(Joint resolution replacing B3-0929, 0930, 0931 and 0934/91)

The European Parliament,

A. noting that the Community has recognized respect for human rights as a foundation for the construction of Europe,

B. having regard to the Joint Declaration by the European Parliament, Council and Commission on Fundamental Rights of 5 April 1977,

C. having regard to the third recital of the preamble to the Single European Act in which the Member States stress their determination to work together to promote democracy on the basis of the fundamental rights recognized in the constitutions and laws of the Member States, in the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and the European Social Charter, notably freedom, equality and social justice,

D. whereas there is no specific control of the application of human rights in the Community and the Member States apart from the overall control exerted under the European Convention on Human Rights,

E. whereas jurisdiction over respect for human rights in the Member States lies, in particular, with national courts and the judicial organs of the Council of Europe,

1. Considers that the Community must ensure respect for human rights not only in other countries but more particularly in its Member States;

2. Believes there is a need to promote the establishment of a European legal area within which the Community would ensure respect for human rights in its Member States;

3. Calls on the Community to accede to the European Convention on Human Rights;

4. Instructs its Committee on Legal Affairs to analyze, with the assistance of the Commission, the reports of non-governmental organizations on respect for human rights in the Member States of the Community and to draw up annual reports on the respect of human rights within the Community,

5. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission and Council.