Daily Times

UNITED NATIONS: The UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) has recently approved the accreditation of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), hence, overturning its previously taken decision of denying the accreditation of the New York-based press freedom watchdog body’s application.

The CJP reports on violations of press freedom in countries and conflict zones around the world and mobilises action on behalf of journalists, who have been targeted. Its accreditation with the 54-member ECOSOC gives CJP an access to U.N. headquarters and also allows participation in many UN events. In Monday’s vote, ECOSOC approved CJP’s application for “consultative status”, first made in 2012, by a vote of 40-5 with 6 abstentions. Russia, China, Zimbabwe, Vietnam and Rwanda opposed the resolution, while Pakistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, India and Uganda abstained. Three of ECOSOC’s members did not cast any vote. ECOSOC’s 19-member committee that deals with non-governmental organisations deferred action on CJP’s application seven times before it voted rejection on May 26.