The NGO committee at the UN

This committee comprising 19 countries meets twice each year to decide which NGOs  are recommended for ECOSOC  approval.

Yesterday was a historical day , it was the first time a LGBT group got voted  for approval. Normally a vote is not called for , and the NGO is asked questions , which they are expected to answer. It is very rare for a vote to be called. 

Yesterday    a question  was asked to the Australian Lesbian Medical Association. Then Bulgaria called for a vote. The result  was 9 yes , 6 no and  4 abstentions. In the past a few LGBT groups have been voted on at the NGO committee , they have lost in this committee , but were accepted in the ECOSOC council.

After the vote , Venezuela spoke , she had votes yes for the NGO , but then said committee members still had the right to ask questions of NGOs. Sudan , who vote no , stressed the right of committee members to ask questions. The USA was thrilled with the outcome calling it historic. Belgium said this NGO had been help up the longest , was a victim and quote the Secretary General’s position on LGBT issues. Israel congratulated all members. The lady from Bulgaria said she was extremely happy.