JOINT ASSEMBLY OF THE CONVENTION CONCLUED BETWEEN THE AFRICAN, CARIBBEAN AND PACIFIC STATES AND THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY (ACP-EC)

RESOLUTION () on the situation of migrant workers from ACP countries

The ACP-EU Joint Assembly,

- meeting in Luxembourg from 23 to 26 September 1996,

- having regard to its previous resolutions, in particular that adopted on 28 September 1995 in Brussels,

- having regard to the many European Parliament resolutions on this subject,

A. having regard to the deterioration in the economic situation of the ACP countries and the worsening migration problems,

B. whereas developments in immigration laws in certain EU Member States have considerably worsened the situation of certain immigrants, and whereas a large number of these immigrants have lost their right of residence and are now in a situation of illegality,

C. concerned at the attitudes of rejection shown towards immigrant workers in certain EU Member States as a result of the economic crisis, ever increasing unemployment and the difficulties in financing social security schemes,

D. deploring the incidents which have taken place over the last few months in certain countries, such as France, Spain and Belgium,

E. whereas all migrant workers from developing countries should be covered by provisions guaranteeing that they are not discriminated against on grounds of nationality in relation to Community migrants and nationals,

F. whereas this principle of non-discrimination is specifically referred to in Article 5 of the Lomé Convention and Annex VI thereto, which clearly express the contracting parties' firm commitment to guaranteeing mutual enjoyment of human rights for nationals of ACP countries and of the European Union on their respective territories,

G. whereas the most effective form of prevention against mass illegal immigration lies in the provision of development aid for the countries and regions concerned,

1. Reaffirms the need to guarantee, in all circumstances, respect for human rights and humane treatment for illegal immigrants, in particular as regards health and education;

2. Considers that a Community policy on migrants from developing countries should lead to the establishment of a statute for non-Community migrants, applicable throughout the Union, and laying down their fundamental rights, including: right to housing, right to freedom of expression, right of association, right to education, right to family reunification, right to protection against racism, discrimination and arbitrary expulsion;

3. Recommends that the European Union and its Member States increase their aid to the ACP countries for financing development projects and programmes that will create jobs in the countries of origin;

4. Reiterates its call for negotiations to be held on the situation of migrant workers in the Lomé cooperation framework and for consultation between the European Union and the ACP States with a view to drawing up this statute;

5. Condemns all statements which increase suspicion against immigrants and enhance the credibility of those who promote a populist policy of exclusion and xenophobia;

6. Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the ACP-EU Council, the Commission and the signatory states of the Lomé Convention.