Special consultative status with the United Nations (ECOSOC)

On 17 May 2021, as it opened its annual session, the UN Committee on NGOs – made up of 19 member states – recommended that the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) grant special consultative status to the Centre de Recherche sur l’Anti-Corruption. In July 2021, ECOSOC granted CERC this status.

This recognition follows a rigorous application and a thorough review of the organisation’s governance, financial systems and credibility. Special consultative status is granted to NGOs with particular expertise in some of the areas covered by ECOSOC; in CERC’s case, its work sits where anti-corruption and human rights meet.

The status gives CERC access to the meetings of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies, to UN human rights mechanisms and to special events organised by the President of the General Assembly. CERC can appoint official representatives to the UN in New York and Geneva and make written and oral statements.

It came at a key moment: 2021 saw the first special session of the UN General Assembly against corruption (UNGASS). Building on its years of experience, CERC can now carry the voices of Congolese communities affected by corruption to the highest level.

« With special consultative status, we can influence decision-making at the highest level. We can now appoint official representatives to the United Nations in New York and Geneva and make written and oral statements at UN events. »

Heri Bitamala, Executive Director of CERC, after the NGO Committee’s recommendation on 17 May 2021

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