Monitoring Policy Making at the United Nations |
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NGO Access at the UN
NGOs want to participate in global decision-making, so they want to interact with global institutions like the UN. NGOs need access in order to participate, be it physical access to meeting rooms or access to information such as documents and informal meetings. The issues of access have long been at the forefront of NGOs’ struggle at the UN, especially in attempts to gain consultative status in UN bodies or the right to view UN documents through the Official Document System. The criteria of NGO participation in world conferences also continues to be inconsistent and confusing.
Also See GPF's Pages on: NGOs and the UN “Official Document System” | Relations between NGOs and the UN
Cardoso Panel on UN-Civil Society | NGOs and the UN
Articles and Documents
2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996
Response to Advisors’ Report to the President of the 60th General Assembly on the Relationship between Member States and NGOs (September 1, 2006)
In this statement, a group of NGOs, including Global Policy Forum, responds to the recommendations of Ambassadors Johan Lovald of Norway and Rezlan Jenie of Indonesia for boosting NGO participation at the General Assembly (GA). The text reflects on past NGO contributions to the work of the UN, reiterates calls for regular status with the GA and also opposes the use of the Cardoso report as a “basis for policy.” The NGOs request a formal and open process, instead of just hearings, to foster sustained dialogue between Member States and NGOs.
In a report to General Assembly President Jan Eliasson, Ambassadors Johan Lovald of Norway and Rezlan Jenie of Indonesia advise on how to enhance NGO relations with the General Assembly. After consultation with Member States and NGOs, the report recommends some possible avenues, but comes short of specific plans and skirts important issues such as means for regular consultations between NGOs and Member States.Letter from President of General Assembly to Member States on UN-NGO Relations (May 18, 2006)
In this letter distributed to Member States, President of the 60th General Assembly Jan Eliasson announces his intention to explore ways to enhance NGO participation at the UN, and the General Assembly in particular. Eliasson has appointed Ambassadors Johan Lovald of Norway and Rezlan Jenie of Indonesia as his personal advisers.
A group of NGOs, including Global Policy Forum, has submitted a letter to the General Assembly President calling for improved NGO access and participation at the UN. The list of ten recommendations includes access to the new Human Rights Council, Peacebuilding Commission and the General Assembly, as well as better support for NGLS and the appointment of a high-level person on NGO affairs in the Executive Office of the Secretary General. The text emphasizes that while NGO hearings by UN bodies may have a value, they should not be used "as a fig leaf to conceal the lack of more extensive forms of NGO participation."
Jens Martens, Executive Director of Global Policy Forum Europe, regrets that the UN reform process neglects improvements in particpation of NGOs. In 2005, governments largely excluded NGOs both from preparatory negotiations and from the Summit. What does this mean for the future participation of NGOs in the UN? Martens makes a number of practical recommendations, including extending NGO accreditation beyond ECOSOC to the General Assembly. (Friedrich Ebert Foundation and Global Policy Forum)
In this draft resolution on UN-civil society relations following up on the Cardoso report, the Brazilian delegation invites NGOs to participate in General Assembly (GA) main committee meetings and offers informal, interactive hearings before major events, but stops short of calling for NGO participation in the GA’s annual plenary meeting. The resolution also welcomes the trust fund for NGOs particularly of developing countries, and decides to establish a working group to analyze a single NGO accreditation system at the UN.
Beginning with the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, this report provides detailed information on formal rules for NGO involvement in UN conferences, focusing on the issues of NGO accreditation, modalities of participation, and relations with Member States. (Office of the President of the General Assembly of the UN)
A narrative account of NGO access covering the period from 1996 to 1999 with many links to further information.2006
Civil Society Wonders What Role it Will Play in New UN Council (March 24, 2006)
NGOs remain unclear about the role they will play in the new Human Rights Council. Only one NGO representative has been permitted to speak at the Human Rights Commission's closing ceremonies, but the speaker will affirm NGOs commitment to the Council and speak out against exclusion of civil society from the new Council. (Inter Press Service)Geneva NGOs Brace for New UN Rights Body (March 23, 2006)
Swiss Info writes that NGOs face an increased challenge in playing an active role in the new Human Rights Council. NGOs with smaller budgets, particularly those from developing countries will encounter problems with ensuring a presence in Geneva at the more frequent Council sittings. The article argues NGOs also face “certain regimes hostile to human rights” that aim to suppress NGO activities in the Council.Charting New Ways of Participation: Is it Time for a Parliamentary Assembly at the UN (February 22, 2006)
CIVICUS recommends the creation of a UN Parliamentary Assembly to make the UN more democratic and increase the participation of civil society. In the initial stages the body could hold consultative status with the UN in co-operative agreement with the General Assembly, progressing to an assembly elected by “the peoples of the world.” Although an ambitious proposal, the article believes such a body would provide a “vital link” between the UN, system, parliaments and civil society in a way that has not so far been possible.2005
UN: NGOs Seek Louder Voice in New Rights Body (July 29, 2005)
Because UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has left most details on the forthcoming Human Rights Council for member states to decide after the High-Level September summit, many NGOs are worried that they will be excluded from the deliberations leading to the Council’s formation. (Inter Press Service)Civil Society in Chile Sceptical about Reforms (July 26, 2005)
NGOs in Chile are dissatisfied with the slow progress made towards implementing the Millennium Development Goals, and disapprove of the apparent shift in focus of the September 2005 UN Summit from development to UN reform and terrorism. Exponents of civil society also express resentment about the limited role the UN concedes to NGOs, explaining that “it is not possible to have an orderly world” without civil society’s cooperation. (Inter Press Service)NGOs Hope First Date Wasn't Just a One-Night Stand (June 24, 2005)
Following unprecedented UN General Assembly civil society hearings, NGOs express the need for more regular interaction with the United Nations. Many organizations are disappointed about their current degree of participation in UN decision-making, and stress that they would play an essential role in addressing the “lack of connectivity between documents and action on the ground.” (Inter Press Service)UN Hosts Historic Session with Civil Society (June 22, 2005)
The UN General Assembly hosts landmark hearings with civil society organizations to discuss the themes in Secretary General Kofi Annan’s report “In Larger Freedom.” While the sessions are a great achievement for NGOs, many doubt the impact they will have on the September summit outcome document, and some organizations question the UN’s selection criteria of participants. (Inter Press Service)2004
UN Should Forge Stronger Ties with Civil Society, Deputy Secretary-General Says (October 4, 2004)
In a General Assembly debate on the Cardoso Panel report, Deputy Secretary General Louise Fréchette reiterated the Secretary General’s call for the GA to incorporate NGOs into its regular business. She also supported increased NGO access to documents and information. Better NGO-UN relations, said Fréchette, could “help improve the services we provide to the world’s people.” (UN News)NGOs are Side-Lined from Top UN Human Rights Meeting (March 16, 2004)
The United Nations has marginalized NGO interaction with delegates during the Commission on Human Rights under the pretext of security concerns. NGOs which were blocked from accessing the plenary floor, charge that the restriction risks destroying the credibility of the Commission and prevents NGO advocacy possibilities. (Franciscans International)2003
Press Conference on United Nations-Civil Society Relations (June 3, 2003)
The Panel of Eminent Persons on UN Relations with Civil Society continues the search of how to integrate the non-State actors in the decision making process. NGO access to the Security Council seems to be impossible as the Charter identifies states as the members of Organization. (UN News)Letter Sent by the World Federalist Movement to Secretary General Kofi Annan (May 19, 2003)
This letter requests the Secretary General’s support in providing universal access to the Official Document System (ODS), a database containing all UN documents in the six official UN languages. This initiative would help NGOs located far from the UN while offering the public an invaluable resource. (World Federalist Movement)2002
NGOs Alarmed by Annan's Call for New Ties with UN (November 4, 2002)
Kofi Annan plans to create a high level panel to reassess the relationship between NGOs and the UN in light of the “great pressure” these groups have placed on the UN system. NGO leaders argue that member states, such as the US, pressure the Secretary General to limit NGO participation. (Inter Press Service)Watchdog Organization Struggles to Decrease UN Bureaucracy (October 29, 2002)
The Digital Freedom Network looks at how UN bureaucracy makes it difficult for NGOs to work with the UN. Dr. Tan of the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), a watchdog organization of the UN, claims that the UN is aware of the plight of NGOs and plans to tackle these problems.WSSD Success or Failure? (October 2002)
At the WSSD, NGOs either dealt with difficult accreditation paperwork, restricted access and closed-door sessions, or were relegated to distant parallel conferences and other side events. In addition, the UN consensus process involves only governments and leaves no formal way for NGOs to block UN agreements. (Bond)Letter of CONGO President to Louise Frechette, Deputy UN Secretary-General (September 15, 2002)
CONGO, the umbrella association of NGOs with consultative status at the UN, asks to be included in a panel of experts appointed by the Secretary General that will analyze the challenges posed by the large number of NGOs working with the UN.Strengthening of the United Nations: An Agenda for Further Change (September 9, 2002)
In his report, Kofi Annan claims that the rapidly growing number of NGOs has put member states and UN facilities “under great pressure.” He also wishes to address confusing accreditation processes for UN conferences and the imbalance of NGOs from developed and developing countries. (United Nations)Committee Recommends Two NGOs for Consultative Status With Economic and Social Council (May 20, 2002)
Examining several NGOs requests for consultative status at the UN, the Committee on NGOs addresses issues such as the under-representation of African NGOs while considering a processing fee to reduce the number of applications. (UN Press Release)New NGO Network Created Under UN Guidance (May 31, 2001)
The International Znanie Association is part of a newly founded “NGO Informal Network”. Coevering, a representative of Znanie, has claimed that the network will particularly support small organizations in seeking access to the UN. (Earth Times)As Stakeholders, NGOs Have a Role in FfD (January 23, 2001)
NGOs warn that denying civil society a role in the Financing for Development (FfD) process leads to frustration and anger, expressed in anti-globalization demonstrations. The problems of NGO access to the current FfD Prep-Com show states have not learnt any lessons from Seattle, Davos and Genoa. (Inter Press Service)NGOs Can Observe, Not Participate (January 22, 2001)
The co-chairman of the UN Financing for Development Prep-Com has denied NGOs the right to speak during discussions over the meeting’s final document. (Inter Press Service)Tokyo Aid Confab Should Have Been More Transparent (January 22, 2001)
Concerns have been raised over NGO and media access to the Afghan Ministerial Pledging Conference in Tokyo. NGO representatives were only let in as observers and two Japanese NGOs were completely banned due to their “antigovernment stance.” Kyodo News.2001
NGO Problems Attending UN Meeting (November 21, 2001)
Letter from Anne Walker, Executive Director of the International Women's Tribune Centre, describing her problems while attending a meeting at UN headquarters.Statement on NGO Access Problems at the UN Conference on Least Developed Countries (May 16, 2001)
In an open letter addressed to the organizers, the NGO Forum complains that the relationship between the UN conference and the NGO Forum has not been as good the UN had promised.Negotiations on NGOs at the UN (May 2001)
Updates by the International NGO Task Group on Legal and Institutional Matters (INTGLIM) on several access issues NGOs had to deal with during UN conferences in the past months.Lobbyists' Role at UN Human Rights Talks Prompts Heated Debate (March 23, 2001)
At the annual session of the UN Human Rights Commission, 17 states asked the UN to revise its rules on the accreditation of NGOs to the commission. Some countries fear that NGOs could distribute "scurrilous and politically motivated material" (Agence France Presse).NGO Negotiations at the UN Headquarters (February 2001)
First edition of a GA NGO Resolution bulletin by theWorld Federalist Movement, as chair of the International NGO Task Group on Legal and Institutional Matters (INTGLIM).2000
NGOs Are Upsetting Things at the UN (August 17, 2000)
An article, published in Le Monde, analyzing the attempts of a coalition of states to muzzle NGOs at the UN. Two such examples are the suspension cases of the Transnational Radical Party and Christian Solidarity International.NGO Committee Discusses its Relations With the Commission on Human Rights. (June 22, 2000)
Following on from varying “incidents”, the ECOSOC NGO Committee asked the Secretariat of the Commission on Human Rights to exercise a stricter monitoring of NGOs. (UN Press Release)The Religious Right at the Beijing+5 PrepCom (April 25, 2000)
An analysis by Jennifer Butler of "pro-family" religious groups and how in March they tried to influence negotiations leading to the five year review of the Beijing Women's Conference.Nations Disagree on Scope of Small Arms Conference (March 6, 2000)
The first preparatory session for the upcoming UN small arms conference sees nations disagree on almost every issue, including the access of NGOs to the conference. Might human rights organizations be frozen out? (Inter Press Service)CONGO Statement to the ECOSOC Committee on NGOs (January 26, 2000)
In addressing ECOSOC, the Committee on NGOs reiterates the implementation of Resolution 1996/31 and briefs on further NGO recommendations.Global Policy Forum is Considered for ECOSOC Status (January 17, 2000)
CONGO leaves pending consideration of the Global Policy Forum for further questioning and discussion among members.ECOSOC and the Suspension Case of TRP (2000)
Documents on the case of the Transnational Radical Party (TRP) which is facing a procedure of suspension at the Ecosoc.ECOSOC and the Suspension Case of ASOPAZCO (2000)
ASOPAZCO is a human rights NGO whose consultative status was supsended in October 2000. This page offers documents on the case.1999
A comprehensive and critical 28-page report reviewing recent progress and problems of NGOs at the UN. Prepared as input to the second report of the Secretary General.Responsibilities of Members States, NGOS and the UN Secretariat (November 9, 1999)
Notes from CONGO meeting on the Implementation of article 71 of the UN Charter attended by representatives of 37 NGOs, 24 Permanent Missions and five UN Secretariat staff.Consultation Meeting on NGO/UN Relationship (November 3, 1999)
Summary of CONGO meeting about NGO participation in UN meetings. Member Representatives in attendance included Cuba, Denmark, Luxembourg, Norway and the USA.NGO Access to Social Summit +5 (September 21, 1999)
Preparatory Committee Reccomendations of Rules for NGO Access to the General Assembly Social Summit.NGOs Evolving Relationship with the United Nations (August-September 1999)
DESA report on CONGO 1999 substantive session, held June 1-18. Issues on the CONGO agenda included decison to deny ECOSOC status to Human Rights in China along with results of vote taken on motion to withdraw CSI's consultative status.Secretary General Kofi Annan Considers Concerns of NGOs (August 10, 1999)
CONGO memo about a recent meeting of CONGO and other NGO leaders, including Global Policy Forum's executive director, Jim Paul, with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.NGOs' Absence from the Global Forum on Human Development (August 10, 1999)
A letter from GPF Director James Paul to Richard Jolly, Principal Coordinator of the UN Human Development Report drawing attention to the lack of NGO inclusion in UNDP's First Global Forum on Human Development.Access to Security Council Meetings (July 26, 1999)
A letter from GPF Director James Paul to UN Security Chief Michael McCann on the problem of NGO access to open meetings of the Security Council.NGOs Barred from Speaking at Special Session (July 2, 1999)
Inter Press Service article about NGOs' dismay at being shut out of the General Assembly special session on Population and development (ICPD+5).Letter Concerning the Participation of NGOs at the ICPD+5 PrepCom (July 2, 1999)
NGOs write to the Secretary General to gain increased participation in the Preparatory Commission for the review of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) +5.ECOSOC and the Suspension Case of CSI (July 1999)
Documents on the controversy over revocation of UN consultative status for Christian Solidarity International (CSI).UN Committee, Under Pressure, Limits Rights Groups (June 22, 1999)
New York Times article about ECOSOC Committee on NGOs denying or removing accreditation of human rights groups.Statement by Afaf Mahfouz to the ECOSOC Committee on NGOs (June 16, 1999)
Afaf Mahfouz, President of the Conference on NGOs (CONGO), suggests establishing a stronger relationship between NGOs and the Committee on NGOs through a series of consultations.Letter to New York Times on Rejection of Human Rights in China (June 11, 1999)
In her letter to the New York Times, Joanna Weschler, Human Rights Watch's representative to the UN, responds to the denial of accreditation to Human Rights in China.UN Denies Status to Rights Group Critical of '89 Massacre in China (June 7, 1999)
New York Times article about denial of UN accreditation to Human Rights in China, a New-York based group.Arrangements for the GA Special Session of ICPD+5 (June 3, 1999)
Explains how NGOs can participate in the GA Special Session (30 June-2 July 1999) for the review of the International Conference on Population and Development.ECOSOC Discusses Human Rights in China's Application for Consultative Status (June, 1999)
In CONGO's 1999 report, China deems HRIC unqualified for consultative status in the Council.Draft Decision by the Committee on NGOs (May 31, 1999)
The Chairman of the Committee circulated this draft on May 31 and withdrew it on June 3 after informal discussions. The committee is considering limits to NGO access at the UN of which the draft is symptomatic.NGO Participation in the GA Special Session of Copenhagen+5 (May 24, 1999)
In a statement on behalf of the European Union, Dr. Hubert Linhart of Germany supports NGO participation in the Special Session of Copenhagen+5.Secretary General's Office Comments on CONGO Relations with the Secretariat (May 12, 1999)
Gillian M. Sorensen, Assistant Secretary General for External Relations, responds to the CONGO Board Resolution on Relations with the Secretariat (February 25-26, 1999).Letter from Amb. Paolo Fulci to the Chair of the Committee on NGOs (May 7, 1999)
Amb. Fulci of Italy, President of ECOSOC, writes to Amb. Hachani, Chair of the Committee on NGOs, to express his concern about the growing number of NGOs in consultative status with ECOSOC.CONGO Introduction to NGO Leaders' Letter Protesting New UN Security Rules (April 30, 1999)
For its list-serv distribution of the letter, CONGO prepared this background commentary.Security Rules for New York NGOs (April 19, 1999)
A memorandum from Iqbal Riza, Chef de Cabinet of the Secretary General, defines restrictive new security rules for NGOs.NGO Leaders' Protest New UN Security Rules (April 7, 1999)
In this letter, NGO leaders express their concern at the many proposed new rules that limit NGO access to the UN facility and they refuse to participateLetter Protesting Discrimination against Tibetan NGO Representative (March 5, 1999)
Many NGOs express concern about "an incident in which the Division for the Advancement of Women (DAW) prevented a NGO representative from speaking based upon her perceived ethnicity".CONGO Board Resolution on Relations with the Secretariat (February 25-26, 1999)
The Resolution is strongly critical of the Secretariat's relations with NGOs.The United Nations and Civil Society: The Role of NGOs (February 19-21, 1999)
This conference paper reports participants’ discussion on ways to work towards a “sustainable partnership” between the UN and NGOs. The paper also presents the main proposals in regards to NGO accreditation procedures and other NGO access issues. (Stanley Foundation)NGO Participation in the Commission on Human Rights (1999)
Statements and correspondence between NGOs and Ambassador Anne Anderson of the Mission of Ireland in Geneva, Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights, on the issue of Human Rights NGOs' participation in the Commission.1998
Consultations on the Cuban Non-Paper on NGOs (December 22, 1998)
A second report on the December 9, 1998 meeting between the ECOSOC Committee on NGOs and NGO representatives, provided by the Conference on NGOs. Also link to a summary by the Committee on NGOs.Rights and Responsibilities of Accreditation of NGO Representatives to the United Nations (December 18, 1998)
A document originating from an undetermined delegation in the ECOSOC Committee on NGOs and attached as an annex to the Chairman's Report on the December 9, 1998 consultations with NGOs ; intended to be an NGO "Code of Conduct", the document was not passed.General Assembly Resolution on the Millenium Assembly (December 17, 1998)
In preparing for the 55th session of the United Nations, the Secretary-General will consult with NGOs.General Assembly Adopts Canadian Proposal on the Role of NGOs (December 17, 1998)
Also links to the text of the resolution.UN Mission Withdraws Initiative to Charge NGOs for Services (December 9, 1998)
It still, however, plans on requesting a report from the SG on costs associated with NGOs.Consultations on the Cuban Non-Paper on NGO Accrediation (December 9, 1998)
A report by the ECOSOC Committee on NGOs on the meeting between itself and the NGO community regarding the issues of accreditation and a "code of conduct", in preparation of the Committee's session from December 14-18.Statement to the 50th Anniversary Conference of CONGO (December 3, 1998)
Executive Director James A. Paul notes reasons for both celebration and critical reflection on the challenges that NGOs continue to face at the UN.US Proposal to Charge Fees to NGOs (December 3, 1998)
WFM Director Bill Pace uncovers a US proposal to the UN's Fifth (Budget) Committee that would result in charges to NGOs for various UN "services" like conference rooms, documents, etc.Draft Canadian Text on the Secretary General's Report on NGOs (December 3, 1998)
The result of an informal consultation during which the Canadian delegation encouraged NGOs to submit their opinions on A/53/170.It's Not Just Governments that Make War and Peace Now (November 28, 1998)
GA 53rd Session Debate on the Secretary-General's Report on NGOs (November 25, 1998)
Excerpts from a DPI press release covering member states' reactions to A/53/170 in the General Assembly's discussion of NGO participation in and access to the UN SystemNGO Responses to the Secretary General's Report (A/53/170)---A Series of NGO Statements (November 11, 1998):
The International Information Service
The International Confederation of Free Trade UnionsReport on the HRI Meeting on NGO Access (October 30, 1998)
Summarizes a meeting, organized by Human Rights Internet, held to discuss NGO participation in the upcoming VDPA review and NGO access to the UN in general.Report on the CONGO Meeting on NGO Access Held October 23, 1998 (November 3, 1998)
Summarizes NGO reactions to the Secretary-General's report to the GA (A/53/170) on NGO participation in the UN System.NGOs' Role in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action Meetings (October 29, 1998)
A summary by Richard Jordan of the debate of the Third Committee of the Economic and Social Council on NGO participation in the VDPA review.Amb. Antonio Monteiro of Portugal on NGOs and the Security Council (October 21, 1998)
Excerpts from a speech to the General Assembly.Letter to NGOs on Document Searches (October 1, 1998)
Letter by James A. Paul of Global Policy Forum regarding document searches by the UNCONGO on NGO access at the United Nations (September 28, 1998)
Congo President Afaf Mahfouz addresses the Assistant Secretary-General for External Relations.William Pace on NGO Access Restrictions (September 19, 1998)
William Pace posts further information regarding NGO access.CONGO on NGO Access (September 18, 1998)
CONGO President Afaf Mafouz addresses the Secretary-General to express concerns about access (written prior to having received the Sorensen letter).UN Statement on NGO Access (September 18, 1998)
Letter from Asst. Secretary-General Gillian M. Sorensen outlining new access restrictions for NGOs at the UN.Cuban Mission Non Paper at ECOSOC on NGO Accreditation (September 17, 1998)
This was prepared in advance of the ECOSOC Committee session on NGOs from 14 to 18 December 1998 at UN HQ.William Pace on NGO Access Restrictions (September 17, 1998)
William Pace of World Federalist Movement posts further information regarding NGO access.William Pace on NGO Access Restrictions (September 17, 1998)
William Pace alerts NGO community to new access restrictionsParagraph 75 from the Non-Aligned Movement Summit Declaration (September 2 - 3, 1998)
NAM expresses implicit opposition to expanded NGO access to the UN General Assembly.A Challenge to Immunity of Lobbyists at the UN (August 8, 1998)
UN Report on NGOs (July 10, 1998)
A 17-page report by the Secretary-General,to be considered by the General Assembly in the 53rd session, concerns arrangements and practices affecting NGO participation in the UN system. The report is seen as disappointing by many NGOs.1997
NGOs and the 1997 Commission on Sustainable Development (Summer 1997)
Information about the 5-year review of the Rio Earth Summit and the role of NGOs in that process.The US Vetoes Global Conferences (Spring 1997)
Jessica Mathews examines US government criticisms of UN conferences.1996
ECOSOC Concludes NGO Review (November 1996)
The NGLS Roundup covers the ECOSOC review of arrangments for consultation with NGOs from 1993 to June 1996.NGO Review - 1996: An analysis by NGLS (November 1996)
An article by the UN's Non-Governmental Liaison Service (NGLS) summarizing the ECOSOC decision on new rules for consultative status for NGOs.Enlarging the Contribution of NGOs to the UN's Disarmament Work (October 1996)
The NGO Committee on Disarmament outlines the contributions of NGOs to UN disarmament work and proposes ways of increasing NGO participation.
