Lawyers Without Borders Granted Consultative Status by the UNs Economic and Social Council

The privileges associated with United Nations ECOSOC Consultative status will enhance LWOBs profile in the international community and its ability to become more involved in global initiatives and projects.

(PRWEB) July 31, 2004 -- The rapid growth and remarkable strength of Lawyers Without Borders has most recently been recognized by the grant of Special Consultative status by the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC). The formal approval took place during the annual substantive session of ECOSOC on July 23, 2004 at UN Headquarters in New York City.

In carrying out its mandate, ECOSOC offers NGOs an avenue through which to partake in formal UN deliberations. ECOSOC coordinates the work of the UNs specialized agencies and its functional and regional commissions. It receives reports from UN funds and programs, as well as issuing policy recommendations to the UN system and to Member States. Approval for consultative status requires credentials such as participation in the international community, legal NGO status for at least two years, involvement in the social and economic life of the people served, as well as a broad membership.

The approval of consultative status is an honor and important badge of recognition in the international community. This accomplishment marks a critical step towards the realization of LWOBs mission to create a global association of lawyers dedicated to the protection and promotion of human justice. LWOB aims to become the leading clearing house for legal pro-bono services in the non-profit and human rights sectors so as to generate international norms for the legal profession through neutral observations, project development and exchange of ideas, legal skills and pro bono service.

Special consultative status will enable LWOB to:

* Designate authorized representatives to sit as observers at public meetings of the Council and its subsidiary bodies;

* Submit written statements relevant to the work of the Council on subjects in which LWOB has a special competence. These statements will then be circulated by the Secretary-General of the United Nations to the members of the Council;

* Meet other NGOs and to collaborate with various international organizations.

* Obtain UN grounds passes offering access to the other delegates as well as to various resources, facilitating LWOBs attendance at multi-day functions, conferences and meetings; and

* Accept invitations to attend and participate in international conferences convened by the UN.

The privileges associated with Consultative status will enhance LWOBs profile in the international community and its ability to become more involved in global initiatives and projects. With this final grant of consultative status, LWOB now has accreditation at three Divisions at the United Nations, ECOSOC, the Department Of Public Information, and Division for Palestinian Rights.

For more information, go to www.lwob.org