United Nations Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations Recommends ICERM for Special Consultative Status with Economic and Social Council
The United Nations Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations on May 27, 2015 recommended 40 organizations for special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council, and deferred action on the status of 62 others, as it continued its resumed session for 2015. Included in the 40 organizations recommended by the Committee is the International Center for Ethno-Religious Mediation (ICERM), a New York based 501 (c) (3) tax exempt public charity, nonprofit and non-governmental organization.
As an emerging center of excellence for ethnic and religious conflict resolution and peacebuilding, ICERM identifies ethnic and religious conflict prevention and resolution needs, and brings together a wealth of resources, including mediation and dialogue programs to support sustainable peace in countries around the world.
The 19-member Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations vets applications submitted by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), recommending general, special or roster status on the basis of such criteria as the applicant’s mandate, governance and financial regime. Organizations enjoying general and special status can attend meetings of the Council and issue statements, while those with general status can also speak during meetings and propose agenda items.
Explaining what this recommendation means for ICERM, the Founder and President of the organization, Basil Ugorji, who was also present at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, addressed his colleagues in these words: “With its special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council, the International Center for Ethno-Religious Mediation is certainly positioned to serve as a center of excellence in addressing ethnic and religious conflicts in countries around the world, facilitating peaceful settlement of disputes, and providing humanitarian support to the victims of ethnic and religious violence.” The committee meeting ended on June 12, 2015 with the adoption of the report of the committee.
