China was forced on Friday to drop a measure at the UN that targeted non-governmental organizations (NGO) seeking to be heard at the world body.
China had proposed that the UN refrain from naming nations that criticize NGOs during meetings of a committee that decides which groups are accredited to the UN.
The information blackout would have allowed China and other nations distrustful of NGOs to air their opposition without being singled out in any UN public report.
The US had sharply criticized the Chinese proposal at the UN’s NGO Committee, saying it would be a setback for transparency and openness at the UN.
However, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said that after talks between US and Chinese officials, the committee would continue to report on the stance of nations.
“The UN will continue its standard practice in terms of how press releases are written for committee works, which summarizes the position of different nations,” Dujarric said.
Hundreds of NGOs accredited to the UN are allowed to present recommendations on the many issues tackled by the world body, from development to peacekeeping in all 193 nations.
A UN diplomat said China had “shocked” delegations when it proposed to restrict information on the committee’s decisions.
“China has long been pushing to restrict NGO and press access to the committee proceedings, however they have never made a motion like they did this morning,” said a diplomat, who asked not to be identified.
“In an era of global crackdown on civil society, the UN’s NGO Committee must set an example for openness and transparency,” US Ambassador Samantha Power tweeted on Thursday.
The Chinese mission at the UN declined to comment.
The move to restrict openness at the UN committee came as China prepared to take the monthly presidency of the UN Security Council for this month.
The agenda-setting position will allow Beijing to highlight some of its concerns at the 15-member council.
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