Arria and Other Special Meetings between NGOs and the Security Council
The Arria Formula
The special informal briefings by which the Council gets information and advice from outside parties. This link tells about the origins of the formula and how it is used.
Keeping The Security Council Door Ajar (February 3, 2003)
During his term in the Security Council in 1992, Ambassador Diego Arria of Venezuela initiated the "Arria Formula" briefing, allowing NGOs, non-Council members, policy experts and grassroots individuals to brief the Security Council on particular issues. Since they sometimes spread information and views that some countries do not want the Council to hear, such meetings are often victim to diplomatic pressure. "Is the Arria formula now in danger?", asks the UN Wire.
United Nations Iraq Press Conference (April 28, 1998)
Describes use of the Arria Formula as a mechanism for hearing the Iraqi delegation's view on Iraq sanctions.
A Proposal for a Broad Interpretation of the Arria Formula
Edited text of a proposal made to the Council in October 1997, advocating use of the Formula to invite a wide range of different persons, including NGOs.
Portuguese Views on the Arria Formula
A statement made by the Portuguese delegation to the Informal Working Group of the SC on Documentation and other Procedural Questions on October 27, 1997.
The Somavía Formula: NGOs Brief the Council
A historic briefing of the council by three NGOs on 12 February 1997, at the initiative of Chilean ambassador Juan Somavía.
Briefing by Pierre Sané of Amnesty International
A briefing on 15 September 1997 under a modified version of the Arria Formula -- a first for NGOs.
