NGO Committee on Human Settlements A Committee of the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (CONGO) ngohab@undp.org   -   http://www.infohabitat.org/ngochs

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Bylaws for the NGO Committee on Human Settlements

Approved 8 April, 1988

Purpose

The purpose of the NGO Committee on Human Settlements is: to monitor the implementation of commitments included in the Habitat Agenda and other agreements adopted at United Nations meetings that pertain to universal shelter and sustainable human settlements; to develop proposals and recommend strategies for effective participation of national and local governments, partners in civil society and individuals towards sustainable human communities; to be knowledgeable about all issues pertaining to human settlements, to relate to the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) and with relevant Commissions and other bodies; and to promote and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and the dissemination of information to the NGO community and the wider public.

Membership

1. Regular Membership: Membership in the Committee is open to Non-Governmental Organizations in consultative status with ECOSOC. These members shall be eligible to vote and hold office.

2. Associate Membership: Any NGO having a formal relationship with the United Nations may become an Associate Member. Such members will not be entitled to hold office or vote on matters of policy.

3. An organization may become a member by submitting an application to the Chairperson or Secretary.

Officers

1. The officers of the NGO Committee for Human Settlements shall be: Chairperson - or two Co-Chairs; Vice-Chairperson; Secretary; and Treasurer. Such officers shall be elected for a term of two years, and no person shall be elected to the same office for more than two consecutive terms.

2. No member organization may hold more than one office. For purposes of this paragraph, the term "office" includes members-at-large of the Executive Committee.

Executive Committee

1. The officers plus from two to four elected members-at-large shall serve as the Executive Committee. Members at large shall serve for a term of two years, and no person shall be elected for more than two consecutive terms.

2. Members-at-large may be regular or associate members of the Committee.

3. The responsibility of the Executive Committee shall be to carry on the business of the Committee between meetings. The members of the Committee shall be kept informed of the activities of the Executive Committee through a report from the Chairperson at each regular meeting of the Committee.

Subcommittees

1. The Committee may establish Subcommittees or Working Groups as needed; the Chairperson, in consultation with the Executive Committee, shall appoint a member of the Committee to serve as Chairperson of each Subcommittee. The Chairperson of a Subcommittee will be a member, ex officio, of the Executive Committee.

Duties of Officers

1. The Chairperson shall convene and preside over meetings, promote the general effectiveness of the Committee, and maintain communication with other NGO Committees, and with representatives of the UN system. The Chairperson shall represent the Committee when required.

2. The Vice-Chairperson shall act on behalf of the Chairperson as appropriate.

3. The Secretary shall keep minutes of the meetings of the Committee, a record of the membership, and a record of attendance at meetings. The Secretary shall arrange for distribution of the minutes in advance of the meeting at which they will be approved.

4. The Treasurer shall receive and disburse funds as determined by the Executive Committee and shall be responsible for the maintenance of accounts.

Funds

1. Payment of dues of $20.00 to the Treasurer shall entitle members to receive the minutes and other materials determined by the NGO Committee.

2. The fiscal year shall be from 1 October to 31 September.

Elections

1. A Nominating Committee shall be appointed by the Chairperson, in consultation with the other officers, not less than two months prior to the election at the Annual Meeting. The report of the Nominating Committee shall be circulated in writing to all regular members of the NGO Committee at least three weeks prior to the meeting at which the election is to take place. The Nominating Committee shall not nominate representatives of organizations represented by members of the Nominating Committee.

2. The election of officers and members of the Executive Committee shall take place at an Annual Meeting each year. Elected officers shall take office immediately.

3. Election of officers and procedural matters shall be decided by the vote of the majority of member organizations voting.

4. A ballot by mail may be taken in the event that a meeting of the Committee is not possible in the absence of a quorum.

Meetings

1. The Committee shall meet periodically, at least four times a year. The Committee shall hold an Annual Meeting during the month of October.

2. A quorum shall consist of representatives of at least ten of the regular member organizations, or one-third of the regular member organizations, whichever is fewer.

3. Recommendations of statements of position to be submitted to ECOSOC or any of its subsidiary bodies may not be made in the name of the Committee. Joint statements by the member organizations may be submitted over the names of those organizations who wish to become signatories to the statement.

Amendments

Proposed amendments to these Bylaws shall be submitted to the Chairperson in time for consideration by the Executive Committee and for written circulation to each member organization not less than ten days prior to the date of the proposed adoption. An amendment shall be adopted only after discussion in a plenary meeting of the Committee and upon the affirmative vote of two-thirds of those representatives of member organizations present and voting.