International
Catholic Organizations
Information Center
A Catholic Presence at the United
Nations
During its tenure, the UN Affairs Office served as the base of
operation for the UN representatives of the International Catholic
Organizations. Thus, in that
capacity it was the forerunner of the present ICO Information Center.
Established by the American Catholic Bishops in 1946, the NCWC/USCC
(National Catholic Welfare Conference/United States Catholic Conference)
Office for United Nations Affairs was the first religiously sponsored,
fulltime non-governmental organization office at the UN headquarters.
Catherine Schaefer, its director, had attended the San Francisco
Conference, where in collaboration with other NGO representatives, she was
instrumental in securing the inclusion of consultative status in the UN
charter. This status officially
provided for the presence and contribution of non-governmental organizations
at UN deliberations.
With her associate, Alba Zizzamia, she worked to strengthen NGO
collaboration at the same time following closely substantive issues of concern
to the Catholic community in the United States and worldwide.
A major concentration was on human rights issues, particularly the
drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The 50th anniversary of its adoption was celebrated in 1998.
J
ean Gartlan, a staff member intermittently from 1950 until its
closing, describes and assesses the Office’s activities and achievements in
“AT THE UNITED NATIONS – The Story of the NCWC/USCC Office for United
Nations Affairs 1946-1972.” The
ICO Center reopened in 1976. This
book with more information about the Center is available for purchase for
$19.95 (includes shipping).
Our video “Communion of Nations” is also available for
$19.95.
