The arrangements specified in three resolutions of ECOSOC in 1950, 1968 and 1996, whereby NGOs may be given the right to participate in ECOSOC and all its subsidiary bodies. For the text of the current version of the ECOSOC statute for NGOs, Resolution 1996/31, - click here.
Non-governmental organisations with consultative status have certain rights at the United Nations. Their representatives can gain access to UN buildings without special permission and at certain meetings, such as the Commission on Human Rights, they can circulate written documents, make oral interventions and observe proceedings. Consultative status was established in the UN Charter under article 71 which says that the Economic and Social Council can make arrangements for consultation with non-governmental organisations which are concerned with matters within its competence. A committee of Member States considers applications.
A specific type of affiliation with ECOSOC through with an NGO works in cooperation with the Council and its subsidiary bodies by submitting reports and making recommendations, and interventions in the area of its expertise.
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.
Consultative Status is a phrase whose use can be traced to the founding of the United Nations and is used within the UN community to refer to "Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council."