RESOLUTION B3-1386/92 and 1393/92

Resolution on racism, xenophobia and anti-semitism

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the Joint Declaration by the European Parliament, the Council, the representatives of the Member States meeting within the Council and the Commission against racism and xenophobia of 11 June 1986, and the resolutions it has adopted subsequently on this issue,

- having regard to the Declaration adopted by the European Council meeting in Maastricht on 9 and 10 December 1991, which states that it is 'necessary that the governments and parliaments of the Member States should act clearly and unambiguously to counter the growth of sentiments and manifestations of racism and xenophobia',

- having regard to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, which is acknowledged under Community law,

A. concerned by the spread, since its last annual debate, of xenophobia and racist and anti-semitic attitudes in different parts of the Community and the accompanying increase in the number of acts of violence;

B. having regard to the upsurge in anti-semitic activity, particularly the desecration of Jewish cemeteries and the attack on the memorial at the former Sachsenhausen concentration camp,

C. whereas several murders have been committed by members of extreme right-wing and racist groups in the Member States,

D. concerned that democratic parties are yielding to pressure from the right-wing extremists and racists and using it to obtain a tightening up of the law on asylum,

1. Reaffirms its opposition to all forms of racism and xenophobia;

2. Reiterates its firm desire for the Maastricht Treaty to be ratified as soon as possible, since this treaty lays down the principles of respect for fundamental rights and for the national and regional identities of the Member States;

3. Encourages the Community institutions and the governments of the Member States to prepare themselves to implement on the basis of the Maastricht Treaty harmonized immigration, asylum and refugee policies, with due regard to fundamental rights and international agreements and undertakings;

4. Underlines the need to ensure that these policies respect the fundamental freedoms of all persons within the Community and, in particular, that nationals of third countries legally residing therein receive uniform protection under Community law;

5. Points out that legal provisions governing protection against racial discrimination and their application vary considerably from one Member State to another and that Community law makes no provision for protection against racial discrimination;

6. Invites the Commission to inform Parliament of the findings of its study on the legal instruments and practices used by the Member States to combat racism and xenophobia, and of the conclusions its draws from them with a view to drawing up Community legislation against racial discrimination;

7. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to set up a joint action programme against racism and xenophobia in the Community, to encourage initiative by citizens to combat racism and xenophobia, to permit such groups to exchange information at European level and to support the creating of networks;

8. Instructs its relevant committee also to examine, particularly in the report it is currently drawing up on racism and xenophobia, the underlying causes of this intolerance and the steps to be taken to combat it as effectively as possible and promote good relations between communities and racial groups, with due regard to the principle of subsidiarity;

9. Calls on the Commission, in this spirit, to give special attention to recommendations Nos. 14, 16, 20, 24, 25, 26, 31, 33, 34, 36 and 39 contained in the report of its Committee of Inquiry into Racism and Xenophobia (A3-0195/90);

10. Calls on the Council to give special attention to recommendations Nos. 44, 45, 48 and 49;

11. Calls on European Political Cooperation to give special attention to recommendations Nos. 75, 76 and 77;

12. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, EPC, and the governments and parliaments of the Member States.