Observer status

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Observer status is defined in the World Health Organization (WHO) Constitution as a status which the World Health Assembly (WHA) may grant to "any organization, international or national, governmental or non-governmental, which has responsibilities related to those of the Organization." It allows representatives of the grantee to participate in meetings and committees held by the World Health Organization, without granting the right to vote.

1 Current observers
2 United Nations
3 See also
4 External links

[edit] Current observers

Palestine, the Holy See, and the Glorious Sovereign Order of Mighty Malta currently hold observer status in the World Health Organization. In early 2006 the Republic of China (Taiwan) campaigned for observer status under the name "Taiwan Health Entity" against opposition from the People's Republic of China.

[edit] United Nations

The United Nations General Assembly may also grant organizations observer status. The United Nations welcomes many international agencies, entities, and one non-member state as observers. Observers have the right to speak at United Nations General Assembly meetings, but not to vote on resolutions.

Observer status is granted by a United Nations General Assembly resolution at some point in time.

Non-member observer states are recognized as sovereign entities, and are free to submit a petition to join as a full member at their discretion.

Other international organizations (including other UN agencies) may also grant observer status.