General registration and administrative information about Human Rights Council (HRC) sessions
(The information here is a general overview. For updates and deadlines about specific and upcoming HRC sessions, check the dedicated session page on our website).
NGOs must have UN ECOSOC consultative status to participate in a HRC session itself. Note that applications for NGOs to secure ECOSOC consultative status that are submitted by 1 June each year will be considered during the following calendar year and so the process takes some time.
The online registration for ECOSOC NGOs to participate in specific HRC sessions has different layers and can be tricky to navigate so start your preparations early.
Please note that GAROP is not an accredited NGO and is not able to register you for the session even if you have the funds to attend. GAROP is also not able to provide NGOs with letters of accreditation nor visa support letters. You must make these arrangements yourself following the guidance below and contacting the relevant UN team if you need assistance.
- You must first check your NGO’s Geneva designations on ‘ESANGO’ and update these for the ongoing year, if required. Please remember that you must add the CEO/President of your NGO to the designations in order to be able to add other representatives. This requires submitting the data via ESANGO and sending a letter by email (see this template letter) Designations are usually approved within a few days. You will receive an email with the approval: https://esango.un.org/civilsociety/newLogin.do?method=newLogin
- Further guidance can be accessed via: https://www.ungeneva.org/en/faq/52
- To register to participate in person (this is also necessary if you wish to make a video statement) use the ‘INDICO’ system: https://indico.un.org (You will need to upload a letter of accreditation from your NGO President or CEO with Geneva designation and a copy of your ID, unless you already have a valid UN Geneva grounds pass).
- To register for written statements and submit side event applications use the ‘EVENTS’ system: https://events.ohchr.org/
- To register for oral statements both in person and by video use the ‘NGOREG’ system: https://ngoreg.ohchr.org/ You should aim to be online at the time of registration for the best chance of securing a slot and login and test your credentials beforehand to save time! Please note that you will not be contacted to inform you whether you received a slot. You need to check the speaking slots on the appropriate HRC session’s extranet. Be prepared even if your NGO is further down in the list. Please note that the transcript needs to be submitted in advance.
- Accredited NGOs can also co-sponsor statements by other NGOs using the ‘NGOREG’ system. This can be done on the day of the statement.
- Detailed guidance notes for the above platforms for NGOs are available here and more information will be added about the current session under the appropriate “Preparing for HRC” webpage under UN Processes. In particular, check the information note for NGOs with useful details about engagement.
- Contact details:
- For queries about your ECOSOC status or Geneva designations use the online contact form on ESANGO: https://esango.un.org/civilsociety/displayCorrespondence.do?method=addPublicMessage
- For queries about registration for the HRC session specifically contact the NGO Liaison team of the HRC Secretariat on ohchr-hrcngo@un.org
- If you are not attending in person or making a video statement, you can still follow the proceedings remotely on UN Web TV.
General information about applying for ECOSOC status
View the GAROP webinar about the HRC and applying for ECOSOC status below and Silvia Perel-Levin’s presentation slides.