Resolution on illegal migrants
Date: 1997-03-13
Institutions: European Parliament
Subjects: Greece, migrant, organised crime, refugee, trafficking in human beings













EUR-Lex - 51997IP0192 - EN






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51997IP0192

Resolution on illegal migrants  


Official Journal C 115 , 14/04/1997 P. 0173 





B4-0192 and 0230/97Resolution on illegal migrantsThe European Parliament,- having regard to its previous resolutions on the welfare of migrants,- having regard in particular to its resolution of 19 September 1996 on expulsions of illegal immigrants ((OJ C 320, 28.10.1996, p. 198.)),A. noting with concern the drowning of more than 200 migrants in Mediterranean waters coming from Alexandria on Christmas Day 1996, where reports appear to indicate that the ship in which they were carried was deliberately rammed and sunk,B. concerned there has been no coordinated investigation by Greek, Italian, Maltese or Egyptian authorities,C. aware that this is but one incident of many where migrants have died or been seriously injured as a result of being transported to Europe in dangerous and inhuman conditions by unscrupulous persons for profit,D. concerned that those who organize and perpetuate the illegal transport of migrants and who are responsible for countless deaths remain at liberty and free from the threat of prosecution,E. deploring the grave infringements of the human rights of clandestine migrants who, being promised legitimate work, are entrapped in unpaid and exploitative work as prostitutes, domestic workers, and labourers in the agricultural, catering and construction sectors,F. noting with concern the particular situation of women and children migrants who are more at risk by reason of their age and gender,G. noting that 1997 has been designated the European Year Against Racism,1. Urges the Commission to investigate the abuse of clandestine workers and those who have become clandestine workers;2. Asks Member States to expedite their efforts to bring to justice those involved in trafficking people and urges improved police cooperation in these matters;3. Asks that special measures be taken against those third countries that facilitate trafficking in people;4. Urges Member States to adopt appropriate measures to ensure that the immigration status of migrants does not prevent them from initiating and following through legal action, whether civil or criminal, against persons who have abused them or infringed their human rights;5. Asks the Council and the Commission to provide all appropriate assistance to those Member States facing the ever-increasing problem of illegal immigration;6. Requests the Commission to support those organizations which are involved in investigating the abuse of migrants and in campaigning to uphold their human rights;7. Insists on being informed and consulted on the activities of the Centre for Information, Discussion and Exchange on the Crossing of Frontiers and Immigration (CIREFI) on the basis of Article K.6 of the Treaty on European Union;8. Further demands that CIREFI accepts two parliamentary representatives as observers;9. Calls for the forthcoming Euro-Mediterranean Conference to include this item in its agenda;10. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States.