Like so many other rights organisations, IFEX has been hampered by politicised delays in obtaining UN accreditation. That's why we are supporting the International Service for Human Rights "Open the Doors to NGOs" campaign, which aims to encourage the United Nations to “open the door” to greater civil society participation, and a diversity of alternative, independent and expert voices.
As part of IFEX’s participation in the campaign, we have produced a video explaining how IFEX plays a key role bringing trustworthy information, expertise and perspectives to UN human rights mechanisms.
The following is a transcript of IFEX’s video in support of the International Service for Human Rights’ (ISHR) Open the Doors to NGOs campaign.
What does IFEX do and what difference does it make in the world?
IFEX was established over 30 years ago by a group of organisations committed to promoting freedom of expression and information. Today we are the nexus for over 120 member-organisations, spanning over 90 countries.
By leveraging the power of collaboration and solidarity among our diverse network, our goal at IFEX is to improve the global free expression landscape.
That includes reinforcing the value of a strong and diverse civic space; tackling the challenges facing the right to information; and ensuring a safer and more just environment for all those exercising their right to free expression.
Where can IFEX contribute to furthering the purposes of the UN?
IFEX’s greatest contribution to furthering the UN agenda is advocating for Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights — and for the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals as they pertain to access to information, and the protection of journalists and rights defenders.
As a nexus between influential actors in the free expression policy space, IFEX plays a key role bringing trustworthy information, expertise and perspectives to UN human rights mechanisms – especially from national member organisations whose voices are critical and too often left out of the conversation.
At present, we do our best to facilitate this, but have been hampered by the years-long delay in being officially accredited at the UN.
Why is civil society participation at the UN so important?
Civil society participation at the UN is so important because the challenges we face are complex — from the climate crisis to technological change, the rollback of democratic progress, and the ongoing pandemic.
Freedom of expression is key in responding to all of these issues. But the UN can’t do this alone. The UN’s credibility lies in its ability to protect the rights of all, and this can only happen if everyone is represented in the room.
That’s why it’s critical for the UN to open the door to NGOs and welcome a diversity of alternative, independent and expert voices.
Further Resources
– Open Letter to Members of the UN General Assembly regarding the ECOSOC Committee on NGOs
– ISHR Campaign Website
– ISHR Model Email to encourage States with positive track records on civil society participation to stand as candidates for the UN Committee on NGOs
– ISHR Model Email to ECOSOC Member States about competitive elections and voting for integrity. Check here to find out whether your State is going to vote.
