Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on the 'Proposal for a Council Decision proclaiming 1997 European Year against Racism` (96/C 337/12)

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS,

Having regard to the proposal for a Council Decision proclaiming 1997 'European Year against Racism` (COM(95) 654 final - 95/0355 CNS) ();

Having regard to the Council Decision of 4 March 1996 to consult the Committee of the Regions on this matter, in accordance with the first paragraph of Article 198c of the Treaty establishing the European Community;

Having regard to its decision of 8 March 1996, to instruct Commission 8 'Economic and Social Cohesion, Social Policy and Public Health` to draw up this Opinion;

Having regard to the Commission 8 Opinion (CdR 156/96), adopted on 13 May 1996, with Mr Eurig Wyn as Rapporteur,

unanimously adopted the following Opinion at its 13th Plenary Session on 12 and 13 June 1996 (meeting of 13 June).

1. General observations

The Committee of the Regions (COR) welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Commission's proposals to reduce racism, xenophobia and antisemitism. This response is intended to complement the earlier Opinion of the COR on the Commission's White Paper on European social policy (1995).

Whilst the COR has specific observations to make on related issues the overall aspirations and general tenet of the proposals are fully supported. Such proposals should enhance race/community relations, minimize the exclusion of minority groups, promote equal opportunity and seek a more harmonious society.

2. Introduction

Racism, xenophobia and anti-semitism are real problems affecting civil society in all Member States and beyond. These problems manifested, in anti-social behaviour, affect both urban and rural areas. There is a general perception of increasing incidence of anti-social behaviour against people from minority communities often suffering exclusion, economic hardship and other disadvantage. Assistance, particularly at a practical level in minimizing this unwelcome behaviour and promoting good race/community relations and mutual respect for people of different ethnic or racial origin is to be supported.

3. Background

3.1. Influences on Racism, Xenophobia and Anti-semitism

The COR recognizes there are numerous and varied causes of racism, xenophobia and anti-semitism. Whilst not entering the debate as to their causes, the COR would wish to highlight a perceived relationship between the manifestation of racism, xenophobia and anti-semitism and economic and social circumstances.

There are obviously influences on individuals undertaking the unwanted anti-social behaviour. This can include high unemployment levels, housing and housing allocation, cultural difference, lack of awareness, economic hardship and differing lifestyles.

Whilst the resolution of some of these practical problems would not eradicate the anti-social behaviour, it may contribute to a lessening of its incidence.

3.2. Specific circumstances require specific responses

Acknowledgement is given by the COR of the many forms of discrimination and anti-social behaviour occurring in Member States. These actions and the appropriate responses can vary between Member States and individual cities. Whilst there may be an element of commonality of the problems, specific remedies are required for specific circumstances.

4. The Commission's proposals

The COR would comment on particular issues as follows:

4.1. Need for a practical response

Like the Commission, the COR recognizes the need for urgent practical action to curb xenophobia and anti-semitism. Whilst its existence has been recognized for many years by numerous governmental and non-governmental organizations, work has to be undertaken to implement realistic and effective measures that will reduce its occurrence. The need for speedy action is highlighted by the comparatively recent increase in trans-European discriminatory acts including violence and death. This would include propaganda and threats by representatives of the far right political parties, activists and other undemocratic groups.

To assist the implementation of the Commission's proposals for practical action, the sharing of experience between Member States, particularly at local and regional levels, are to be endorsed. That would promote the development of models of good practice and prevent the duplication of inappropriate or ineffective responses to anti-social behaviour. The COR would therefore wish to see the continuing support to trans-European networks such as the European Local Authorities Information Network Exchange (ELAINE) which seeks to combat racism and promote tolerance between Europe's different ethnic, cultural and religious communities.

4.2. Subsidiarity

The COR fully supports local action to reduce racism, xenophobia and anti-semitism and consequently welcomes the Commission's intention to adhere to the principle of subsidiarity.

Whilst it is recognized that coordinated action needs to be taken at international, national and regional level, it is particularly at local level that remedial work needs to be implemented.

Local government together with local communities and minority groups should normally be aware of the occurrence and reasons for local and racial conflict and tension. Joint action as proposed by the Commission is therefore supported. Here measures to shape public opinion are needed. Such an approach highlights a common revulsion at anti-social behaviour and demonstrates practical support for the individuals or groups against whom the acts were committed.

It is a statement of the unacceptability of racism, xenophobia and antisemitism and the intention to assist those adversely affected, whilst simultaneously promoting a more harmonious society. In seeking the resolution of local problems at local level, the COR envisages a mutually supportive partnership between governmental and non-governmental agencies.

4.3. Cooperation and joint action

The COR, like the Commission, is very conscious of the need for cooperation and joint action in the fight against racism, xenophobia and anti-semitism.

Such action should include appropriate governmental and nongovernmental agencies at European, national, regional and local levels working with representatives of the affected minority communities or religious groups. At a trans-European level, this should include, for example, the Migrants Forum and other similar bodies such as the International Gypsy Council.

Similar organizations at national level, for example, the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants in the UK, also have a role to play. At the local, and the most effective, level this would include neighbourhood community forums or area committees representing local people. Partnership is required not only between the governmental and non-governmental agencies, but also within these individual sectors to gain maximum advantage of efforts to curb racism, xenophobia and anti-semitism. The workplace and trade unions are important target groups and partners in cooperation to integrate immigrants into society and working life. Empowerment at local and regional level is essential to enable action to be taken to support the Commission's proposals.

4.4. Need for effective monitoring

The COR welcomes the acknowledgement by the Commission of the need to monitor the incidents of racism, xenophobia and anti-semitism. Whilst many authoritative governmental and non-governmental organizations are in agreement that this type of anti-social behaviour continues to rise, facts are required to substantiate this assertion and to provide much needed further information on the subject.

In recent years, local government and voluntary agencies have obtained detailed statistics on the incidence and nature of this anti-social behaviour. That information base, considered to be comprehensive, should be used to further our knowledge and direct the Commission's proposed actions to the areas or activities of greatest need and effectiveness. Existing anti-racist and related projects at all levels should be reviewed to help develop a more robust and effective approach to tackling these problems. To that end, the COR would reiterate its call for good practice at local and regional levels.

4.5. Education and awareness raising

Like the Commission, the COR believes education and the raising of public awareness are essential in reducing or preventing racist, xenophobic and antisemitic activities.

Within the education systems of Member States and regional/local authorities useful work can be done to promote inter-cultural awareness and related issues, thereby reducing anti-social behaviour. Initiatives like the Socrates programme are valued by the COR as they play a valuable role in preparing adults for constructive involvement in the multi-racial and multi-cultural society within which an increasing number of European citizens now reside.

The COR therefore endorses the Commission's proposals on developing networks for the exchange of educational material, in service training of teachers, support to disadvantaged pupils to enter the teaching profession and support for the teaching of Community languages and the development within the overall curriculum of anti-racist education. Increased information about differing races, cultures and lifestyles would support the Commission's aim of a more equal and harmonious society enhanced through European or world citizenship.

In support of this work the exchange between Member States of personnel within and outside the education system would be useful. This would provide practical experience of a different culture and contribute to the personal development of individuals.

The prevention of anti-social behaviour, as identified in the Commission's Communication, is considered by the COR as essential to a long term strategy to reduce racism, xenophobia and anti-semitism. Consequently, the COR would want to support and enhance the Commission's preventative action promoted through the Youth for Europe III programme coupled with the Youth Information Action Plan and the Cities Anti-Racism Project.

Similarly, the COR is keen to support training schemes aimed specifically at providing access to employment amongst disadvantaged and socially excluded young people. Whilst not seeking preferential treatment, there is undoubtedly a need to support and encourage young people, particularly from minority communities to gain access to and remain in both formal and vocational education and training. That would help overcome disadvantage and promote the goal of a fully inclusive society.

The raising of public awareness about the issues of racism, xenophobia and anti-semitism is commended by the COR, hence the COR supports the envisaged publicity campaigns during the European Year Against Racism in 1997.

4.6. The role of the media

The Committee agrees entirely with the view of the Commission that the role of the media in preventing and combating racism and prejudice is crucial. There is full support therefore for the proposals to encourage a more responsible media that is anti-racist in nature and supportive of a multi-racial and multi-cultural society. The COR would welcome a more positive approach to media coverage of the diverse religions and cultural backgrounds of many European citizens. The raising of standards and the removal of negative stereotyping, as proposed by the Commission, are to be commended.

4.7. Funding

The COR considers the issue of funding to be central to the Commission's proposals. Because of the perceived relationship between an active economy with high employment and consequential lower incidence of anti-social behaviour, finance for the creation of jobs and training is felt to be essential in combating racism, xenophobia and anti-semitism. It is therefore suggested that structural funds be ringfenced to help those activities.

4.8. European level legislation

In line with views expressed by the European Parliament, the COR welcomes the Commission's proposals to apply non-discrimination clauses in Community instruments. Support is also given to the Commission's future intention to strengthen Treaty provisions to combat racial discrimination.

The COR would hope to be consulted further on the question of European legislation following consideration of the matter at the Inter-Governmental Conference.

4.9. Anti-semitism

The COR would wish to express its concern at the lack of specific proposals to combat anti-semitic activity.

4.10. Minority communities and their languages

The COR highlighted the need for minority culture to be self-supportive to include use of their own language. In seeking mutual respect between minority and majority cultures and languages, it was important that no culture should exclude others or be perceived to be racist itself.

4.11. The Police

The role of the police in Member States is, as indicated by the Commission, crucial in reducing racism and prejudice. Support is therefore given for the Commission's proposals regarding the development of a European policy strategy. Of particular concern to the COR was the need for police forces across Member States, to reflect the composition of the population and be seen to implement equal opportunity to be seen to implement equal opportunity in access to and promotion through the respective organizations. Appropriate training was also considered essential to ensure police officers are sensitive to the needs of minority communities and religious groups.

4.12. European Year against Racism - 1997

The European Year against Racism, 1997, is considered by COR to provide an ideal opportunity to promote good practice, mutual respect and the promotion of beneficial race and community relations. The COR is therefore fully supportive of the Commission's proposals.

5. Conclusions

5.1. The COR accepts the proposal that 1997 be designated the European Year against Racism.

5.2. The COR will produce a further report adding to the Opinion considered today, which will include reference to the activities during 1997, in which regional and local authorities will play a key role.

5.3. The COR will also further consider the views expressed by the Commission on this important issue.

5.4. The COR welcomes and fully supports the intentions of the Commission to curb racism, xenophobia and anti-semitism.

Recognition is given to the useful role of trans-European action to combat these issues and the related anti-social behaviour. The specific actions proposed by the Commission are generally supported, subject to the comments made in this Opinion.

Through the intended action, cooperation and mutual respect for the different ethnic, racial and religious groups across Europe, a serious attempt can be made to reduce the unwanted anti-social activities. If successful, these aspirations can be reflected in a more harmonious multi-racial and multi-cultural Europe.

Done at Brussels, 13 June 1996.

The Chairman of the Committee of the Regions

Pasqual MARAGALL i MIRA

() OJ No C 89, 26. 3. 1996, p. 7.