UN Committee on NGOs: Elections Loom Amid Civil Society Concerns

The United Nations is preparing for elections in April to select the 19 members of the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), the body responsible for accrediting NGOs with consultative status at the UN. This election occurs at a time of increasing global challenges to civil society, including restrictions on funding, suppression of activism and even criminalization of human rights work.

The Role of the UN Committee on NGOs

Established in 1946 by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the Committee on NGOs reports directly to ECOSOC and plays a crucial role in determining which organizations can engage with the UN system [1]. The Committee reviews applications from NGOs seeking consultative status, a privilege that allows them to participate in UN bodies and influence policy discussions [2]. The final decision on accreditation rests with ECOSOC, following the Committee’s recommendation [2].

Membership and Geographic Representation

The Committee is comprised of 19 members elected based on equitable geographic distribution:

• 5 members from African States
• 4 members from Asian States
• 2 members from Eastern European States
• 4 members from Latin American and Caribbean States
• 4 members from Western European and Other States

Members serve four-year terms [2]. The current membership (2019-2022) included Bahrain, Brazil, Burundi, China, Cuba, Estonia, Eswatini, Greece, India, Israel, Libya, Mexico, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russian Federation, Sudan, Turkey and the United States of America [2].

Concerns Over Politicization and Hostile Candidates

Critics argue that the Committee has become increasingly politicized, with governments that restrict civil society at home holding a majority of seats [2]. This has led to the blocking of applications from legitimate NGOs, particularly those focused on human rights. The United States has expressed regret over the misuse of the “no objection basis” by some members, leading to the politicization of the Committee [4].

Several candidates in this year’s election have raised concerns due to their governments’ track records on civil society:

• Asia-Pacific Group: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, India, and China have all been criticized for silencing activists and human rights groups.
• Latin America and Caribbean Group: Cuba, Nicaragua, and Peru have also faced scrutiny for suppressing criticism and restricting civil society organizations.
• Central and Eastern Europe Group: Belarus, which has effectively outlawed civil society, is competing with Estonia and Ukraine.
• Western Group: Israel, Türkiye, and the United States have, at times, demonstrated hostility towards civil society groups.

Calls for Reform

The United Kingdom has called for reforming the NGO Committee, emphasizing the necessitate for a membership that supports civil society engagement [4]. Meaningful reform, advocates say, should prioritize the election of governments that champion civil society and ensure competitive elections to prevent countries with poor records from gaining membership.

The United States remains committed to promoting the meaningful participation of non-governmental organizations in the United Nations system, regardless of their political beliefs [4].