arrangements for their participation were to follow the experience and practice
of the Habitat II Conference. The President of the General Assembly was invited,
in consultation with Member States to make proposals on the participation of
civil society: 7. Stresses the need for the effective participation
of local authorities, other Habitat Agenda partners and relevant actors of civil
society, in particular the private sector and non-governmental organizations, in
the preparations for the special session, as well as the need to ensure
appropriate arrangements, taking into account the practice and experience gained
at the Habitat II Conference, for their substantive contributions to and active
involvement in the preparatory meetings and the special session, and invites the
President of the General Assembly, in consultation with Member States, to
propose to Member States appropriate modalities for their effective involvement
in the special session. (A/RES/53/180)
18.2 Accreditation for civil society
The General Assembly made several recommendations (A/RES/54/209), in
December 1999 on the involvement of local authorities and civil society partners
in the implementation of the Habitat Agenda at the national level. All Member
States were invited to provide financial resources for the preparatory process
to assist the participation of least developed countries and their national
civil society partners:
5. Invites all Member States in a position to do so to provide financial
resources for the preparatory process for the special session, in particular to
enable least developed countries and their national civil-society partners to
prepare adequately for, and be fully involved in, the preparatory process and
the special session itself. (A/RES/54/209)
At its first session, in May 2000 the Preparatory Committee adopted a
decision on the participation of youth (see decision 1/6). The Committee
stressed the participation of mayors and presidents of global and regional
associations of local authorities in its decision on local authorities:
1/2. The role of local authorities in the preparatory process and at the
special session of the General Assembly for an overall review and appraisal of
the implementation of the Habitat Agenda
The Preparatory
Committee: Acknowledging the important role of local authorities in
implementing the Habitat Agenda, Welcoming the establishment of the Advisory
Committee of Local Authorities, as requested by the Commission on Human
Settlements in its resolution 17/18 of 14 May 1999, Taking note with
satisfaction of the Venice Declaration, adopted by the Committee at the
conclusion of its constituent meeting, held in Venice from 23 and to 24 January
2000, Recognizing the valuable contribution that the Committee can make to
the special session of the General Assembly for an overall review and appraisal
of the implementation of the Habitat Agenda, General Assembly including its
preparatory process and follow-up,
1. Expresses, in particular, its appreciation to the mayors of cities and
towns and presidents of global and regional associations of local authorities
serving on the Advisory Committee of Local Authorities for the valuable
contribution made to the work of the first session of the Preparatory Committee,
and encourages the Advisory Committee and its members to continue contributing
to the preparatory process for the special session of the General Assembly for
an overall review and appraisal of the implementation of the Habitat Agenda;
2. Invites all member States in a position to do so to support the
functioning and the activities of the Advisory Committee of Local Authorities;
3. Requests the Executive Director of the United Nations Centre for Human
Settlements (Habitat) to report on the activities of the Advisory Committee of
Local Authorities at the second substantive session of the Preparatory
Committee;
4. Encourages member States to include local authority representatives in
their national delegations to the second session of the Preparatory Committee
and the special session of the General Assembly.
At its first session, the Preparatory Committee also invited the President of
the General Assembly to take into account the recommendation of the Committee
that the rules of procedure of the Habitat II should apply at the special
session. The Committee affirmed that the accreditation for the Preparatory
Committee and the special session should follow the practice of the Habitat II
Conference:
1/3. Scope to be covered by the review and appraisal process I (a)
Participation and accreditation
2. Invites the President of the General Assembly, in his consultations
requested in paragraph 7 of General Assembly resolution 53/180 of 15 December
1998, to take into account the recommendations of the Preparatory Committee that
the rules of procedure of the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements of
the (Habitat II) should apply to the special session of the General Assembly,
and that the rules concerning the participation of local authorities and
non-governmental organizations in the special session should not create a
precedent for other special sessions of the General Assembly;
3. Decides that the accreditation to the special session and its
preparatory process should follow the rules of procedure for participation
adopted by the Habitat II conference;
4. Requests the Secretary-general to disseminate widely all available
information on accreditation procedures as well as information on supportive
measures for participation in the special session;
5. Decides that the arrangements set out above concerning accreditation of
local authorities and non-governmental organizations to the special session will
in no way create a precedent for other special sessions of the Assembly.
The General Assembly decided (A/RES/55/194), in
December 2000 upon the accreditation of Habitat Agenda partners. NGOs in
consultative status with the Economic and Social Council were invited to
participation without further screening, unless their consultative status has
been rejected, withdrawn or suspended. The invitation was extended to all
Habitat partners that were accredited to the Habitat II, in Istanbul in 1996.
Other interested and relevant Habitat Agenda partners, which had not been
accredited before, were able to apply through the committee composed of the
Bureau and the secretariat. Their applications needed to include information on
their relevance and competence in the field of human settlements. The
applications were requested to be submitted by 19 February 2001 to allow the
Preparatory Committee to take a decision on accreditation on the non-objection
basis at its second session:
Arrangements regarding accreditation of Habitat Agenda partners to the
special session
1. Decides that accreditation to the special session shall be open
to: (a) Habitat Agenda partners that were accredited to the United Nations
Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II); (b) Non-governmental
organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, with
the exception of those whose application for consultative status with the
Council has been rejected or whose consultative status has been withdrawn or
suspended;
2. Also decides that accreditation of other interested
and relevant Habitat Agenda partners that were not accredited to the United
Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) should be considered by the
Preparatory Committee, provided that those partners submit to the Committee
composed of the Bureau of the Preparatory Committee and the Secretariat by 9
February 2001 an application for accreditation containing the following
information: (a) The purpose of the organization; (b) Information
identifying the programmes and activities of the organization in areas relevant
to the subject of the special session and indicating in which country or
countries they are carried out; (c) Confirmation of the activities of the
organization at the national, regional or international levels; (d) Copies of
annual or other reports of the organization, with financial statements and a
list of financial sources and contributions, including governmental
contributions; (e) A list of the members of the governing body of the
organization and their country of nationality; (f) A description of the
membership of the organization, indicating the total number of members, the
names or organizations that are members and their geographical
distribution; (g) A copy of the constitution and/or by-laws of the
organization; and further decides that the Bureau of the Preparatory Committee
should submit by 19 February 2001 to the Preparatory Committee at its second
session a list of partners that have submitted their application containing
information on each partner's competence and relevance to the subject of the
special session, and that the Preparatory Committee at its second session shall
decide on a no-objection basis regarding the accreditation of those
partners;
3. Requests the Secretary-General to disseminate widely all available
information on accreditation procedures for the special session;
4. Decides that the arrangements set out above concerning accreditation to
the special session shall in no way create a precedent for other special
sessions of the General Assembly. (A/RES/55/194)
18.3 Modalities for the participation of civil society
The
General Assembly requested (A/53/RES/180), in
December 1998 the Commission on Human Settlements to consider as the preparatory
body for the special session the rules of procedure and organization of work for
the first session of the Preparatory Committee. The GA requested the Preparatory
Committee to consider at its first session the modalities and further details of
the event.
At its organizational meeting, in May 1999, the Preparatory Committee adopted
the rules of procedure of the Commission on Human Settlements for the
preparatory process with some changes. One of the changes was to follow the GA
resolution 53/180, where the Assembly stressed the participation of local
authorities and other Habitat partners. The current rule 61 of the Commission
was replaced, mutatis mutandis, by rule 61 and rule 62 of the rules of procedure
of the Habitat II Conference, held in Istanbul in 1996. According to these
rules, representatives of local authorities could participate in the
deliberations of the official meeting and its bodies. Representatives of NGOs
could participate as observes and could speak upon the invitation of the
presiding officer and at the approval of the body concerned. NGOs could also be
requested to speak through spokespersons:
Representatives of local authorities (Rule 61): "Representatives of
local authorities, designated by accredited international associations of local
authorities in consultation with national associations of local authorities,
invited to the Conference may participate, without the right to vote, in the
deliberations of the Conference, its Main Committees and, as appropriate, any
other committee or working group, on questions within the scope of their
activities. Every effort shall be made to make the representation of local
authorities balanced in terms of region, size and type of local authorities.
Representatives of non-governmental organizations (Rule 62): 1.
Non-governmental organizations accredited to participate in the Conference may
designate representatives to sit as observers at public meetings of the
Conference and the Main Committees. 2. Upon the invitation of the presiding
officer of the body concerned and subject to the approval of that body, such
observers may make oral statements on questions in which they have special
competence. If the number of requests to speak is too large, the
non-governmental organizations shall be requested to form themselves into
constituencies, such constituencies to speak through spokespersons.
The General Assembly made several recommendations (A/RES/54/209), in
December 1999 on the involvement of local authorities and civil society partners
in the implementation of the Habitat Agenda at the national level. All Member
States were invited to provide financial resources for the preparatory process
to assist the participation of least developed countries and their national
civil society partners:
5. Invites all Member States in a position to do so to provide financial
resources for the preparatory process for the special session, in particular to
enable least developed countries and their national civil-society partners to
prepare adequately for, and be fully involved in, the preparatory process and
the special session itself. (A/RES/54/209)
At its first session, in May 2000 the Preparatory Committee adopted a
decision on the participation of youth (see decision 1/6), as well as a decision
on the role of local authorities. The Committee stressed the participation of
mayors and presidents of global and regional associations of local authorities:
1/2. The role of local authorities in the preparatory process and at the
special session of the General Assembly for an overall review and appraisal of
the implementation of the Habitat Agenda
The Preparatory
Committee, Acknowledging the important role of local authorities in
implementing the Habitat Agenda, Welcoming the establishment of the Advisory
Committee of Local Authorities, as requested by the Commission on Human
Settlements in its resolution 17/18 of 14 May 1999, Taking note with
satisfaction of the Venice Declaration, adopted by the Committee at the
conclusion of its constituent meeting, held in Venice from 23 and to 24 January
2000, Recognizing the valuable contribution that the Committee can make to
the special session of the General Assembly for an overall review and appraisal
of the implementation of the Habitat Agenda, General Assembly including its
preparatory process and follow-up,
1. Expresses, in particular, its appreciation to the mayors of cities and
towns and presidents of global and regional associations of local authorities
serving on the Advisory Committee of Local Authorities for the valuable
contribution made to the work of the first session of the Preparatory Committee,
and encourages the Advisory Committee and its members to continue contributing
to the preparatory process for the special session of the General Assembly for
an overall review and appraisal of the implementation of the Habitat Agenda;
2. Invites all member States in a position to do so to support the
functioning and the activities of the Advisory Committee of Local
Authorities;
3. Requests the Executive Director of the United Nations Centre for Human
Settlements (Habitat) to report on the activities of the Advisory Committee of
Local Authorities at the second substantive session of the Preparatory
Committee;
4. Encourages member States to include local authority representatives in
their national delegations to the second session of the Preparatory Committee
and the special session of the General Assembly.
At its first session, in May 2000, the Preparatory Committee adopted a
decision on the structure of the special session, where the presentations by the
Habitat partners were emphasized. The Committee requested the secretariat to
propose modalities for participation of the Habitat partners, using the examples
of other forums:
II. Structure of the special session of the General Assembly for an
overall review and appraisal of the implementation of the Habitat Agenda
7. Agrees that the special session should concentrate, among other
matters, on presentations, including thematic presentations, on the
implementation of the Habitat Agenda by a range of Habitat partners, including
representatives of local authorities, civil society, the private sector as well
as the United Nations, the Bretton Woods organizations and other multilateral
organizations, focusing on experiences and lessons learned since Istanbul;
8. Requests the secretariat to prepare a proposal for structuring the
discussions among the various Habitat Agenda partners using innovative and
successful approaches from other forums to be discussed and agreed upon during
the second session of the Preparatory Committee;
9. Confirms the need, as stated in General Assembly resolution 53/180, to
ensure substantive contributions to and active involvement in the special
session by local authorities, other Habitat Agenda partners and relevant actors
of civil society, in particular the private sector and non-governmental
organizations;
10. Recommends that the Commission on Human Settlements should include a
consultation on the effective decentralization and strengthening of local
authorities and their associations and networks on the agenda of its eighteenth
session, in relation with the item on local implementation of the Habitat
Agenda, including the role of local authorities. (A/55/212)
The General Assembly decided (A/RES/55/194), in
December 2000 on the modalities at the special session. Representatives of local
authorities, NGOs and other Habitat Agenda partners were to make statements in
the Ad Hoc Committee of the Whole. A limited number of them could make
statements in the debate in plenary meeting. The President of the General
Assembly was requested to submit the list of selected Habitat Agenda partners to
the Member States in a timely manner for approval. He was requested to ensure
that the selection of speakers is made on an equal and transparent basis, taking
into account the geographical representation and diversity of Habitat Agenda
partners. The General Assembly also called upon (A/RES/55/195) all
Member States in a position to do so to make voluntary financial contributions
to the Secretariat to assist developing countries, in particular the least
developed countries, and their civil society partners to facilitate their
participation:
Arrangements regarding participation of Habitat Agenda
partners and observers in the special session
1. Decides that
representatives of local authorities, non-governmental organizations and other
Habitat Agenda partners may make statements in the Ad Hoc Committee of the Whole
and in the thematic committee of the special session for an overall review and
appraisal of the implementation of the outcome of the United Nations Conference
on Human Settlements (Habitat II);
2. Also decides that, given the time
available, a limited number of representatives of local authorities,
non-governmental organizations and other Habitat Agenda partners may also make
statements in the debate in plenary meeting, and requests the President of the
General Assembly to submit the list of selected Habitat Agenda partners to the
Member States in a timely manner for approval and to ensure that the selection
of speakers is made on an equal and transparent basis, taking into account the
geographical representation and diversity of Habitat Agenda partners;
3. Further decides that observers may make statements during the debate in
plenary meeting in accordance with the rules and procedures of the General
Assembly;
4. Decides that arrangements concerning the accreditation and
participation of Habitat Agenda partners in the special session shall in no way
create a precedent for other special sessions of the General Assembly.
(A/RES/55/194)
11. Calls upon all States in a position to do so to make voluntary
financial contributions to the Secretariat to assist developing countries, in
particular the least developed countries, and their civil society partners to
prepare adequately for, and be fully involved in, the preparatory process and
the special session itself. (A/RES/55/195)
Org. session 13-14 May 1999, Nairobi: HS/C/PC.OS/4 1st
session 8-12 May 2000, Nairobi: HS/C/PC.1/6 (submitted to the GA as A/55/121) 2nd
session 19-23 February 2001, Nairobi: HS/C/PC.2/8
Rules of Procedure of the Preparatory Committee: HS/C/PC.OS/2
19. SPECIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
ON REVIEW OF THE PROBLEM OF HIV/AIDSIN ALL ITS
ASPECTS 25-27 June 2001, New York
Summary
Accreditation: The General Assembly recognized (A/RES/55/13) the
importance of the participation of civil society actors. Apart from informal
consultations of the General Assembly, NGOs in consultative status with the
Economic and Social Council and NGOs which are members of the Programme
Coordination Board of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS were
invited to participate in the preparatory process and the special session
itself. The Executive Director of the Joint Programme was requested to prepare
on a non-objection basis a list of other relevant NGOs, associations of people
living with HIV/AIDS, and the business sector for the consideration of Member
States. The list of other relevant civil society actors was requested to include
relevant background information. The President of the General Assembly was
invited to make recommendations on the involvement of civil society actors for
consideration by Member States during the preparatory process, for final
decision by the Assembly. In his conference room paper, the President of the
General Assembly recommended that the selection of civil society actors applying
to the process was to be based on the criteria outlined in Economic and Social
Council resolution 1996/31. In addition, evidence of recognized work in the area
of HIV/AIDS, including at the community level, and previous experience in
regional and/or global events was to be taken into account. Preference was to be
given to those groups which are already affiliated with the UNAIDS secretariat
or its co-sponsoring organizations. An appropriate level and balance of
representation from each geographic region was to be ensured.
The President of the General Assembly recommended that the civil society list
for accreditation should be submitted to Member States not later than 15
February 2001. The decision on accreditation and modalities of participation was
to be taken in the end of February 2001, to expedite the preparatory process and
to allow more time for a substantive discussion during the first session of the
open-ended informal consultations of the plenary in February/March 2001.
The deadline for applications for civil society accreditation was postponed
once.
On 26 February 2001, the General Assembly approved the first list of 112
civil society actors. On 19 April 2001, another list of 227 civil society actors
was submitted to Member States for approval on non-objection basis (see the list
HIV/AIDS/CRP.2/Add.1). From this list,
a Member State objected accreditation of three NGOs from its country by sending
a Note Verbale. The President of the General Assembly informed all Member States
on the matter by a letter.
Modalities: The General Assembly decided (A/RES/55/13), in
November 2000 on a variety of modalities for civil society participation. The GA
invited a limited number of civil society representatives with specific
expertise in the matter to participate in the plenary debate of the special
session. The GA also decided upon organizing round tables with an open-ended
format with participation of accredited civil society actors. During the
open-ended consultations of the plenary, there was to be interactive panel
discussions with civil society. In addition, the GA decided to use existing
electronic networks, including those of regional NGO networks to obtain inputs
from civil society actors.
The General Assembly invited by the same resolution the President of the
General Assembly to make recommendations on modalities of civil society
participation in the preparatory process and the special session. These
recommendations were to be considered by Member States and finally approved by
the General Assembly.
As requested, the President of the General Assembly elaborated the modalities
and made recommendations on the civil society involvement in his conference room
paper published on 8 of December 2000 (HIV/AIDS/CRP.1). Based on the decisions
already taken in 55/13, the President of the General Assembly recommended that a
limited number of civil society actors would be invited to participate in the
debate of the special session. Civil society actors should be able to attend the
plenary informals, where the report of the Secretary-General is discussed. The
President also recommended that the round tables of the special session should
follow an open-ended format and include representatives of civil society.
The President of the General Assembly further recommended that there should
be interactive panel discussions with civil society during the preparatory
process. The inputs from civil society should be collected through electronic
networks and outcomes of relevant civil society events. Young people should be
encouraged to participate.
In February 2001, the General Assembly decided (A/RES/55/242) upon
the organizational arrangements for the special session. A limited number of
accredited civil society actors could make statements in the plenary of the
special session. The President of the General Assembly was requested to consult
Member States and present a list of those civil society actors, which could
speak to the consideration of Member States on non/objection basis. The final
decision was made by the General Assembly. The President was requested to ensure
that the selection was made on an equal and transparent manner and taking into
account a variety of perspective, expertise and geographical representation.
In February 2001, the General Assembly decided (A/RES/55/242) upon the
organizational arrangements for the special session. A limited number of
accredited civil society actors could make statements in the plenary of the
special session. The President of the General Assembly was requested to consult
Member States and present a list of those civil society actors, which could
speak to the consideration of Member States on non-objection basis. The final
decision was made by the General Assembly. The President was requested to ensure
that the selection was made on an equal and transparent manner and taking into
account a variety of perspective, expertise and geographical representation.
According to the decision concerning organizational arrangements, accredited
civil society actors could participate the round tables. The President of the
General Assembly was requested to consult Member States and present a list of
selected accredited civil society actors for consideration of Member States. The
final decision was to be made by the General Assembly. A limited number of
accredited civil society actors were also invited to speak during the discussion
on the report of the Secretary-General.
The President of the General Assembly sent a letter to all Member States on
13 June 2001 in order to propose the selected accredited civil society actors,
which would participate in the debate of the plenary of the special session.
Among the eight spokespersons, who made a statement in the plenary, were
representatives of women's NGO, a religious NGO, a research institute, and some
international NGOs.
In the same letter, the President of the General
Assembly also proposed selected accredited civil society actors with specific
expertise to participate in the round tables. The President reminded that the
resolution 55/242 had requested these participants to be selected on the basis
of geographical representation and gender. Their selection was also requested to
ensure a variety of perspectives and an adequate mix of national, regional and
international civil society actors. According to the resolution, the decision
was to take place on a non-objection basis, for the final approval of the
General Assembly. There were eight civil society participants proposed for each
round table. The deadline for an objection was 18 June 2001.
On 21 June
2001, the President of the General Assembly informed Member States through a
letter on eleven objections on one proposed NGO. The issue was raised for a
discussion during the informal consultations. Some Member States stated their
support for the participation of the NGO, which had been objected. The final
decision was referred to the plenary of the General Assembly, in order to follow
the decision of the resolution 55/242.
The plenary of the General
Assembly was held 22 June 2001. After debate, the consideration was postponed to
the next plenary meeting on 25 June 2001, the first day of the special session.
After debate, Member States voted on participation of the objected NGO. As a
result of the vote, all originally proposed civil society actors were approved
to speak at the round tables.
Secretariat for NGO arrangements: UNAIDS
19.1 Introduction
The General Assembly decided (A/RES/54/283), in
September 2000 to convene a special session of the GA to review and address the
problem of HIV/AIDS in all its aspects and to coordinate and intensify
international efforts to combat it.
19.2 Accreditation for civil society
Two months later, the General Assembly (A/RES/55/13)
recognized the importance of the participation of civil society actors in the
response to the epidemic at all levels. Apart from informal consultations of the
General Assembly, NGOs in consultative status with the Economic and Social
Council and those NGOs which are members of the Programme Coordination Board of
the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS were invited to participate in
the preparatory process and the special session itself. The Executive Director
of the Joint Programme was requested to prepare on a non-objection basis a list
of other relevant NGOs, associations of people living with HIV/AIDS, and the
business sector for the consideration of Member States. The list of other
relevant civil society actors was requested to include relevant background
information. The list and background information was to be prepared not later
than 15 February 2001. The President of the General Assembly was invited to make
recommendations on the involvement of civil society actors for consideration by
Member States during the preparatory process, for final decision by the
Assembly:
12. Recognizes the importance of the contribution of civil society actors
in the response to the epidemic at all levels, and in this regard underlines the
need for the active involvement of civil society representatives in the
preparatory process and the special session;
13. Invites to the special session and to the preparatory process
activities, apart from the informal consultations of the General Assembly to
which only Member States and observers are invited, in accordance with paragraph
14 below, non-governmental organizations which enjoy consultative status in
accordance with Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31 of 25 July 1996,
or are members of the Programme Coordination Board of the Joint United Nations
Programme on HIV/AIDS, requests the Executive Director of the Joint Programme to
prepare, not later than 15 February 2001, for consideration by Member States, on
a non-objection basis during the preparatory process, for final decision by the
Assembly, a list of other relevant civil society actors, in particular
associations of people living with HIV/AIDS, non-governmental organizations and
the business sector, including pharmaceutical companies, along with relevant
background information to be made available to Member States, and invites those
civil society actors to the special session and to the preparatory process
activities for the special session, according to the modalities defined above;
14. Invites, in this context, the President of the General Assembly to
make recommendations, for consideration by Member States during the preparatory
process, for final decision by the Assembly as soon as possible, but not later
than 2 March 2001, as to the form of the involvement of such civil society
actors, in particular associations of people living with HIV/AIDS,
non-governmental organizations and the business sector, including pharmaceutical
companies, in the special session and, to the extent possible, in the
preparatory process. (A/RES/55/13)
In response to the request of the
General Assembly, the President of the General Assembly further elaborated
organizational matters of the special session and made recommendations on the
civil society involvement in his conference room paper published on 8 of
December 2000 (HIV/AIDS/CRP.1). The
paper confirmed and further explained some of the decisions of the General
Assembly resolution 55/13. The required background information concerning the
civil society actors for accreditation was requested to be based on the criteria
outlined in Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31. In addition,
evidence of recognized work in the area of HIV/AIDS, including at the community
level, and previous experience in regional and/or global events was to be taken
into account. Preference was to be given to those groups which are already
affiliated with the UNAIDS secretariat or its co-sponsoring organizations. An
appropriate level and balance of representation from each geographic region
shall be ensured:
44. As recognized in resolution 55/13, the contribution of civil society
actors in the response to the epidemic of HIV/AIDS at all levels is significant.
In this regard, the resolution underlines the need for the active involvement of
civil society actors in the preparatory process and the special session.
45. Resolution 55/13 defines three categories of civil society actors:
(a) Those which enjoy consultative status with the Economic and Social
Council, in accordance with Council resolution 1996/31 of 25 July 1996; (b)
Those which are members of the Programme Coordination Board of the Joint United
Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS; (c) Those which are approved from the list,
prepared by the Executive Director of UNAIDS, for consideration by Member
States, on a non-objection basis during the preparatory process, for final
decision by the General Assembly. This list will essentially include
associations of people living with HIV/AIDS, non-governmental organizations and
the business sector, including pharmaceutical companies, along with relevant
background information on those entities. The required background information
will be based on the criteria outlined in Economic and Social Council resolution
1996/31. In addition, evidence of recognized work in the area of HIV/AIDS,
including at the community level, and previous experience in regional and/or
global events will be taken into account. Preference will be given to those
groups which are already affiliated with the UNAIDS secretariat or its
co-sponsoring organizations. An appropriate level and balance of representation
from each geographic region shall be ensured.
The President of the General Assembly recommended that the civil society list
for accreditation should be submitted to Member States not later than 15
February 2001. The decision on accreditation and modalities of participation was
to be taken in the end of February 2001, to expedite the preparatory process and
to allow more time for a substantive discussion during the first session of the
open-ended informal consultations of the plenary in February/March 2001:
46. The list shall be submitted to Member States not later than 15
February 2001. The decision on category (c) and on the form of the involvement
of these civil society actors shall be taken by the end of February 2001, to
expedite the preparatory process and to allow more time for a substantive
discussion during the first session of the open-ended informal consultations of
the plenary in February/March 2001.
During informal consultations of the plenary, in February 2001, the General
Assembly decided (A/RES/55/242) to
postpone the deadline for accreditation. The Executive Director of UNAIDS was
requested to provide a list of civil society actors for accreditation along with
relevant background information. The list was requested to be made available to
Member States for consideration on a non-objection basis for decision by the
General Assembly no later than 1 April 2001:
8. Pursuant to paragraph 13 of resolution 55/13, accreditation of civil
society actors to the preparatory activities and the special session shall be
open to: (a) Non-governmental organizations which enjoy consultative status
in accordance with Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31 of 25 July
1996; (b) Non-governmental organizations which are members of the Programme
Coordination Board of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS);
(c) Those which are approved from the list as defined in resolution 55/13 of
associations of people living with HIV/AIDS, non-governmental organizations and
members of the business sector, including pharmaceutical companies, prepared by
the Executive Director of UNAIDS, along with relevant background information,
made available to Member States for consideration on a non-objection basis for
decision by the General Assembly in a timely manner. A complementary list,
prepared by the Executive Director of UNAIDS, along with relevant background
information, made available to Member States, shall be submitted to Member
States no later than 1 April 2001 for consideration by Member States, on a
non-objection basis for decision by the Assembly in a timely manner.
Relevant background information includes the following: purpose of the
organization; information identifying the programmes and activities of the
organization in HIV/AIDS-relevant issues, indicating in which country or
countries they are carried out; confirmation of the activities of the
organization at the national, regional or international levels; copies of annual
or other reports of the organization, with financial statements and a list of
financial sources and contributions, including governmental contributions; a
list of members of the governing body of the organization and the countries of
nationality; a description of membership of the organization, indicating the
total number of members, the names of the organizations that are members and
their geographical distribution; and a copy of the constitution and/or by-laws
of the organization.
On 26 February 2001, the General Assembly
approved the first list of 112 civil society actors (see the list HIV/AIDS/CRP.2 and Corr.1).
On 19 April 2001, another list of 227 civil society actors was submitted to
Member States for approval on non-objection basis (see the list HIV/AIDS/CRP.2/Add.1). From this list, a
Member State objected accreditation of three NGOs by sending a Note Verbale. The
President of the General Assembly informed all Member States on the matter by a
letter.
19.3 Modalities for civil society participation
The General Assembly decided (A/RES/55/13), in
November 2000 on a variety of modalities for civil society participation. The GA
invited a limited number of civil society representatives with specific
expertise in the matter to participate in the plenary debate of the special
session. The GA also decided upon organizing round tables with an open-ended
format with participation of accredited civil society actors. During the
open-ended consultations of the plenary, there was to be interactive panel
discussions with civil society. In addition, the GA decided to use existing
electronic networks, including those of regional NGO networks to obtain inputs
from civil society actors.
The General Assembly invited by the same resolution the President of the
General Assembly to make recommendations on modalities of civil society
participation in the preparatory process and the special session. These
recommendations were to be considered by Member States and finally approved by
the General Assembly:
14. Invites, in this context, the President of the General Assembly to
make recommendations, for consideration by Member States during the preparatory
process, for final decision by the Assembly as soon as possible, but not later
than 2 March 2001, as to the form of the involvement of such civil society
actors, in particular associations of people living with HIV/AIDS,
non-governmental organizations and the business sector, including pharmaceutical
companies, in the special session and, to the extent possible, in the
preparatory process. (A/RES/55/13)
As requested, the President of the General Assembly elaborated the modalities
and made recommendations on the civil society involvement in his conference room
paper published on 8 of December 2000 (HIV/AIDS/CRP.1). Based on the decisions
already taken in 55/13, the President of the General Assembly recommended that a
limited number of civil society actors would be invited to participate in the
debate of the special session. Civil society actors should be able to attend the
plenary informals, where the report of the Secretary-General is discussed. The
President also recommended that the round tables of the special session should
follow an open-ended format and include representatives of civil society:
18. A limited number of representatives of civil society actors with
specific expertise in the subject matter of the special session shall be invited
to participate in the debate in plenary.
23. The round tables shall be organized in an open-ended format, open to
Member States and observers, and those entities of the United Nations system,
including programmes, funds, the specialized agencies and regional commissions,
which have specific expertise in the subject matter of the special session and
which are represented at the highest level, as well as those civil society
actors, including organizations of people living with HIV/AIDS, non-governmental
organizations and private sector representatives, which are accredited to
participate in the special session and its preparatory process.
47. Civil society actors in categories (a) to (c) shall be allowed to
attend those meetings of the February/ March 2001 session of the open-ended
informal consultations of the plenary, at which the Secretary-General's report
is being discussed.
48. As suggested in paragraph 18 above, representatives of categories (a)
to (c) representing civil society actors with particular relevance to the
HIV/AIDS pandemic, people living with HIV/AIDS and the private sector shall be
invited to participate in the debate in the plenary of the special session.
The President of the General Assembly further recommended that there should
be interactive panel discussions with civil society during the preparatory
process. The inputs from civil society should be collected through electronic
networks and outcomes of relevant civil society events. Young people should be
encouraged to participate:
34. During the two sessions of the open-ended consultations of the
plenary, interactive panel discussions with civil society actors may be
organized.
40. To ensure an effective process, existing electronic networks,
including those of regional NGO networks, shall be used to obtain inputs from
civil society actors.
50. In order to allow a maximum possible input by civil society actors and
a wide geographic coverage, efforts should be undertaken by the UNAIDS
secretariat and the Department of Public Information to establish an interactive
electronic discussion forum. Summaries of inputs from those discussions would be
made available to the preparatory process as informal inputs.
51. Outcomes of relevant events of civil society shall be used as
platforms for input to the preparatory process and the special session, as well
as to the outcome document. A list of such events is already being updated and
will be included in the web site of the special session.
52. Special efforts shall be made to engage young people's organizations
in the preparatory process. Dissemination of information on HIV/AIDS should be
targeted to young people, who are at the greatest risk of contracting HIV.
53. Outside the period of the two sessions of the open-ended consultations
of the plenary, additional interactive panel discussions with civil society
actors may be organized.
In February 2001, the General Assembly decided (A/RES/55/242) upon
the organizational arrangements for the special session. A limited number of
accredited civil society actors could make statements in the plenary of the
special session. The President of the General Assembly was requested to consult
Member States and present a list of those civil society actors, which could
speak to the consideration of Member States on non/objection basis. The final
decision was made by the General Assembly. The President was requested to ensure
that the selection was made on an equal and transparent manner and taking into
account a variety of perspective, expertise and geographical representation:
16. Given the availability of time, a limited number of accredited civil
society actors may make statements in the debate in plenary. The President of
the General Assembly is requested, following the appropriate consultation with
Member States, to present a list of selected accredited civil society actors to
Member States for consideration on the non-objection basis for the final
decision by the Assembly. The President is also requested that such selection is
made on an equal and transparent basis, taking into account the equitable
geographical representation, relevant expertise and wide variety of
perspectives.
According to the decision concerning organizational arrangements, accredited
civil society actors could participate the round tables. The President of the
General Assembly was requested to consult Member States and present a list of
selected accredited civil society actors for consideration of Member States. The
final decision was to be made by the General Assembly. A limited number of
accredited civil society actors were also invited to speak during the discussion
on the report of the Secretary-General:
20. The round tables shall be open to Member States, observers, as well as
entities of the United Nations system and accredited civil society actors.
21. In order to ensure interactive and substantive discussions of high
quality, participation in each round table shall be limited to a maximum of 65
participants, of which at least 48 will be representatives of Member States. In
addition, each round table shall include a maximum of 17 participants,
representing observers, entities of the United Nations system and accredited
civil society actors.
30. Accredited civil society actors with specific expertise in areas
related to the themes of the round tables will also be invited to the round
tables. The President of the General Assembly is requested to conduct
appropriate consultations with Member States, and also with accredited civil
society actors, before representing a list of selected accredited civil society
actors that may participate in each round table to Member States, in the last
week of May 2001, for consideration on the non-objection basis for the final
decision by General Assembly. When selecting civil society actors, due
consideration shall be given to the principles of equitable geographical
representation and gender, as well as an adequate mix of national, regional and
international civil society actors, and to the need to ensure that a variety of
perspectives are represented.
35. A limited number of accredited civil society actors may make
statements during the discussion devoted to the report of the Secretary-General,
given the availability of time, and ensuring that equitable geographical
representation and a wide variety of perspective are represented.
The President of the General Assembly sent a letter to all Member States on
13 June 2001 in order to propose the selected accredited civil society actors,
which would participate in the debate of the plenary of the special session.
Among the eight spokespersons, who made a statement in the plenary, were
representatives of women's NGO, a religious NGO, a research institute, and some
international NGOs.
In the same letter, the President of the General Assembly also proposed
selected accredited civil society actors with specific expertise to participate
in the round tables. The President reminded that the resolution 55/242 had
requested these participants to be selected on the basis of geographical
representation and gender. Their selection was also requested to ensure a
variety of perspectives and an adequate mix of national, regional and
international civil society actors. According to the resolution, the decision
was to take place on a non-objection basis, for the final approval of the
General Assembly. There were eight civil society participants proposed for each
round table. The deadline for an objection was 18 June 2001.
On 21 June
2001, the President of the General Assembly informed Member States through a
letter on eleven objections on one proposed NGO. The issue was raised for a
discussion during the informal consultations. Some Member States stated their
support for the participation of the NGO, which had been objected. The final
decision was referred to the plenary of the General Assembly, in order to follow
the decision of the resolution 55/242.
The plenary of the General
Assembly was held 22 June 2001. After debate, the consideration was postponed to
the next plenary meeting on 25 June 2001, the first day of the special session.
After debate, Member States voted on participation of the objected NGO. As a
result of the vote, all originally proposed civil society actors were approved
to speak at the round tables.
19.4 Documentation and Preparatory Committee meetings
20. SPECIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL
ASSEMBLY ON CHILDREN 19-21 September 2001, New York
Summary
Accreditation: At its organizational session, the Preparatory
Committee decided to invite NGOs in consultative status with the Economic and
Social Council or with the UNICEF to participate in the Preparatory Committee.
The invitation was extended to other NGOs, which had a collaborative
relationship and partnership with the UNICEF. The secretariat was to provide the
lists of NGOs to the Preparatory Committee two months before the first
substantive session. The Committee had one month to approve the list on the
non-objection basis.
In compliance with this decision, the Committee approved in April 2000, on a
no-objection basis, a list of over 1300 NGOs submitted by UNICEF. One NGO was
not approved for accreditation, as there was an objection from one Member State.
At its first substantive session, the Preparatory Committee decided to extend
the deadline for the applications of NGOs to participate in the preparatory
process until the end of September 2000. The Committee was to approve on the
non-objection basis the lists of NGOs prepared by the secretariat by the end of
October 2000, where after the accreditation process for NGOs was closed. All
together 1683 NGOs were approved for accreditation. all together 3683 NGO's,
including the ones in consultative status with the ECOSOC, were approved for
accreditation.
At its first substantive session, the Committee also decided on arrangements
for accreditation of NGOs in the special session. The NGOs in consultative
status with the Economic and Social Council and NGOs accredited to the UNICEF
were invited to participate in the special session. In addition, the NGOs
accredited to the Preparatory Committee were also invited to participate in the
special session itself.
Modalities: At its second substantive session, the Committee took a
decision on the modalities for the participation of NGOs in the special session.
All representatives of accredited NGOs were allowed to speak in the Ad Hoc
Committee of the Whole. A limited number of representatives of NGOs were allowed
to speak in the plenary of the special session. The President of the General
Assembly was requested to present a list of those selected NGOs for the approval
of the Member States. The lists were requested to be prepared on an equal and
transparent manner and to take into account the geographical representation and
diversity of NGOs.
At the same meeting, the Committee decided upon the organizational
arrangements for the special session. The rules of procedure of the General
Assembly were to be applied at the special session. The last two speaking slots
at each plenary meeting, with the exception of the first and last ones, were
reserved for participants other than Member States, the Holy See, Switzerland
and Palestine, provided that they are represented at the highest level.
At its third substantive session, the Preparatory Committee considered the
draft resolution on organizational arrangements for the round tables for the
special session. There were no civil society participants for round tables, but
the President of the General Assembly was requested to choose, in consultation
with the co-chairpersons of each roundtable, two child delegates. These child
delegates were to be chosen on the basis of equitable gender and geographic
representation. They were to present an introductory statement on the theme of
the round table in a language of their choice. This draft resolution was adopted
by the General Assembly later in the same month as A/RES/55/276.
(A/S-27/2/Add.1, Part I, chapter VII, section A)
At the third substantive session, the Committee also considered the draft
decision on presentation of the children's forum to the plenary of the special
session. According to the draft decision, the Committee recommends to the
General Assembly that at least two national child delegates of the children's
forum will present the outcome of the forum in the plenary of the special
session. These child delegates were to be identified by the children's forum, in
consultation with the President of the General Assembly and Member States.
(A/S-27/2/Add.1, Part I, chapter VII, section B)
The General Assembly decided (A/RES/51/186) in December
1996 to convene a special session to review the achievement of the goals of the
World Summit for Children. The GA encouraged the civil society and private
sector to support implementation of the goals of the World Summit for children.
The GA also stressed the need for effective partnerships between Governments,
the United Nations system and other international organizations, donor agencies,
and civil society, including NGOs, the private sector and the media.
The
General Assembly recognized again (A/RES/54/93), in
December 1998 the importance of partnerships between a broad range of actors and
the need for participation of NGOs, as well as children and youth in the
preparatory process and the special session:
5. Recognizes the importance of a participatory process at the national,
regional and international levels with a view, inter alia, to establishing
partnerships between a broad range of actors, including children and youth, in
order to raise momentum for children's rights and needs;
14. Recognizes the important role of all relevant actors, including
non-governmental organizations, in implementing the Plan of Action, and stresses
the need for their active involvement in the preparatory process, including in
the preparatory committee, and at the special session, modalities for which will
be addressed by the preparatory committee. (A/RES/54/93)
The GA requested by the same resolution the Secretary-General, with the
support of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), to provide substantive
inputs to the preparatory process and at the special session. The
Secretary-General submitted a report entitled "Proposals on the preparatory
process for the special session of the General Assembly for follow-up to the
World Summit for Children in 2001" (A/AC.256/2) for the organizational session,
in February 2000. The recommendations of the report emphasized the role of civil
society:
IV. Role of civil society, including non-governmental organizations, and
other actors
27. In his report to the fifty-first session of the General Assembly on
progress at mid-decade on the implementation of General Assembly resolution
45/217 on the World Summit for Children (A/51/256), the Secretary-General noted
that the extraordinary level of social mobilization, advocacy and concrete
action on behalf of children precipitated both by the passage of the Convention
on the Rights of the Child and the World Summit for Children would not have
gathered such momentum or achieved such results were it not for the contribution
of non-governmental organizations.
28. In resolution 51/ 186, the General Assembly encouraged civil society
and the private sector to continue to generously support the implementation of
the goals of the World Summit for Children and in resolution 54/93, the Assembly
recognized the important role of all relevant actors, including non-governmental
organizations, in implementing the Plan of Action and stressed the need for
their active involvement in the preparatory process, including the preparatory
committee, and at the special session.
29. A number of non-governmental organizations, including members of the
Non-Governmental Organizations Committee on UNICEF, have already expressed their
eagerness to fulfil the role thus envisaged for them. The modalities for their
involvement will be addressed by the preparatory committee. (A/AC.256/2)
20.2 Accreditation for non-governmental organizations
At its organizational session, in February 2000 the Preparatory Committee
decided to invite NGOs in consultative status with the Economic and Social
Council or with the UNICEF to participate in the Preparatory Committee. The
invitation was extended to other NGOs, which had a collaborative relationship
and partnership with the UNICEF. The secretariat was to provide the lists of
NGOs to the Preparatory Committee two months before the first substantive
session. The Committee had one month to approve the list on the non-objection
basis. A decision on modalities for participation were deferred to the future
sessions:
Participation of non-governmental organizations (Decision 2): The
Preparatory Committee, recalling General Assembly resolution 54/93, paragraph 14
in which the Assembly recognized the important role of all relevant actors,
including non-governmental organizations, in the preparatory process, including
in the preparatory committee:
(a) Decides that the work of the
Preparatory Committee should be open to the participation of non-governmental
organizations that are accredited in accordance with Economic and Social Council
resolution 1996/31 of 25 July 1996 or are accredited with UNICEF;
(b)
Also decides that, in addition, other non-governmental organizations that are
not accredited either to the Economic and Social Council or to UNICEF but that
have a collaborative relationship and partnership with UNICEF pursuant to its
mandate to obtain from non-governmental organizations having a special interest
in child and family welfare the advice and technical assistance which it may
require for the implementation of its programmes, will also be invited to
participate in the meetings of the Preparatory Committee. A list of those
non-governmental organizations should be provided to the Preparatory Committee
by 31 March 2000. The non-governmental organizations on the list will be
approved by the Preparatory Committee on a no-objection basis by 30 April
2000;
(c) Encourages Governments to include representatives of civil
society in their national and regional preparatory processes;
(d)
Decides to defer any decision on accreditation and modalities for the
participation of non-governmental organizations in the special session of the
General Assembly to future sessions of the Preparatory Committee. (A/55/43, Part
I)
In compliance with this decision, the Committee approved in April 2000, on a
no-objection basis, a list of over 1300 NGOs submitted by UNICEF. One NGO was
not approved for accreditation, as there was an objection from one Member State.
At its first substantive session, in May-June 2000 the Preparatory Committee
considered the note from the secretariat on arrangements for accreditation and
participation of NGOs (A/AC.256/CRP.2). Against this background, the Committee
decided to extend the deadline for the applications of NGOs to participate in
the preparatory process until the end of September 2000. The Committee was to
approve on the non-objection basis the lists of NGOs prepared by the
secretariat:
Participation of non-governmental organizations in the preparatory process
(Decision 4) The Preparatory Committee, recalling paragraph (b) of its
decision 2 of 8 February 2000, by which other non-governmental organizations
that were not accredited either to the Economic and Social Council or to UNICEF
but that had a collaborative relationship and partnership with UNICEF pursuant
to its mandate to obtain from non-governmental organizations having a special
interest in child and family welfare the advice and technical assistance which
it may require for the implementation of its programmes would also be invited to
participate in the meetings of the Preparatory Committee. A list of those
non-governmental organizations was to be provided to the Preparatory Committee
by 31 March 2000. The non-governmental organizations on the list were to be
approved by the Preparatory Committee on a no-objection basis by 30 April 2000,
and acknowledging that several suggestions for the participation of
non-governmental organizations in the preparatory process of the special session
were received after the deadline established by the above-mentioned decision,
namely, 31 March 2000, decides to extend the deadline for the approval on a
no-objection basis of participation of non-governmental organizations in the
preparatory process of the special session as follows: (a) A list of
additional non-governmental organizations proposed for participation should be
provided to the Preparatory Committee by 30 September 2000; (b) The
non-governmental organizations on that list will be approved by the Preparatory
Committee on a no-objection basis by 31 October 2000.
All together 3683 NGOs, including the ones in consultative status with the
ECOSOC, were approved for accreditation.
20.3 Modalities for participation of non-governmental organizations
At its first substantive session, in May-June 2000 the Preparatory Committee
decided to defer to its next session the modalities for participation of NGOs in
the special session:
Arrangements regarding participation of non-governmental organizations in
the special session of the General Assembly on children (Decision 8): The
Preparatory Committee decides to defer to its second substantive session its
decision on arrangements regarding the participation of non-governmental
organizations in the special session of the General Assembly on children.
At its second substantive session, in January 2001 the Committee took a
decision on the modalities for the participation of NGOs in the special session.
All representatives of accredited NGOs were allowed to speak in the Ad Hoc
Committee of the Whole. A limited number of representatives of NGOs were allowed
to speak in the plenary of the special session. The President of the General
Assembly was requested to present a list of those selected NGOs for the approval
of the Member States. The lists were requested to be prepared on an equal and
transparent manner and to take into account the geographical representation and
diversity of NGOs:
Arrangements for the participation of non-governmental organizations in
the special session of the General Assembly on children: The General Assembly
decides that: (a) Representatives of non-governmental organizations
accredited to the special session may make statements in the Ad Hoc Committee of
the Whole of the special session; (b) Given availability of time, a limited
number of representatives of non-governmental organizations accredited to the
special session may also make statements in the debate in the plenary of the
special session; (c) The President of the General Assembly is requested to
present the list of selected non-governmental organizations to the Member States
in a timely manner for approval. The President of the General Assembly is also
requested to ensure that such selection is made on an equal and transparent
basis, taking into account the geographical representation and diversity of
non-governmental organizations; (d) These arrangements shall in no way
create a precedent for the other special session of the General Assembly.
(A/S-27/2, chapter VI, section A)
At the same meeting, the Committee decided upon the organizational
arrangements for the special session. The rules of procedure of the General
Assembly were to be applied at the special session. The last two speaking slots
at each plenary meeting, with the exception of the first and last ones, were
reserved for participants other than Member States, the Holy See, Switzerland
and Palestine, provided that they are represented at the highest level:
20. Representatives of non-governmental organizations accredited to the
special session* may make statements in the Ad Hoc Committee of the Whole of the
special session. Given availability of time, a limited number of representatives
of non-governmental organizations accredited to the special session may also
make statements in the debate in the plenary of the special session. The
President of the General Assembly is requested to present the list of selected
non-governmental organizations to the Member States in a timely manner for
approval. The President of the General Assembly is also requested to ensure that
such selection is made on an equal and transparent basis, taking into account
the geographical representation and diversity of non-governmental organizations.
* Non-governmental organizations accredited to the special session in
accordance with the relevant decisions of the Preparatory Committee for the
Special Session of the General Assembly on Children either enjoy consultative
status in accordance with Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31 of 25
July 1996 or are accredited to UNICEF or have a collaborative relationship and
partnership with UNICEF
21. The last two speaking slots at each plenary meeting, with the
exception of the first and last plenary meetings, may be reserved for
participants other than Member States, the Holy See, Switzerland and Palestine
provided that they are represented at the highest level.
22. The arrangements outlined in paragraphs 19 to 21 above shall in no way
create a precedent for other special sessions of the General Assembly.
(A/S-27/2, chapter VI, section B, draft decision II)
At its first substantive session, in May-June 2000 the Preparatory Committee
decided on arrangements for accreditation of NGOs in the special session. The
NGOs in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council and NGOs
accredited to the UNICEF were invited to participate in the special session. In
addition, those NGOs which had been accredited to the Preparatory Committee were
also invited to participate in the special session itself:
Arrangements for accreditation of non-governmental organizations in the
special session (Decision 7): The Preparatory Committee, recalling paragraph
14 of General Assembly resolution 54/93 of 7 December 1999, decides that the
arrangements for accreditation of non-governmental organizations in the special
session will be as follows:
(a) The following non-governmental
organizations will be invited to participate in the special session: (i) The
non-governmental organizations which enjoy consultative status in accordance
with Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31 of 25 July 1996 or are
accredited to UNICEF; (ii) Other non-governmental organizations accredited
to the preparatory process of the special session in accordance with relevant
decisions of the Preparatory Committee; (b) These arrangements shall in no
way create a precedent for other special sessions.
The General Assembly reaffirmed (A/RES/55/26), in
December 2000 the important role of all relevant actors, including NGOs, as well
as children and young people:
9. Reaffirms the important role of all relevant actors, including
non-governmental organizations, in implementing the Plan of Action, and stresses
the need for their active involvement in the preparatory process, including the
Preparatory Committee, and at the special session, the modalities for which are
being addressed by the Preparatory Committee;
10. Reiterates the importance of a participatory process at the national,
regional and international levels with a view, inter alia, to establishing
partnerships among a broad range of actors, including children and young people,
in order to raise momentum for children's rights and needs;
11. Highlights the important role of children and young people in this
process and, in this regard, encourages States to facilitate and promote their
active contribution to the preparatory process, including the Preparatory
Committee, and the special session. (A/RES/55/26)
At its second substantive session, in January 2001 the Preparatory Committee
considered the note by the Chairperson of the Committee on participation of
children and adolescents in the special session (A/AC.256/8) and additional
organizational arrangements for the special session (A/AC.256/9/Add.1). The
Committee decided to take action on these matters at later stage.
At its third substantive session, in June 2001, the Preparatory Committee
considered the draft resolution on organizational arrangements for the round
tables for the special session. There were no civil society participants for
round tables, but the President of the General Assembly was requested to choose,
in consultation with the co-chairpersons of each roundtable, two child
delegates. These child delegates were to be chosen on the basis of equitable
gender and geographic representation. They were to present an introductory
statement on the theme of the round table in a language of their choice. This
draft resolution was adopted by the General Assembly later in the same month as
A/RES/55/276. (A/S-27/2/Add.1, Part I, chapter VII, section A)
At the same session, the Committee also considered the draft decision on
presentation of the children's forum to the plenary of the special session.
According to the draft decision, the Committee recommends to the General
Assembly that at least two national child delegates of the children's forum will
present the outcome of the forum in the plenary of the special session. These
child delegates were to be identified by the children's forum, in consultation
with the President of the General Assembly and Member States. (A/S-27/2/Add.1,
Part I, chapter VII, section B)
