Accreditation A formal registration process that enables representatives of non-governmental organizations to attend UN meetings and conferences and
their preparatory processes. In order to become accredited to attend a UN world conference and its Preparatory Committee meetings, NGOs which are not in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council must submit
specific information about their organization and its work program. Consultative Status Under the Charter, the Economic and Social Council may consult with non-governmental organizations concerned with matters
within the Council's competence. Over 1,500 non-governmental organizations have consultative status with the Council. They are classified into three categories: Category I organizations are those concerned with
most of the Council's activities; Category II organizations have special competence in specific areas; and organizations on the Roster are those that can make an occasional contribution to the Council, its subsidiary
organs or other United Nations bodies. NGOs with consultative status may send observers to public meetings of the Council and its subsidiary bodies and may submit written statements relevant to the Council's work.
Credentials Having Consultative Status or receiving Special Accreditation to attend UN Meetings does not automatically get you into the meeting. You
must have proper UN credentials to enter buildings and meetings. Your organization must send a letter to the appropriate person (see page 3) beforehand listing the members who will participate in the meeting. These
individuals then go to the designated office with proper identification and a photo identification badge is issued for that particular UN meeting.
Entered into Force
An international treaty (Convention or Covenant) may be adopted by the UN General Assembly, but a sufficient number of governments have to ratify the treaty before it is "entered into force".
Human Rights Day
The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10th 1948. Human Rights Day is commemorated every year on that day with educational programs and special events.
PrepCom The Preparatory Committee (PrepCom) for a conference is made up of UN Member States. It holds a series of meetings in preparation
for a conference to develop an agenda and program of work, and undertakes negotiations on the outcome of the UN world conference.
NGOs A distinction is made between governmental organizations or
agencies and non-governmental organizations. NGOs are non-governmental organizations. Although governments are members of the United Nations, it is recognized that NGO's possess special experience and technical
knowledge of value to the UN's work.
Xenophobia Fear and hatred of strangers or foreigners.
