Reply to Recommendation 1277 (1995) on migrants, ethnic minorities and media
Doc. 7496
23 February 1996Communication from the Committee of Ministers
Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 15 February 1996 at the 558th meeting of the Ministers' Deputies
The Committee of Ministers noted with interest Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1277 (1995) on migrants, minorities and media. It has been communicated to the governments of member States as well as to the Ad hoc Committee for the Protection of National Minorities (CAHMIN), the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) and the European Support Fund for the Co-production and Distribution of Creative Cinematographic Audio-Visual Works ("Eurimages"), so that they might take it into account in their respective activities. As a first response, the Committee of Ministers wishes to bring to the Assembly's attention the following information in respect of the relevant paragraphs of the Recommendation:
5.i � In the framework of the implementation of the Plan of Action on combating racism, xenophobia, antisemitism and intolerance, adopted by the Heads of State and government of the member States of the Council of Europe on 9 October 1993, a Group of specialists on Media and intolerance (MM-S-IN) has been set up under the authority of the Steering committee on the Mass media, with a view to examining the negative and positive contributions the media may make to the fight against intolerance.
As the issues mentioned in paragraphs 5.i and iv.a. of the Recommendation are of direct relevance to the work of the MM-S-IN - whose terms of reference include making any proposals of a policy, legal or other nature that it believes to be necessary either to combat the spread of racism, xenophobia, antisemitism and intolerance through the media or to strengthen the contribution of the media to fight against these -the CDMM has communicated Recommendation 1277 to the MM-S-IN. The latter's work will have to be completed by 31 December 1996. The Committee of Ministers will convey to the Assembly, at the appropriate time, any relevant information on the work carried out as a follow-up to proposals for action made by the MM-S-IN.
The Committee of Ministers stresses that any measures proposed in this area should be compatible with the principles of freedom of expression and editorial independence and the right of media professionals themselves to draw up their own codes of conduct to address the issues raised in the Recommendation.
It can also be mentioned in this connection that, in the framework of the project on "The integration of immigrants: towards equal opportunities" carried out under the authority of the European Committee on Migration (CDMG), a meeting was organised in December 1994 in Solingen (Germany) on the role of the media in promoting integration and equal opportunities for immigrants.
The meeting was one in a series in which European media experts are attempting to set up a pan-European media network, facilitating the exchange of "good practice" in integration and equal opportunities for immigrants. Its conclusions, drawn up and adopted by the participants, will help to widen the scope of current policies.
5.ii � The International Federation of Journalists has created a pan-European prize, to be awarded annually to the media that has most effectively promoted the ideals of tolerance and mutual understanding. It will be attributed for the first time on 21 March 1996, in the context of the second European Media Forum against Racism and Intolerance which will be held in Strasbourg. This Prize benefits from the support of the European Commission and the Council of Europe.
5.iii � As stated before, Recommendation 1277 has been communicated to the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) so that it might take it into account in its activities. In fact, amongst the "guiding principles" adopted by ECRI in its final activity report of 14 December 1995, many refer to the media. The Committee of Ministers will shortly consider the appropriate follow-up action to be given to these "principles".
It may also be noted that two members of ECRI sit in the MM-S-IN referred to above, thus ensuring that ECRI's integrated approach is reflected in the Group of specialists's work on media and intolerance.
5.iv � Amongst the detailed proposals made by ECRI to prevent, combat and redress racist, xenophobic and intolerant behaviour and acts, many relate to subjects dealt with in paragraph 5.iv of Recommendation 1277. The Committee of Ministers will inform the Assembly of follow-up given to them.
However, regarding the teaching in journalism schools of questions relating to the problems of intolerance, it can be noted that work is already under way, with the support of the Council of Europe, to prepare a "kit" of journalistic training materials on the question of intolerance and the media, aimed at the schools of journalism.
In April 1995, the Council of Europe also gave support to a three-day training seminar for journalists organised by the European Journalism Centre entitled "Xenophobia and the media: the situation in Europe today".
In addition, it can be recalled that under Article 7, paragraph 1, of the European Convention on Transfrontier Television - which has so far been ratified by 13 countries and signed by 9 more - it is the broadcaster's responsibility - inter alia - to ensure that items of programme services do not give undue prominence to violence or are likely to incite to racial hatred.
The Committee of Ministers will supplement the Assembly with additional information on the issues raised in Recommendation 1277 (1995) in due course.