Committee of Ministers

Comité des Ministres

AD HOC MEETING OF EXPERTS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS

ON EUROPEAN PREPARATIONS FOR THE (UN) WORLD CONFERENCE AGAINST

RACISM, RACIAL DISCRIMINATION, XENOPHOBIA AND RELATED INTOLERANCE

Strasbourg, 22 – 24 February 1999

Palais de l’Europe, Room 9

MEETING REPORT

Introduction

This document contains a summary report of discussions at the ad hoc meeting of experts to exchange views on European preparations for the World Conference against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, which took place in Strasbourg between 22 and 24 February 1999.

The report contains the following appendices:

Appendix I List of participants

Appendix II Agenda of the meeting (as adopted)

Appendix III Objectives of European preparations for the World Conference on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance

Appendix IV Format and structure of the European Conference against racism

Appendix V Working groups envisaged for the European Conference against racism

Appendix VI Provisional timetable of the European Conference against racism

Appendix VII Terms of reference of the Technical Working Group designated to prepare the European Conference against racism

Appendix VIII Financial implications of holding the European Conference against racism

Item 1: Opening of the meeting

1. The meeting was opened by Ms Jane DINSDALE, Deputy Director of Human Rights. In welcoming all participants to the ad hoc meeting, she underlined that the Council of Europe’s activity in combating racism is integral to its human rights work and constitutes a priority field of action. The Organisation thus appreciated the opportunity of preparing a European Conference against racism, as a contribution to the World Conference, as was originally proposed by the delegation of Luxembourg, on behalf of the Presidency of the European Union.

Item 2: Election of the Chair

2. The ad hoc meeting elected Mr Michael DESSER (Austria) as its Chair.

Item 3: Approval of the agenda

3. The agenda, as approved by the meeting, appears in Appendix II.

Item 4: Background to the World Conference against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and information on developments towards its realisation

4. In introducing this item, the Chair drew attention to the resolutions of the UN General Assembly and Commission on Human Rights concerning the organisation of the World Conference against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance (document PREP-EUROCONF (99) 3).

5. Mr Hamid GAHAM, representative of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights of the United Nations, provided information about current preparations for the Open-Ended Working Group, to take place at the fifty-fifth session of the Commission on Human Rights. He explained that the Open-Ended Working Group is intended to continue a momentum in preparing for the World Conference, since the Preparatory Committee itself will not meet until the year 2000. It will examine in detail the major objectives of the World Conference, taking account of the UN’s previous action in combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. He underlined the importance of preparatory meetings at regional and national level. Since the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has no resources currently to convene such meetings, these will depend upon the initiative of regional organisations and member States.

6. In a short discussion, clarification was sought about the timing and venue of the World Conference. Neither issue has yet been determined, although it can be anticipated that the World Conference will be held between May and October 2001. Preparations at regional level, other than in Europe, have not yet commenced.

Item 5: European preparations for the World Conference against racism

* Objectives of European preparations

7. In introducing this item, the Chair drew attention to the seven major objectives of the World Conference. He also referred to the written consultation conducted by the Secretariat with non-governmental organisations, which outlines possible outcomes from a European Conference against racism (document PREP-EUROCONF/NGO (98) 1). He stressed the need for linking European preparations closely to the World Conference and urged the meeting to identify clearly European aims at regional and international levels, so as to enable adequate preparation to take place.

8. Several experts took part in the ensuing discussion. The need to prepare a practical input into the World Conference, on the basis of its objectives yet taking into account the experience and expertise of European organs such as the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) and the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia, was stressed. In this way, global issues – the importance of which was recognised -- would also be addressed through looking at concrete European concerns.

9. Interacting with other regional groupings was also considered an important element of European preparations. It was furthermore proposed that preparations should enable networking at pan-European level among all relevant actors, providing an opportunity also for mainstreaming questions of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. In this respect, the need for governments to support, financially and otherwise, the participation of relevant non-governmental organisations and others in the preparatory process as well as the European Conference was raised. The significance of the European Conference and its preparations in terms of achieving an enhanced public awareness of racism and related issues was also underlined.

10. In concluding its discussion of objectives of European preparations, the ad hoc meeting adopted the text as contained in Appendix III to this report.

* Structure and format of the European Conference against racism

11. A major issue addressed under this item was the participation of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in particular, and other relevant national institutions, in the European Conference against racism.

12. Several experts expressed strong support for the full participation of NGOs working at both national and international levels in the European Conference and its preparations. It was proposed that governments should support such NGO participation through making voluntary contributions to the Council of Europe for financing NGO involvement.

13. One expert proposed that, since it would not be feasible for all NGOs throughout Europe interested in the European Conference to attend this event, consideration should be given to organising a "shadow" conference on the Internet for NGOs who could not otherwise participate. A number of other experts supported this proposal, which would contribute towards further awareness-raising and show how to use the Internet for combating racism in a positive manner. It was also suggested that this initiative might be expanded to include schools or other educational establishments. At the same time, questions were raised by experts about the costs, both financial and in human resources, involved in such a project. In view of the interest the proposal attracted, it was agreed that it should be further developed by the expert who originally proposed it and submitted to the Secretariat for more detailed examination.

14. The possibility of continuing to involve a wide range of NGOs in European preparations through further written consultations was also proposed.

15. A number of experts supported the participation not only of relevant NGOs but also of other components of civil society in the European Conference, including specialised bodies combating racism or national human rights commissions and other national institutions, as well as representatives of the media.

16. The importance of including relevant UN bodies, in addition to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, in the European Conference was also underlined by a number of experts.

17. Reference was also made during the discussion to the possibility of inviting representatives of other regions to attend the European Conference.

18. In concluding the debate under this item, the ad hoc meeting adopted the text as contained in Appendix IV to this report.

* Themes to be addressed at the European Conference against racism

19. In introducing this item, the Chair drew attention to the working document on options for possible themes to discuss at the European Conference against racism (document PREP-EUROCONF (99) 1).

20. The ad hoc meeting held a broad-ranging discussion on the subject of themes to take up at the European Conference, based on the Conference constituting four working groups.

21. There was general agreement that the working groups should broadly cover: legal measures to protect against racism and related discrimination at national, regional and international levels; policies and practices to combat racism at national level; education and awareness-raising to combat racism, related discrimination and extremism at local, national and international levels; and information, communication and the media. At the same time, it was accepted that each working group should consider a number of cross-cutting themes. Among such cross-cutting themes should be the current situation of all groups and persons vulnerable to racism, such as migrants, non-citizens, minorities, etc. It was stressed that the technical working group would need to give further consideration to the question of vulnerable groups.

22. To facilitate further elaboration of themes to address during the European Conference, the ad hoc meeting requested the Secretariat to submit to meetings of the technical working group information summarising relevant Council of Europe activities and a bibliography of relevant publications of the Organisation.

23. In concluding the discussion under this item, the ad hoc meeting adopted the outline for working groups envisaged for the European Conference against racism, as contained in Appendix V to this report.

* Preliminary timetable

24. In introducing this item, the Chair referred to the timetable outlined in the working document on preparatory stages and procedures to follow in organising the European Conference against racism (document PREP-EUROCONF (99) 2).

25. Bearing in mind the objective of optimum input from the European Conference to the Preparatory Committee to be held in 2001, including the technical requirements for the translation of documents, the ad hoc meeting expressed a preference for the European Conference against racism to be held in the autumn of 2000. By following such a time schedule, experts considered that the European contribution to the World Conference, as well as to other regional preparatory processes, could be most effective.

26. If the European Conference should be held in 2001, however, the ad hoc meeting considered the latest date at which it could take place would be mid-January 2001, to enable its conclusions and recommendations to be transmitted to the Preparatory Committee meeting in March 2001.

27. In concluding the discussion of this item, the ad hoc meeting adopted the outline timetable contained in Appendix VI to this report.

* Establishment of the technical working group entrusted with the detailed preparation of the European Conference against racism

28. The Chair introduced this item by referring the ad hoc meeting to the draft terms of reference for the technical working group contained in the document on preparatory stages and procedures to follow in organising the European Conference against racism (document PREP-EUROCONF (99) 2).

29. The ad hoc meeting commented respectively on each component of the mandate of the technical working group: terms of reference; membership; working structures and methods; frequency and duration of meetings; source and duration of mandate.

30. It was agreed that experts from the following member States should participate in the technical working group at the expense of the Council of Europe: Bulgaria, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Russian Federation and Turkey.

31. It was agreed by the ad hoc meeting that, while for financial and administrative reasons the expenses of experts from only seven member States could be covered by the Council of Europe, membership of the group should be open to all delegations and bodies attending the ad hoc meeting itself. Moreover, experts agreed that there should be no distinction in status between experts of member States attending the technical working group.

32. In concluding the discussion of this item, the ad hoc meeting adopted the terms of reference of the technical working group as contained in Appendix VII to this report.

* * * * *

33. During consideration of this item of the agenda, Ms Jane DINSDALE drew attention to the financial implications of the recommendations made by the ad hoc meeting, including facilitating the participation of NGOs, and more particularly advancing the date of the European Conference to the year 2000. She also drew attention to the necessity for staff reinforcement in order to ensure an adequate preparation of the European Conference. She referred to the overall budgetary context of the Organisation and to the difficulties of accommodating major new demands in the forthcoming budget.

34. The ad hoc meeting stressed the importance of preparing the European Conference in the best possible conditions and to a schedule compatible with the timetable at a global level.

35. The estimated financial implications of organising and holding the European Conference against racism are set out in Appendix VIII to this report.

36. The ad hoc meeting also encouraged the creation of an account to which member States should make voluntary contributions in order to ensure that NGOs in all member States could be consulted and involved as widely as possible in the preparatory process for the European Conference, and participate in the NGO Forum and in the European Conference itself.

37. The ad hoc meeting requested the Secretariat to investigate the possibility of obtaining private funding and the sponsorship of organisations such as, inter alia, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), which might have financial means to support the preparation or holding of the European Conference. The Secretariat should report back to the technical working group on developments in this respect.

Item 6: Preparations at national level for the European and World Conferences against racism

38. In introducing this item, the Chair made reference to the provisions of resolutions of the UN General Assembly and Commission on Human Rights, encouraging States to hold national meetings or to take other initiatives in preparation for the World Conference.

39. The importance of preparations at national level – seen by some experts as indispensable -- was stressed by several. Such preparations, it was proposed, should include consultations between the different ministries concerned, among NGOs and other relevant national bodies involved in combating racism and between governmental authorities and non-governmental instances.

40. In view of existing information about national situations, such as reports to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) and the country-specific reports of ECRI, most experts did not consider it necessary to prepare national reports to the European or World Conferences. At the same time, if a national body wished to make a written contribution, this might be appropriate. The possibility of requesting States to complete a short questionnaire was raised, for example identifying the major challenges faced in combating racism and the action taken to meet these.

41. In concluding the discussion under this item, the Chair noted that the mandate proposed for the technical working group includes encouraging member States to prepare for the European and World Conferences at national level.

Item 7: Contribution to the Open-Ended Working Group to take place during the fifty-fifth session of the UN Commission on Human Rights and linkage of European preparations to the Preparatory Committee of the World Conference

42. The ad hoc meeting agreed that it would be appropriate if a representative of the country holding the Chair of the Committee of Ministers (Hungary) could, with the assistance of the Secretariat, deliver a statement to the Open-Ended Working Group, concerning developments in preparations for the World Conference at European level. The statement should seek to encourage other regions to begin similar preparations.

Item 8: Any other business

43. The ad hoc meeting requested the Secretariat to provide information about NGOs contacted with regard to the written consultation. It also felt that the report of the ad hoc meeting should be unrestricted and made available on request.

APPENDIX I

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List of participants

I. COUNCIL OF EUROPE MEMBER STATES / ETATS MEMBRES DU CONSEIL DE L’EUROPE

Albania / Albanie

Andorra / Andorre

Austria / Autriche

Mr Michael DESSER, Head of Unit, Human Rights Directorate, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Belgium / Belgique

Monsieur Jean-Claude COUVREUR, Conseiller/Chef de la Section Droits de l’Homme, Questions Humanitaires, Ministère des Affaires Etrangères

Monsieur Jan LATHOUWERS, Conseiller Adjoint, Chef du Service des Droits de l’Homme, Ministère de la Justice, Administration de la Législation pénale et des Droits de l’Homme

Bulgaria / Bulgarie

Mr Andrey TEHOV, Head of the Department of Human Rights, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Croatia / Croatie

Mr Branco SOCANAC, Head of Human Rights Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Cyprus / Chypre

Monsieur Charalambos PETINOS, Adjoint au Représentant Permanent de Chypre auprès du Conseil de l'Europe

Czech Republic / République Tchèque

Mrs Ivana SCHELLONGOVÁ, 2^nd Secretary at the Permanent Representation of the Czech Republic to the United Nations and other international organisations

Denmark / Danemark

Mr Jens FAERKEL, Minister Counsellor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Mr Peter S. WILLADSEN, Head of Division, Ministry of the Interior

Estonia / Estonie

Ms Gea RENNEL, First Secretary, Political Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Finland / Finlande

Mr Antti RYTÖVUORI, First Secretary, Permanent Representation of Finland to the United Nations

France

Madame Aline KUSTER-MENAGER, Direction des Nations-Unies et des Organisations internationales, Sous-direction des Droits de l’Homme et des Affaires humanitaires et sociales, Ministère des Affaires étrangères

Monsieur Denis DOUVENEAU, Direction des Affaires Juridiques, Sous-direction des Droits de l’Homme, Ministère des Affaires étrangères

Monsieur Hervé MAGRO, Conseiller, Représentation Permanente de la France auprès des Nations Unies

Madame Martine VALDES-BOULOUQUE, Inspecteur des Services Judiciaires, Ministère de la Justice

Germany / Allemagne

Mr Christian MUCH, Deputy Head Human Rights, Auswärtiges Amt

Mr Martin HUTH, 1^st Secretary, Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations

Mr Herrmann NICOLAI, 1^st Secretary, Auswärtiges Amt

Greece / Grèce

Hungary / Hongrie

Mr Csaba MOHI, Senior Counsellor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Iceland / Islande

Ireland / Irlande

Mr Liam CONLON, Assistant Principal, Equal Status Division, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Italy / Italie

Latvia / Lettonie

Ms Aiga LIEPINA, Second Secretary of the International Organisations and Human Rights Policy Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Security Policy and International Organisations, Division of International Organisations and Human Rights

Liechtenstein

Lithuania / Lituanie

Mrs Danguole GRIGOLOVICIENE, Head of the Section of National Minorities, Department of National Minorities and Lithuanians Living Abroad to the Government of Republic of Lithuania

Luxembourg

Madame Béatrice KIRSCH, Attachée de Légation, Ministère des Affaires Etrangères

Malta / Malte

Moldova

Monsieur Vitalie RUSU, 1er Secrétaire à la Direction ONU et Agences Spécialisées, Ministère des Affaires Etrangères

The Netherlands / Pays-Bas

Mrs Welment van AARDENNE, Deputy Head Regional and Global Organisations Division, Human Rights Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Mrs Kim Van DOOREN, Senior Staff Member, Minority Policy Department, Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations

Norway / Norvège

Mr Stephan MO, Acting Assistant Director, Department of Indigenous, Minority and Immigrant Affairs, Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development

Ms Tanja HEGGE, Adviser, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Poland / Pologne

Ms Renata KOWALSKA, Legal Adviser, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Ms Krystyna ZUREK, Counsellor to the Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Ms Agnieszka Klementyna DABROWIECKA, Head of International Cooperation Division, Ministry of Justice

Portugal

Madame Florbela FERREIRA, Council of Europe Desk Officer, Ministère des Affaires Etrangères

Monsieur Paulo MARRECAS FERREIRA, Jurist, Gabinete de Documentação e Direito Comparado

Romania / Roumanie

Madame Cristina GOSU, Direction pour les Droits de l’Homme et le Conseil de l’Europe, Ministère des Affaires Etrangères

Russian Federation / Fédération de Russie

Mr Youri BOICHENKO, Head of Division, Department of International Humanitarian Cooperation and Human Rights, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

San Marino / Saint Marin

Mr Dario GALASSI, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Slovak Republic / République Slovaque

Mrs Barbara TUHOVCÁKOVÁ, Director, Human Rights Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Slovenia / Slovénie

Ms Eva TOMIC, Counsellor to the Minister, Department for Multilateral Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Spain / Espagne

Monsieur Alvaro RODRIGUES, Conseiller du Bureau des Droits de l’Homme, Ministère des Affaires Etrangères

Sweden / Suède

Madame Catherine von HEIDENSTAM, Ambassadeur, Ministère des Affaires Etrangères

Ms Ulrika FUNERED, First Secretary, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Mr Göran LINDQVIST, Deputy Director, Division for Immigrant Integration and Diversity, Ministry of Culture

Mr Jonas WESTERLUND, Desk Officer, Division for Immigrant Integration and Diversity, Ministry of Culture

Switzerland / Suisse

Monsieur Jean-Daniel VIGNY, Ministre, Division politique des droits de l’homme et politique humanitaire, Département fédéral des affaires étrangères

Madame Doris ANGST YILMAZ, Chef du Secrétariat, Commission Fédérale contre le racisme

"The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" / "L’ex-République yougoslave de Macédoine"

Mr Nikola DIMITROV, Desk Officer, Human Rights Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Turkey / Turquie

Madame Deniz AKÇAY, Adjoint au Représentant Permanent de la Turquie auprès du Conseil de l’Europe

Ukraine

Mr Oleg SEMENENKO, Second Secretary of the European and Transatlantic Integration Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

United Kingdom / Royaume-Uni

Ms Deborah CREWE, Policy Adviser, Race Equality Unit, Home Office

II. COUNCIL OF EUROPE BODIES / INSTANCES DU CONSEIL DE L’EUROPE

Parliamentary Assembly / Assemblée Parlementaire

(Excusé/Apologised)

Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe / Congrès des Pouvoirs Locaux et Régionaux de l’Europe

(Excusé/Apologised)

Monsieur Moreno BUCCI, Circoscrizione Viareggio Nuova

European Commission against Racism and Intolerance / Commission européenne contre le racisme et l’intolérance (ECRI)

Monsieur Roger LINSTER

III. INSTITUTIONS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION / INSTITUTIONS DE L’UNION EUROPEENNE

European Parliament / Parlement européen

Council of the European Union – General Secretariat / Conseil de l’Union européenne - Secrétariat Général

European Commission / Commission européenne

Madame Nathalie DAVIES, Administrateur, Direction Générale IA/A2

Mr Adam TYSON, Administrateur Principal, Direction Générale V/D/4

European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia / Observatoire européen des phénomènes racistes et xénophobes

Dr Beate WINKLER, Director

IV. NON-MEMBER STATES HAVING OBSERVER STATUS AT THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE / ETATS NON MEMBRES AYANT LE STATUT D’OBSERVATEUR AUPRES DU CONSEIL DE L’EUROPE

Canada

Monsieur Guillaume SIEMIENSKI, Conseiller en politiques, Relations internationales, Ministère du Patrimoine canadien

Holy See / Saint Siège

Père Bernard BOUGON

Japan / Japon

Ms Nobuko IWATANI, Specialised Assistant, Permanent Mission of Japan to the International Organisations in Geneva

Mr Akira ANDO, Consul, Consulat General du Japon

United States of America / Etats-Unis d’Amérique

Mr Craig L. KUEHL, 1^st Secretary, Permanent Mission of the United States of America

V. NON-MEMBER STATES HAVING SPECIAL GUEST STATUS AT THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE / ETATS NON MEMBRES DONT LES PARLEMENTS ONT LE STATUT D’INVITE SPECIAL AUPRES DE L’ASSEMBLEE PARLEMENTAIRE DU CONSEIL DE L’EUROPE

Armenia / Arménie

Mr Vahram KAZHOYAN, Director, Department of International Organisations and Human Rights, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Azerbaijan / Azerbaïdjan

Mr Jovdat MAMMEDOV, 3^rd Secretary of the Treaty and Legal Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Bosnia and Herzegovina / Bosnie-Herzégovine

Georgia / Géorgie

Mr Guéla BEZHUASHVILI, Director, International Law Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

VI. OTHER NON-MEMBER STATES / AUTRES ETATS NON MEMBRES

Australia / Australie

New Zealand / Nouvelle Zélande

VII. OTHER INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL ORGANISATIONS / AUTRES ORGANISATIONS INTERNATIONALES ET REGIONALES

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to the United Nations / Bureau du Haut Commissariat aux Droits de l’Homme des Nations Unies

Monsieur Hamid GAHAM, OHCHR

Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees / Bureau du Haut Commissariat pour les Réfugiés (UNHCR)

Mr Salvatore LOMBARDO, Senior Liaison Officer

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation / Organisation des Nations Unies pour l’éducation, la science et la culture (UNESCO)

Mr Vladimir VOLODIN, Chief, Human Rights Unit, Division of Peace, Human Rights, Democracy and Tolerance

Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe / Organisation pour la sécurité et la coopération en Europe (OSCE)

Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights / Bureau des institutions démocratiques et des droits de l’homme

(Apologised / Excusé)

VIII. NON-GOUVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS / ORGANISATIONS NON GOUVERNEMENTALES

European Network against Racism / Réseau européen contre le racisme

Ms Sukhvinder STUBBS, Chair

IX. SECRETARIAT

Ms Jane DINSDALE, Deputy Director, Human Rights Directorate / Directrice Adjointe, Direction des Droits de l’Homme, Council of Europe, 67075 STRASBOURG Cedex

Tel: +33 (0) 3 88 41 23 28

Fax: +33 (0) 3 88 41 27 93

E-mail: [email protected]

Mme Isil GACHET, Human Rights Directorate, Secretary of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance / Secrétaire de la Commission européenne contre le racisme et l’intolérance

Tel : +33 (0) 3 88 41 23 48

Fax : +33 (0) 3 88 41 39 87

E-mail : [email protected]

Mrs Isobelle JAQUES, Administrator, Human Rights Directorate / Administratrice, Direction des Droits de l’Homme

Tel : +33 (0) 3 88 41 23 49

Fax : +33 (0) 3 88 41 39 87

E-mail : [email protected]

Mme Sylvia LEHMANN, Assistant / Assistante

Tel : +33 (0) 3 88 41 29 64

Fax : +33 (0) 3 88 41 39 87

E-mail : [email protected]

Mme Vincente MUSCATIELLO, Assistant / Assistante

Tel: +33 (0) 3 88 41 25 05

Fax : +33 (0) 3 88 41 39 87

E-mail: [email protected]

APPENDIX II

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AGENDA

1.    Opening of the meeting (by the Deputy Director of Human Rights)

2.    Election of the Chair

3.    Approval of the agenda

4.    Background to the World Conference against racism and racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and information on developments towards its realisation

5.    European preparations for the World Conference against racism

- objectives of European preparations

- structure and format of the European Conference against racism

- themes to be addressed at the European Conference against racism

- preliminary timetable

- establishment of the Technical Working Group entrusted with the detailed preparation of the European Conference against racism

6.    Preparations at national level for the European and World Conferences against racism

- elaboration of national reports

- consultations at national level

7.    Contribution to the Open-Ended Working Group to take place during the fifty-fifth session of the UN Commission on Human Rights and linkage of European preparations to the Preparatory Committee of the World Conference

8.    Any other business

 

APPENDIX III

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OBJECTIVES OF EUROPEAN PREPARATIONS FOR THE UN WORLD CONFERENCE

In the framework of the general objectives of the World Conference, as defined in paragraph 28 of Resolution 52/111 of the United Nations General Assembly, to carry out the process of preparation at European level, including through the organisation of a European Conference, linked with the process of preparation of the World Conference and ensuring an active participation on the part of NGOs :

A. At global level

1. To prepare an input which should be :

* Forward-looking

* Practical and action-oriented

* Addressing « in a comprehensive manner all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related contemporary forms of intolerance »

2. To provide the opportunity to contribute specific European experiences to the World Conference

3. To interact with other regional preparatory processes

B. At regional level

1. To provide a forum for the communities concerned

2. To exchange information on good practices

3. To increase public awareness

C. Results of the European Conference

-    General conclusions of the European Conference (not more than 10-15 pages), in accordance with the objectives identified in paragraph 28 of UNGA resolution 52/111, to be forwarded to the Preparatory Committee of the World Conference in 2001

-    A General Report of the European Conference (proceedings) comprising the reports of the working groups and the general conclusions, to be published by the time of the World Conference

-    A possible European Plan of Action, to be elaborated after the World Conference on the basis of the results of the latter, as part of the follow-up process

 

APPENDIX IV

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FORMAT AND STRUCTURE

OF THE EUROPEAN CONFERENCE AGAINST RACISM ^{footnote 1}

1. Duration:

* up to three days

2. Structure:

* plenary sessions

* in principle, four working groups

3. Participation:

* member States of the Council of Europe

* Council of Europe bodies

* institutions of the European Union

* non-member States having Observer status at the Council of Europe

* non-member States having Special Guest status at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe

* other non-member States belonging to the Western European and Other Grouping (WEOG)

* Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and relevant United Nations human rights bodies and mechanisms

* other relevant international and regional organisations

* national specialised bodies, ombudsmen and national human rights institutions

* relevant non-governmental organisations

* media

4. The European Conference will be preceded by a supplementary one/two day Forum for Non-Governmental Organisations

APPENDIX V

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WORKING GROUPS ENVISAGED FOR THE

EUROPEAN CONFERENCE AGAINST RACISM

In accordance with the objectives of UN General Assembly resolution 52/111 (paragraph 28), and bearing in mind the aims of the European Conference identified by the ad hoc meeting of experts to exchange views on European preparations for the World conference on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance (Strasbourg, 22-24 February 1999), the following (four) working groups for the European Conference are proposed for the guidance of the work of the Technical Working Group.

A. POSSIBLE THEMES OF THE WORKING GROUPS

1. Legal protection against racism and related discrimination at national, regional and international levels

- strengthening international law, including through improved implementation of international instruments and better co-operation and co-ordination between relevant international and regional mechanisms;

- strengthening national legislation in criminal, civil and administrative fields and its implementation; accompanying measures, such as creation of national specialised bodies; providing adequate redress.

2. Policies and practices to combat racism and related discrimination at national level

- the role of institutions (political parties, components of the criminal justice system, etc) in, as appropriate, applying legal measures, addressing cultural diversity and mainstreaming, creating common dialogue with minority groups and responding to global influences.

3. Education and awareness-raising to combat racism, related discrimination and extremism at local, national and international levels

- human rights education

- training of key professional groups and code of professional ethics

- education in, and out of, school and in universities, including intercultural education

- the role of civil society.

4. Information, communication and the media

- the role of new technologies, including the internet

- the role of media

 

B. CROSS-CUTTING THEMES FOR CONSIDERATION BY EACH WORKING GROUP

Under each theme consideration should be given, in particular, to the current situation of all groups and persons vulnerable to racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, issues of everyday racism (in the workplace, housing, etc.) the role of youth, memory, prevention, contemporary forms of racism and globalisation.

Each theme should also be treated by examining the background, challenges -- particularly in a forward-looking context -- and best practices for dealing with the issues raised.

APPENDIX VI

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PROVISIONAL TIMETABLE FOR PREPARATIONS FOR

THE EUROPEAN CONFERENCE AGAINST RACISM

The ad hoc meeting of experts to exchange views on European preparations for the World Conference against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance expressed a strong preference for holding the European Conference during the second half of the year 2000, subject to budgetary considerations. In any case, the meeting noted that the outcome of the European Conference should be submitted to the second UN Preparatory Committee, to be held in March 2001.

1999

* last week June or first week July                 First meeting of the technical working group

* first half of October                          Second meeting of the technical working group

(Additional arrangements for consultations with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will take place, according to the availability of financial resources.)

2000

* January                 Third meeting of the technical working group

* first week October                 Final meeting of the technical working group

One/two day Forum for Non-Governmental Organisations

Two/three day EUROPEAN CONFERENCE AGAINST RACISM

(Additional arrangements for consultations with NGOs will take place, according to the availability of financial resources.)

2001

*                                                            WORLD CONFERENCE ON RACISM

*    late 2001 (or early 2002)              Ad hoc meeting of experts on follow up action to the European

Conference against racism and the World Conference against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance

 

APPENDIX VII

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TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP
DESIGNATED TO PREPARE THE EUROPEAN CONTRIBUTION

TO THE WORLD CONFERENCE AGAINST RACISM, RACIAL DISCRIMINATION, XENOPHOBIA AND RELATED INTOLERANCE, IN PARTICULAR A EUROPEAN CONFERENCE AGAINST RACISM

(1999 – 2001)

Terms of Reference

Bearing in mind the objectives and the themes identified by the ad hoc meeting of experts to exchange views on European preparations for the World Conference against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, the technical working group is instructed to undertake detailed preparation of a European contribution to the World Conference, notably in the form of a European Conference against racism by:

* Elaborating the structure and the rules of procedure of the conference and the main themes to address;

* Identifying the principal speakers;

* Identifying and obtaining the necessary documentation and working papers for the conference;

* Preparing elements for a text to be submitted by the European Conference to the World Conference;

* Encouraging and stimulating preparations by member States at national level for the European and World Conferences;

* Calling upon, in particular, the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) and the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia, as well as relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations, to invite them to contribute towards the preparation and content of the European Conference against Racism;

* Co-ordinating any other European contribution to the World Conference, including to its Preparatory Committee and to other regional preparatory processes.

 

Membership of the technical working group

Membership of the technical working group is open to all Council of Europe member States, with equal rights. It is also open to the other participants at the ad hoc meeting of experts to exchange views on European preparations for the World Conference against racism and racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance (Strasbourg, 22 – 24 February 1999).

The Chair of the technical working group shall be elected from among the member States of the Council of Europe.

The following are therefore entitled to appoint experts to attend meetings of the technical working group:

* Governments of member States of the Council of Europe, whose experts participate at their own cost

* One expert from each of the following seven member States of the Council of Europe, designated by the ad hoc meeting of experts (22-24 February 1999), whose participation costs will be covered by the Council of Europe: Bulgaria, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Russian Federation and Turkey

* Council of Europe bodies: Parliamentary Assembly; Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in Europe; European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI)

* Institutions of the European Union: European Parliament; Council of the European Union – General Secretariat; European Commission; European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia

* States having observer status with the Council of Europe: Holy See; Canada; Japan; United States of America

* Non-member States: Armenia; Australia; Azerbaijan; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Georgia; New Zealand

* Organisations: United Nations (Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights); United Nations (Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees); United Nations (UNESCO); OSCE

* Non-governmental organisations with a special expertise in the subject matter may designate one representative to participate, whose participation costs will be covered by the Council of Europe.

 

Working structures and methods

The technical working group may receive written contributions from member States, observers to the Council of Europe and other participants in the technical working group.

The technical working group will draw upon, as a priority, relevant activities of the Council of Europe in undertaking its work.

The technical working group may, as necessary and subject to budgetary resources, commission expert assistance in the implementation of its terms of reference, including inviting expert participation in its meetings and seeking expert written contributions, for example from specialised bodies at the national level.

Subsequent to each meeting of the technical working group, its meeting report will be transmitted to the appropriate national authorities, as designated by the respective Permanent Representatives.

The Chair of the technical working group will report to the UN Preparatory Committee and act as a focal point to interact with other regional preparatory processes.

Frequency and duration of meetings

The technical working group may, subject to budgetary resources, hold a minimum of three meetings each lasting in principle two days before the European Conference against racism; it shall also meet immediately prior to the European Conference against racism to finalise arrangements.

Source and duration of mandate

The mandate of the technical working group is provided by the ad hoc meeting of experts to exchange views on European preparations for the World Conference on racism and racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, held in Strasbourg on 22 - 24 February 1999.

The mandate of the technical working group shall extend to the date at which the World Conference takes place.

APPENDIX VIII

__________

ESTIMATED FINANCIAL

IMPLICATIONS OF HOLDING THE

EUROPEAN CONFERENCE AGAINST RACISM

PREPARED BY THE SECRETARIAT

(based on 1999 figures)

Option A: date of the European Conference against racism October 2000

I MEETINGS

2000

II STAFFING

Temporary staff

TOTAL FOR 2000 = 2,174,468.00 FF

2001/2

I MEETINGS

GRAND TOTAL FOR OPTION A = 2,480,468 FF

Option B: Date of European Conference against racism January 2001

2000

I MEETINGS

II STAFFING

Temporary staff

Total for 2000 = 688,500.00 FF

2001

I MEETINGS

II STAFFING

Temporary staff

Total for 2001 = 1,619,968.00 FF

2002

I MEETINGS

GRAND TOTAL FOR OPTION B = 2,574,468.00 FF

1    "European Conference against Racism" i the working title for the conference.

2    Under Option A, the first and second meetings of the technical working group will be covered within the existing resources available in the budget for 1999.