ABSTRACT
Three main types of regulation are discussed in this chapter firstly, the formal ECOSOC accreditation process; secondly, association with the UN Department of Global Communications; and thirdly, informal means of regulation that manifest in a variety of ways. For example, NGOs can make written submissions to UN treaty bodies and the Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review and can attend informal briefings with treaty bodies and pre-session meetings for the UPR without ECOSOC accreditation. NGOs which apply for consultative status but do not fit in any of the other categories are usually included in the Roster and are considered to contribute 'occasional and useful contributions to the work of the Council or its subsidiary bodies'. Accreditation brings benefits to NGOs in terms of options for participation and, as a regulatory system, it offers some level of legitimacy and transparency to UN engagement with NGOs.
