609th meeting – 25 November 1997
APPENDIX 3
(item 9.1)
REPLY TO RECOMMENDATION 10 (1995) OF THE
CONGRESS OF LOCAL AND REGIONAL AUTHORITIES OF EUROPE (CLRAE)
ON "LOCAL DEMOCRACY: A CIVIC PROJECT"
"The Committee of Ministers has considered with interest Recommendation 10 (1995) of the CLRAE on "Local democracy: a civic project", in the light of the development of the intergovernmental programme in the social affairs sector.
The Committee of Ministers is aware of the pressing need felt by many member countries to respond to the growing problem of social exclusion and infringements of human dignity. The economic and social crisis which the majority of European countries have experienced for several years weakens and impoverishes large sections of the population: such a trend could threaten the very stability of democracy and the progress of European integration, as was recognised by the Heads of State and Government at the Second Council of Europe Summit (Strasbourg, 10-11 October 1997).
The Committee of Ministers has transmitted this recommendation to the following Steering Committees: CDLR, CDPS, CDCC, CDEM, CDSP and CDMG, so that they can take it into account in their activities; it has also been transmitted to the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI).
The Committee of Ministers has also instructed the Secretariat responsible for the project "Human Dignity and Social Exclusion" to take account of the Congress Recommendation when implementing the project. The project started in 1994 and brings together governments, non-governmental organisations and other international institutions in a joint effort to develop a global strategy to counter this problem. Five specific areas have been identified for detailed consideration: health, housing, social welfare, employment and education.
Four groups of experts have been set up, covering particular themes: law and vulnerable groups, family - and personal networks in the most underprivileged groups, the role of civil society in combating poverty and social exclusion, and the local action level: public authorities and local communities (in which the CLRAE will be invited to participate).
An international conference in Helsinki, in March 1998, will provide an opportunity to carry out an overview of these activities and ensure that the Summit decisions in this area are given political follow-up."