By the Office of the President of the
General Assembly of the United Nations
May 18, 2001
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.1. Introduction
1.2. Background on relationship with civil society
1.3. Current legislation
1.4. Practical arrangements
2.1. Introduction
2.2. Accreditation for non-governmental organizations
2.3. Modalities for participation of non-governmental organizations
3. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT (ICPD); 5 – 13 September 1994, Cairo
3.1.Introduction
3.2. Accreditation for non-governmental organizations
3.3 Modalities for participation of non-governmental organizations
4. WORLD SUMMIT FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, 6 – 12 March, 1995, COPENHAGEN
4.1. Introduction
4.2. Accreditation for non-governmental organizations
4.3. Modalities for participation of non-governmental organizations
5.1. Accreditation for non-governmental organizations
5.2. Modalities for participation of non-governmental organizations
6.1. Introduction
6.2. Accreditation of non-governmental organizations
6.3. Modalities for participation of non-governmental organizations
7. UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON HUMAN SETTLEMENTS (Habitat II), 3 – 14 June 1996, Istanbul
7.1. Accreditation for civil society participation
7.2. Modalities for civil society participation
8. THIRD UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON THE LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES; 14-20 May 2001, Brussels
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Accreditation for civil society
9.1. Accreditation for non-governmental organizations
9.2. Modalities for participation of non-governmental organizations
10.1. Introduction
10.2. Accreditation for non-governmental organizations
10.3. Modalities for participation of non-governmental organizations
11. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FINANCING FOR DEVELOPMENT; First Quarter of 2002, Mexico
11.1. Introduction
11.2. Accreditation for civil society
11.3. Modalities for participation of civil society
12.1. Introduction
12.2. Accreditation for non-governmental organizations
12.3. Modalities for non-governmental organizations
13.1. Introduction
13.2 Accreditation for civil society
13.3. Modalities for participation of non-governmental organizations
14.1. Introduction
14.2. Accreditation for civil society
14.3. Modalities for participation
15.1 Introduction
15.2. Accreditation for non-governmental organizations
15.3. Modalities for participation of non-governmental organizations
16.1 Introduction
16.2. Accreditation for civil society
16.3. Modalities for the participation of civil society
17. SPECIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON THE HIV/AIDS; 25-27 of June, 2001, New York
17.1. Introduction
17.2. Accreditation for civil society
17.3. Modalities for civil society participation
18. SPECIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON CHILDREN; 19-21 September 2001, New York
18.1. Introduction
18.2. Accreditation for non-governmental organizations
18.3. Modalities for participation of non-governmental organizations
1. GENERAL1.1. Introduction
The participation of civil society, including NGOs in United Nations conferences and special sessions is one way they contribute to the work of the UN. Their participation requires specific procedures for accreditation. The accreditation and modalities of participation have 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 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 major UN conferences and special sessions are concerned. The already scheduled conferences and special sessions have been included in the document with information on decisions made so far.
In all conferences and special sessions, Member States usually make recommendations to civil society on their contribution concerning awareness raising, information campaigns, and the composition of national delegations, as well as on national level implementation, reporting and monitoring. The role of civil society in implementing the outcomes of these conferences and their impact in that process is one of the main reasons why civil society is interested in participating in UN conferences. They do so in order to influence the outcomes of these conferences and events, since they will – in any case - participate in the implementation. This aspect of the relationship is not dealt with in this document.
This document should be treated as ‘work in process' and any comments and additions for its improvement are welcome.
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 set of rules on this relationship was adopted in 1950 by ECOSOC. 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 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 decision of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) 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 and chaired first by H.E. Mr. Marker, Ambassador of Pakistan and later on by H.E. Mr. Kamal, Ambassador of Pakistan.
In 1996, ECOSOC concluded a major review of arrangements for NGOs. 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.
The Secretary-General elaborated arrangements and practices for NGOs in his report A/53/170, in July 1998. 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 September 1999. As stated above the Millennium Declaration gave a new mandate to enhance this partnership.
One should note that the Department of Public Information of the UN has its own co-operation with NGOs. The importance of working with and through NGOs as an integral part of United Nations information activities was recognized when the Department of Public Information was first established in 1946 and the work is based on General Assembly resolution 13 (I) and later on resolution 1296 and 1996/31. NGOs associated with DPI disseminate information about the UN to their membership, thereby building knowledge of and support for the Organization at the grassroots level. To apply, an NGO that meets the established criteria sends an official letter from its headquarters to the Chief of the NGO Section, Department of Public Information, expressing interest in association with DPI. To support the application, the letter must state the reasons why the organization seeks such association and briefly describe its information programmes. This letter must be accompanied by at least six samples of recent information materials produced by the applying organization. Letters of reference from UN Departments, UN Programmes and Specialized Agencies, and/or UN Information Centres and Services (UNICs and UNISs) greatly enhances consideration of the application. Association of NGOs with DPI does not constitute their incorporation into the United Nations system, nor does it entitle associated organizations or their staff to any kind of privileges, immunities or special status.
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 article 71 of the Charter which recognizes NGOs legally and formally as partners in the international community. The article states that 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. The resolution defined the criteria and principles for establishing consultative relationships for NGOs. The guidelines for written statements, oral statements and attendance during meetings were also formulated.
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 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 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 1996/31)
In the Millennium Declaration, that was adopted by resolution 55/2, civil society participation is taken up in three separate sections.
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 55/162, the following commitments was 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, although the phase and scope of accreditation and modalities vary among individual processes of special sessions, conferences and summits.
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. 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. Often briefings would also be organized every morning during the meeting session.
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 meeting. Seating in the meeting room is on a first-come/first-served basis with overflow into other conference rooms. The NGO-community usually would organize side-events, which take place at the same time as the actual meeting. These events would be open for all NGO-delegates.
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 (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.
Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings
Conference secretariat: Ad hoc secretariat at the United Nations Office at 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
Accreditation for the Preparatory Committee
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.
08. 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).
Accreditation for the Conference
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
Modalities for the Preparatory Committee
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 (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).
Modalities for the Conference
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.
Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings
ECOSOC 1989/87
A/RES/44/228; A/RES/45/211; A/RES/46/168
Report of the Secretary-General: A/CONF.151/PC/2
Org. session: 5 - 16 Mar. 1990, New York: A/44/48
1st session: 6 - 31 Aug. 1990, Nairobi: A/45/46 and A/CONF.151/PC/9
2nd session: 18 Mar. - 5 Apr. 1991, Geneva: A/46/48, vol. I and A/CONF.151/PC/L.27
3rd session: 12 Aug. - 4 Sept. 1991, Geneva: A/46/48, vol. II
4th session: 2 Mar.- 3 Apr. 1992, New York: A/CONF.151/PC/128
Rules of Procedure: A/CONF.151/2
3. 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 the Commission on Population and Development.
Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings
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
3.1.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)
3.2. 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).
3.3 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.
Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings: ECOSOC 1989/91, ECOSOC 1991/93, ECOSOC 1992/37, ECOSOC 1993/76, ECOSOC 1993/4 A/RES/47/176, A/RES/48/186
1st session 4-8 Mar. 1991, New York: E/1991/47 + Add.1
2nd session 10-21 May 1993, New York: E/1993/69
3rd session 4-22 Apr. 1994, New York: A/CONF.171/PC/9
Rules of Procedure A/CONF.171/2
4. 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.
Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings
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. (what happened to the secretariat after the conference, did its mandate finish or did it participate in the follow-up process?)
Secretariat for NGO arrangements: UN/DESA and Division for Social Policy and Development
4.1. 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)
4.2. 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).
4.3. Modalities for participation of non-governmental organizations
Modalities at the Preparatory Committee
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).
Modalities at the Summit
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)
Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings
A/RES/47/92
A/RES/48/100
Org. session 12 - 16 Apr. 1993, New York: A/48/24
1st session 31 Jan. - 11 Feb. 1994, New York: A/49/24
2nd session 22 Aug. - 2 Sept. 1994, New York: A/49/24/Add.1
3rd session 16 - 27 Jan. 1995, New York: A/CONF.166/PC/28
Rules of Procedure A/CONF.166/2
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.
Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings
Conference Secretariat: Commission on Sustainable Development.
Secretariat for NGO arrangements: UN/DESA.
5.1. 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 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":
DECISION 4 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).
5.2. 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 671. 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 68Written 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.
Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings:
A/RES/47/176, A/RES/48/186
Org. session: 15-16 Apr. 1993, New York: A/48/36; A/CONF. 167/PC/2
1st session: 30 Aug.-10 Sept. 1993, New York: A/48/36
Resumed 1st session: 7-11 Mar. 1994, New York: A/48/36/Add.1
Rules of procedure A/CONF.167/2
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 spokepersons, 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 host Country. The outcome of the Forum was not part of the Final Report.
Conference secretariat: The Commission on the Status of Women
Preparatory Committee: The Commission on the Status of Women
Substantive secretariat for NGO arrangements: UN/DESA/DAW
6.1. 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.
6.2. 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.
6.3. 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 spokepersons, 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 651. 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. (A/CONF.166/2)
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 66Written 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)
Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings
ECOSOC 1990/12
A/RES/45/129, A/RES/46/98, A/RES/48/108
38th session of the Commission on the Status on Women, March 1994
Deadline for applications, no later than 1 February, 1994
39th session of the Commission on the Status on Women, 1995
Deadline for applications, no later than 13 January, 1995 (final date for the Conference
Rules of Procedure A/CONF.177/2
7. 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.
Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings
Conference secretariat: Ad hoc secretariat as part of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements.
Secretariat for NGO arrangements: Habitat (UNCHS)
7.1. 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. 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. 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:
4. (a) The purpose of the organization, and the country or countries in which it is active;
5. (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:
6. (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;
7. (d) Copies of its annual reports with financial statements and a list of members of the governing body and their country of nationality;
8. (e) A description of its membership, indicating the total number of members and their geographical distribution.
9. 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.
10. 5. Non-governmental organizations seeking accreditation shall be asked to confirm their interest in the goals and objectives of the Conference.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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)
14. The accreditation of NGOs was a continuous process, where accreditation was granted by consensus:
15. 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).
16. 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.
17. Third 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.
18. 7.2. Modalities for civil society participation
19. 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 62Representatives 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 631. 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 64Written 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)
Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings
A/RES/47/180, A/RES/49/109, A/RES/48/37, A/RES/50/100
Org. session: 3-5 Mar. 1993, New York: A/48/37
1st session: 11-22 Apr. 1994, Geneva: A/49/37
2nd session: 24 Apr.-5 May 1995, Nairobi: A/50/37
3rd session: 5-16 Feb. 1996, New York: A/CONF.165/PC/3/7
Rules of Procedure: A/CONF.165/2
8. 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
There was no formal decision on the modalities for civil society at the Preparatory Committee. According to the previous experiences and the UN practice, 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.
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.
Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings
Preparatory Committee: Open-ended Preparatory Committee with the UNCTAD secretariat.
Secretariat for NGO arrangements: UNCTAD
8.1 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.
8.2 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 OF 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)
(how many NGOs were accredited during the second and third session?)
(was there any decision on the modalities for the Conference?)
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.
Rule 64 Representatives of non-governmental organizations
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.
Rule 65 Written statements
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)
Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings
A/RES/45/206, A/RES/50/103, A/RES/52/187, A/RES/53/182, A/RES/54/235
1st session: 24-28 of July 2000, New York: A/CONF.191/2
2nd session: 5-9 of February 2000, New York: A/CONF.191/3
3rd session: 2-6 of April 2000: A/CONF:191/IPC/L.7
Rules of Procedure
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.
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.
Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings
Preparatory Committee: Open-ended Preparatory Committee with the secretariat of the Department of Disarmament.
Secretariat for NGO arrangements: Department of Disarmament
9.1. 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.
6. Stresses the need to ensure the widest possible and effective participation in the conference in 2001. (A/RES/54/54, section V)
During the preparatory process, two working papers were submitted (Working paper submitted by Algeria A/CONF.192/PC/17; Working paper submitted by Canada A/CONF.192/PC/15).
At its third session, in March 2001 the Preparatory Committee decided based on the 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.
9.2. Modalities for participation of non-governmental organizations
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:
Draft decision on the modalities of attendance of non-governmental organizations at the sessions of the Preparatory Committee as well as the Conference
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;
(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. (CONF.192/PC/L.7/Rev.2)
Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings
A/RES/54/54
1st session: 28 Feb.-3 Mar 2000, New York
2nd session: 8-19 Jan. 2001, New York
3rd session: 19-30 Mar. 2001
Rules of Procedure
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/52/111; A/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.
Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings
Preparatory Committee: Commission on Human Rights
Secretariat for NGO arrangements: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
10.1. 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.
10.2. 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:
PC.1/11. Participation of indigenous representatives
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):
PC.1/5. Accreditation of non-governmental organizations
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)
10.3. 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)
Human Rights resolution 1998/26
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 651. 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 661. 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 67Written 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.
Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings
A/RES/52/111, A/RES/53/132, A/RES/54/154
E/CN.4/SUB.2/RES/1999/6, E/CN.4/RES/2000/14, E/CN.4/RES/2001/5
1st session: 1-5 May 2000: A/CONF.189/PC.1/21, A/55/307
2nd session: 21 May-1 June 2001, Geneva
Rules of Procedure: A/CONF.189/PC.1/2
11. 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 Prepartory Committee decided to extend the accreditation process for NGOs and the private sector beyond the original date. Accreditation was a continuous process.
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.
Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings
A/RES/46/205, A/RES/48/187, A/RES/50/93, A/RES/52/179, A/RES/53/173, A/RES/54/196
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
11.1. 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 a open dialogue with members of the ECOSOC-accredited 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:
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)
11.2. Accreditation for civil society
The Bureau of the Preparatory Committee was requested by the General Assembly resolution 54/196 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.
At the same time, the Bureau 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 invited NGOs in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council to participate. Other NGOs and the private sector were able to apply through the secretariat for a consultative status at the process. 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 decision concerning preparations for the substantive preparatory process and the high-level international event. According to the decision, 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:
20. 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:
Decision 1/4 Extension of the accreditation of non-governmental organizations
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.
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 28 NGOs was approved (A/AC.257/10 and Add. 1 and Add. 2)
3rd session: Accreditation for (number missing) NGOs was approved (A/AC.257/10/Add.3)
11.3. 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. At the resumed organizational session, in May 2000 the Bureau 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, 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.
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.
Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings
Preparatory Committee: Commission on Population and Development
Secretariat for NGO arrangements: UN/DESA and the Commission on Population and Development.
12.1. 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.
12.2. 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:
Decision 1999/PC/1 Arrangements for the accreditation of non-governmental organizations at the twenty-first special session of the General Assembly
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).
12.3. 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.
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
Summary Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings
Secretariat for NGO arrangements: UN/DESA
13.2 Accreditation for civil society
Involvement of civil society and other actors
Decision 7. Participation of non-governmental organizations
Resumed 1st session, 21 Sept. 1999: No accreditations.
Decision 3
Decision 5 (i) The purpose of the organization;
(vii) A copy of the constitution and/or by-laws of the organization.
13.3. Modalities for participation of non-governmental organizations
Decision 3
Draft decision IV Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings
Org. session: 19-22 May 1998, New York: A/53/45
1st session: 17-29 May & 15 July 1999, New York: A/54/45 + Corr.1
Resumed 1st session: 21 Sept. 1999, New York: A/54/45/Add.1
2nd session: 3-14 Apr. 2000, New York: A/S-24/2
Resumed 2nd session: 20 – 22 June: A/S-24/2/Add.1
Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly
Organizational arrangements: A/S-24/2, chapter V, draft decision I
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 spokepersons during the plenary debate.
Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings
Preparatory Committee: Commission on Sustainable Development
Secretariat for NGO arrangements: Commission on Sustainable Development
14.1. 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.
14.2. 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).
14.3. 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.
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
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.
(what was the practical application of decision? Did NGOs speak? Something else to be mentioned?)
Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings
Preparatory Committee: Commission on the Status of Women.
Preparatory Committee secretariat: Division for the Advancement of Women.
Secretariat for NGO arrangements: UN/DESA/DAW
15.1 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.
15.2. 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:
Draft decision II 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"
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)
15.3. 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:
Draft decision I 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"
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)
Draft decision II 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"
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)
Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings
A/RES/51/183, A/RES/52/100, A/RES/52/231, A/RES/120, A/RES/54/141, A/RES/54/142
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
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.
Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings,
Preparatory Committee: Commission on Human Settlements
Secretariat for NGO arrangements: Commission on Human Settlements
16.1 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)
16.2. 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)
16.3. 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)
Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings
A/RES/51/177, A/RES/52/190, A/RES/52/192, A/RES/53/180, A/RES/54/207, A/RES/54/209, A/RES/55/194, 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
17. SPECIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON THE HIV/AIDS; 25-27 of June, 2001, New York
Summary
Accreditation
The General Assembly regognized (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 deadline for applications for civil society accreditation was postponed once.
Modalities
The General Assembly decided (A/RES/55/13), in December 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. It was decided that round tables will be open to Member States, observers, and entities of the UN-system, which have specific expertise in the subject matter and which are represented at the highest level, but also to the 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 requested by the same resolution 55/13, the President of the General Assembly to further elaborate modalities of the special session concerning the civil society involvement. In his conference room paper, in December 2000, the President of the GA made recommendations following the decisions made already by 55/13. These recommendations included inviting a limited number of representatives of civil society actors to participate in the plenary debate, interactive panel discussion with the civil society and the use of existing electronic networks to collect inputs from civil society.
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 in 55/13. The required background information concerning the list of third category of civil society actors will be the conference room paper of the President of the General Assembly recommended that the list shall be submitted to Member States not later than 15 February 2001. The decision on this category 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.
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 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:
A/RES/54/283, A/RES/55/13, A/RES/55/242
Secretariat for NGO arrangements: UNAIDS
No Preparatory Commitee.
17.1. 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.
17.2. 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 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 should 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 in 55/13. The required background information concerning the list of third category of civil society actors 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 conference room paper of the President of the General Assembly recommended that the list shall be submitted to Member States not later than 15 February 2001. The decision on this category 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:
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.
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.
17.3. Modalities for civil society participation
The General Assembly decided (A/RES/55/13), in December 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. It was decided that round tables will be open to Member States, observers, and entities of the UN-system, which have specific expertise in the subject matter and which are represented at the highest level, but also to the 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:
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.
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. (A/RES/55/13)
As requested by the same resolution 55/13, the President of the General Assembly further elaborated modalities of the special session concerning 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 GA made the following recommendations:
· Civil society actors accredited to the process 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.
· Representatives of civil society from the three defined categories 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.
· Member States should include representatives of civil society actors, people living with HIV/AIDS or representatives of their associations, and representatives of private sector in their national delegations to the special session.
· 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.
· 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. An updated list of such events will be included in the web site of the special session.
· 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.
· 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 his conference room paper, the President of the General Assembly emphasized the decision taken already by 55/13 on inviting a limited number of representatives of civil society actors to participate in the plenary debate. In discussing the organization of work, the President affirmed the decision of 55/13 on the modality of interactive panel discussion with the civil society and on the use of existing electronic networks to collect inputs from 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 (see para 48).
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.
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.
In 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:
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.
18. SPECIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON CHILDREN; 19-21 September 2001, New York
Summary Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings
Preparatory Committee: Open-ended Preparatory Committee.
Secretariat for NGO arrangements: UNICEF
IV. Role of civil society, including non-governmental organizations, and other actors
18.2. Accreditation for non-governmental organizations
Accreditation for the Preparatory Committee
Decision 2
Decision 4 Participation of non-governmental organizations in the preparatory process
Accreditation for the Special session
Decision 7 Arrangements for accreditation of non-governmental organizations in the special session
(b) These arrangements shall in no way create a precedent for other special sessions.
18.3. Modalities for participation of non-governmental organizations
Decision 8 The General Assembly decides that:
Documents and Preparatory Committee meetings
A/RES/51/186; A/RES/53/193; A/RES/54/93; A/RES/55/26
Org. session: 7-8 Feb. 2000, New York: A/55/43 (Part I)
1st substantive session: 30 May-2 June 2000, New York: A/55/43 (Part II)
2nd substantive session: 29 Jan.-2 Feb. 2001, New York: A/S-27/2
