CONGO
contribution
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The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) was established by the United
Nations Charter as the principal organ, under the authority of the General
Assembly, to promote: (a) higher standards of living, full employment, and
conditions of economic and social progress and development; (b) solutions of
international economic, social, health, and related problems; and
international cultural and educational cooperation; and (c) universal
respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for
all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion.
The Economic and Social Council has 54 government members, elected for
three-year terms by the General Assembly. ECOSOC generally holds one
five-to-six-week long substantive session each year, alternating between
New York and Geneva, and one organizational session in New York. The
substantive session includes a high-level special meeting, attended by
Ministers and other high officials, to discuss major economic and social
issues. The year-round work of the Council is carried out in its subsidiary
bodies - commissions and committees - which meet at regular intervals and
report back to the Council.
Under the Charter, the Economic and Social Council may consult with
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) concerned with matters within the
Council's competence. The Council recognized that these organizations
should have the opportunity to express their views, and that they possess
special experience or technical knowledge of value to the Council's work.
Under ECOSOC resolution 1996/31, NGOs that wish to consult with ECOSOC on
certain matters may seek and be granted consultative status to facilitate
this work.
ECOSOC Resolution 1996/31.
NGO Section, ECOSOC link: http://www.un.org/esa/coordination/ngo
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