Law Society granted consultative status at the UN

The Law Society says it will gain "unprecedented access" to the United Nations after being granted consultative status.

The Society says its new position will allow collaboration on a number of issues, including human rights and the rule of law.

Consultative status for an organisation allows it to actively engage with the Economic and Social Council of the UN and its subsidiary bodies, as well as with the United Nations Secretariat, programmes, funds and agencies.

The Law Society will be able to:

'¢ provide expert information and advice to the UN;

'¢ be informed about the provisional agenda of the Economic and Social Council;

'¢ make suggestions for the provisional agenda; and

'¢ designate official representatives to the United Nations headquarters in New York and the United Nations offices in Geneva and Vienna.

President Andrew Caplen said the Society is "thrilled" to have been granted the status. He added: "The recognition of the Law Society as an organisation that can provide insight and expertise will further our work upholding the independence of the legal profession, the rule of law, and human rights on a domestic and international level."