NEW YORK, United Sates, July 12, 2006. The Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations of the Department of Public Information (DPI) at the United Nations met on 7 July 2006 to consider new applications from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for association with the DPI. We are pleased to inform you that the Committee approved the Batey Relief Alliance (BRA) for association with the Department, effective immediately.

The association constitutes a commitment on the part of the BRA to disseminate information and raise public awareness about the purposes and activities of the United Nations and issues of global concern. Associated NGOs, like BRA, are expected to focus a portion of their publications and information activities on the work of the United Nations. As an associated NGO, BRA is entitled to designate a representative, who will be granted a UN photo grounds pass giving access to the UN facilities and to all open meetings of the UN bodies, which he/she can attend as an observer. BRA’s representative will also be invited to attend Thursday NGO briefings organized by the Department, featuring high-level UN officials, government delegates and other experts, including NGOs. BRA’s representative will be allowed to consult UN print, audio and video materials at the NGO resource Centre. BRA will receive monthly mailings of relevant UN materials and information on UN conferences, seminars, briefings and other events.