After Pakistan raises concerns, UN defers special status for 3 Indian NGOs

The action was deferred after Pakistan sought information on funding and operational activities of the Indian NGOs

A UN committee has deferred action on recommending three Indian NGOs a special consultative status after Pakistan sought more information on the operation activities and funding of the bodies, according to the Economic Times.

Pakistan had asked for more information on India’s Akhil Bharatiya Sanskrutik Sangh, but the committee postponed its consideration due to Pakistan’s request for further details regarding the group’s monitoring, impact and evaluation.

Additionally, Pakistan had requested details as to why the body was registered as a national organisation.

Sixteen organisations were recommended for the special consultative status by the committee on NGO’s with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. However, it deferred action on the status of 17 other organisations following a request from the members of the committee of more information from the candidates about details of their expenditures, their projects, and their sources of funding as well as their relationship with UN system actors.

Moreover, Pakistan had requested information based on how the Disease Management Association of India was funding the listed activities on its application. Action on this status was also deferred.

Another Indian NGO, Eurasia Reiyuki, was one which Pakistan had also asked for details regarding its activities and funding. Questions were also raised about its income statement.

The committee, which consists of 19 members, examines the NGOs’ applications, and recommends statuses based on the criteria of the applications financial regime, governance and mandate. The recommended statuses range from general, special or roster statuses.