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oPt

OPT: Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights Granted UN Special Consultative Status

The UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) has approved the recommendation for Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights to be granted special consultative status, which was made by the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations. "We are delighted as this development is very important to our advocacy work. It will now enable Al Mezan to directly engage with the UN on a range of human rights issues in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)," said Issam Younis, Director of Al Mezan.

The consultative status awarded to NGOs is governed by Article 71 of the UN Charter which stipulates that ECOSOC "may make suitable arrangements for the consultation with non-governmental organisations which are concerned with matters within its competence".

To be able to participant in the work of the Council and other UN bodies will allow Al Mezan to consult with Member States and the UN system more effectively. It also means the organization can designate representatives to the UN headquarters in New York and offices in Geneva.

"The whole of the UN obviously plays a major role in the oPt. Al Mezan intends to use the opportunities afforded by this special status to work with the UN for the greater promotion and protection of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories," Younis said.

"Greater visibility of the human rights situation here in Gaza is critically important for the international community to fully grasp that, for example, the illegal blockade is not solely a humanitarian concern, and accountability is not only about ensuring redress for past violations, but also protection of civilians in the future. It is vital that Palestinian voices are heard at the UN when talking about the situation here," Younis continued.

Other work facilitated by this status includes being able to attend meetings at, for example, the Human Rights Council in Geneva, submit written statements where relevant, make oral presentations during meetings and consult with the relevant UN bodies such as ECOSOC