The U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) granted Taiwan’s Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation special consultative status at a board of directors meeting in New York July 19.
The status is in recognition of the organization’s charity and medical works performed in more than 70 countries. Tzu Chi can now take part in all ECOSOC activities, including meetings and budget planning.
“We are happy to have finally been recognized,” Tzu Chi spokesman Ho Jih-sheng said. “We began applying for special consultative status two years ago and have considerable experience interacting with the U.N. during past relief efforts.”
According to Ho, the Hualien-based foundation provided immediate aid following natural disasters in mainland China, Haiti, Chile and the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. “We were also the first non-governmental organization allowed into ground zero after 9/11,” he said.
Following the ECOSOC decision, Tzu Chi personnel will receive U.N. assistance and protection while carrying out relief work worldwide. The foundation can also play an expanded role in providing information and other services to the U.N. Secretary General, government and nongovernmental organizations.
Tzu Chi is not the first Taiwan-based NGO to be granted special consultative status. In 2003, the ECOSOC similarly recognized the Taipei-headquartered Buddha Light International Association. (PCT-JSM)