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Avoiding unnecessary duplication of activities between international mechanisms for the protection of human rights in Europe

Doc. 10241
29 June 2004

Motion for a resolution
presented by Mr  McNamara and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

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1.         Two great institutional characteristics epitomize the progress made by Europe towards greater peace and harmony since the end of the Second World War. The first is the establishment and development of organisations for facilitating integration. The second is the creation and elaboration of instruments and mechanisms for the protection of human rights. The two are, of course, intimately related and associated – one could even say that neither could succeed without the other. The earliest manifestation of both was the Council of Europe, which remains the European leader in international human rights protection.

2.         Given the centrality of human rights to the construction of democracy and respect for the rule of law in Europe – both of which are in turn essential to the development of post-Communist countries – it is to be expected that other European organisations will increasingly feel a need to take them into account as their membership and competences expand. Whatever the political process concerned, one man only welcome the fact that respect for human rights enjoys a central role.

3.         Nevertheless, there is a risk that a lack of coordination between the Council of Europe and other organisations could lead to unnecessary duplication of activities. This could in turn create problems by placing excessive strain on scarce budgetary resources, by establishing competing activities and bodies, and even by setting standards whose inconsistency creates confusion and ultimately undermines effective respect for the basic standards.

4.         The Assembly therefore resolves to study the situation of international institutions, instruments, mechanisms and activities which exist in Europe for the protection of human rights, and to make any appropriate recommendations for their rationalisation and reform.

Signed ^[1]:
McNAMARA Kevin, United Kingdom, SOC
AHLQVIST Birgitta, Sweden SOC
BARTUMEU CASSANY Jaume, Andorra, SOC
BATET LAMA�A Meritxell, Spain, SOC
BINDIG Rudolf, Germany, SOC
CHRISTODOULIDES Doros, Cyprus, UEL
CILEVICS Boriss, Latvia, SOC
HOLOVATY Serhiy, Ukraine, LDR
KALANOVIC Verica, Serbia and Montenegro, EPP/CD
LEUTHEUSSER-SCHNARRENBERGER Sabine, Germany, LDR
LLOYD Tony, United Kingdom, SOC
MARTY Dick, Switzerland, LDR
PEHRSON Johan, Sweden, LDR
WILKINSON John, United Kingdom, EDG

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[1]

SOC EPP EDG LDR UEL NR

Socialist Group Group of the European People’s Party European Democratic Group Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group Group of the Unified European Left Not registered in a group