"Selected Documents Relating to Recent Developments Relevant to NGOs’ Status Under International Law" [2008] ELECD 153; in Dupuy, Pierre-Marie; Vierucci, Luisa (eds), "NGOs in International Law" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2008)

Book Title: NGOs in International Law

Editor(s): Dupuy, Pierre-Marie; Vierucci, Luisa

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781847205605

Section: Appendix 2

Section Title: Selected Documents Relating to Recent Developments Relevant to NGOs’ Status Under International Law

Number of pages: 40

Extract:

220 Appendix 2

APPENDIX 2 SELECTED DOCUMENTS RELATING TO
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS RELEVANT TO
NGOS' STATUS UNDER INTERNATIONAL
LAW
Participatory status for international non-governmental organisations
with the Council of Europe Resolution Res(2003)8*

(Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 19 November 2003 at the 861st
meeting of the Ministers' Deputies)

The Committee of Ministers,
Recalling the Council of Europe statutory aim to achieve a closer unity
between its members for the purpose of safeguarding and realising the ideals
and principles which are their common heritage, and facilitating their
economic and social progress;
Bearing in mind the missions entrusted to the Council of Europe by the
Vienna and Strasbourg Summits and by the Budapest Declaration for a Greater
Europe without Dividing Lines;
Considering that the achievement of this goal and the fulfilment of these
missions cannot be realised without constant sensitivity to public opinion and
to the driving forces in European society, which are constantly evolving;
Considering that the existence of an active civil society and its non-govern-
mental organisations (hereafter NGOs), which are a vital component of
European society, is an important and indispensable element of democracy;
Considering the essential role of counterbalance played by NGOs in a
pluralist democracy, to intensify the active participation of all citizens in
conducting public affairs, and promoting responsible democratic citizenship
based on human rights and equality between women and men;
Convinced that initiatives, ideas and suggestions emanating from civil soci-
ety can be considered as a true expression of European ...