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ADOC7950
COMMUNICATION FROM THE SECRETARY GENERAL
on the implementation of Committee of Ministers Resolution (93) 38
on relations between the Council of Europeand international non-governmental organisations
1. In accordance with the revised rules for consultative status as set out in Committee of Ministers Resolution (93) 38 1, the Secretary General has the honour to communicate to the Committee of Ministers and the Parliamentary Assembly the names of the international non-governmental organisations to which he has decided to grant consultative status.
They are as follows:
2. The particulars of each of these organisations needed to assess each case and to understand the Secretary General's decision to add their names to the list of NGOs enjoying consultative status with the Council of Europe, are appended.
In the absence of any objection founded on the conditions set out in paragraph 9 of the appendix to Resolution (93) 38 2, the above organisations will be added to the list of those enjoying consultative status at the end of a period of three months following the date of this document.
3. Since the last communication of 31 May 1996 to the Committee of Ministers and the Parliamentary Assembly on consultative status to be granted to international non-governmental organisations (CM (96) 79/Doc. 7570) under the new rules governing consultative status [Committee of Ministers Resolution (93) 38], the Secretary General has given thorough consideration to the files of some one hundred non-governmental organisations seeking consultative status with the Council of Europe.
4. In deciding to grant consultative status to the NGOs listed in paragraph 1 above, the Secretary General took account of the following reports and regulations:
the provisions of the revised rules for consultative status as set out in paragraphs 2, 5, 7 and 8 of the appendix to Committee of Ministers Resolution (93) 38;
the fact that the great majority of the organisations interested in having consultative status have already established, on an ad hoc basis, productive working relations with different Council of Europe departments. Moreover, both the quality of these working relations and the review of these NGOs' files show that the latter are in a position to make a useful contribution, through their activities, to the work of the Council of Europe in particularly important and topical areas.
on the other hand, the Secretary General took account of the fact that at their 593rd meeting of 27-28 March 1997, the Ministers' Deputies called upon him "to apply scrupulously Committee of Ministers Resolution 93 (38) on relations between the Council of Europe and international NGOs in order that the Council may take greater advantage of its relations with NGOs in the pursuit of its aims".
5. As for the NGOs to which the Secretary General decided not to grant consultative status:
i. The Secretary General rejected ex officio the applications for consultative status from some seven NGOs which did not meet the conditions set out in paragraph 2 of the appendix to Committee of Ministers Resolution (93) 38.
They are as follows:
- "Association Médico-Scientifique d'Information et d'Assistance du Malade (AMS)";
- "Centre Yasmine pour le Développement Rural Intégré";
Children's Watch;
European Federation of Sea Anglers (EFSA);
European Union of Clinicians in Implant Dentistry (EUCID);
Human Rights without Frontiers;
Tamil Centre for Human Rights.
ii. Furthermore, the Secretary General considered it appropriate to postpone examining the files of four NGOs seeking consultative status for a certain period.
They are as follows:
Association of Private International Law (ADIP);
- "Association Internationale pour l'Oeuvre du Docteur Albert Schweitzer de Lambaréné";
European Federation of Internal Medicine (EFIM);
World Federation of Hungarians.
Although these NGOs do not fully meet the requirements for consultative status at the present time, they nevertheless appear to be in a position to contribute to certain Council of Europe activities. Consequently, these NGOs have been invited to establish initial contacts with the operational directorates concerned on an ad hoc, pragmatic basis. Arrangements for possible fruitful future co-operation with these NGOs might be determined, in years to come, on the basis of the results of those contacts.
iii. A number of NGOs have been invited to complete their files in conformity with the provisions of Committee of Ministers Resolution (93) 38.
6. Moreover, a large number of NGOs (more than in previous years) have sought details of the procedure for the granting of consultative status and have already given the Secretary General an initial overview of their activities. They have not yet submitted a formal application for consultative status in conformity with Resolution (93) 38, paragraph 7, of the appendix.
7. Since the last communication of 31 May 1996 to the Committee of Ministers and the Parliamentary Assembly, referred to in paragraph 3 above, the Secretary General has also noted that the following NGO appearing on the list of those enjoying consultative status, has ceased its activities. Accordingly, the Secretary General has removed this NGOs from the list:
Council of Associations of Immigrants in Europe (CAIE).
8. Since the communication of 31 May 1996, the Secretary General has also noted that a number of consultative NGOs have failed to comply with their obligations under the rules, set out in paragraph 2 of the appendix to Resolution (93) 38, to contribute to the work programme of the Council of Europe or to make known its activities among the European public. Therefore, the Secretary General has decided to remove these NGOs from the list of consultative NGOs. In conformity with Resolution (93) 38, the Secretary General has informed the organisations in question of his intention to remove them from the list of organisations with consultative status, in order to give them an opportunity to present their observations within two months.
The organisations in question are the following:
European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM);
International Police Association (IPA);
Protestant Association for Adult Education in Europe (EAEE);
International Centre for Child Studies (ICCS);
Inter-European Commission on Church and School (ICCS);
World Confederation of Don Bosco Past Pupils Association;
European Council on African Studies (ECAS);
International Council of Jewish Women (ICJW);
International Foundation of Airline Passengers Associations (IFAPA);
European Association of Social Medicine (UEMS);
European Union of General Practitioners (UEMO);
International Union of Mayors;
International Union of Police Federations;
International Union for Cooperation towards Development (UNICOS).
9. In keeping with the provisions of paragraph 14 of the appendix to Resolution (93) 38, the Secretary General has called on all NGOs with consultative status to submit a report on their activities as specified in paragraph 5.c of the appendix to that resolution.
The reports received were thoroughly examined.
This examination has introduced greater transparency as to the actual role of NGOs in the activities of the Council of Europe, and it resulted in a thorough review of the list of consultative NGOs.
APPENDIX
International non-governmental organisations
to be considered for inclusion in the list
of NGOs enjoying consultative status
with the Council of Europe
INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATIVE ALLIANCE
(ICA)
1. Application for consultative status: 15 December 1994
2. Founded: 1895
3. Headquarters: 15 route des Morillons, CH-1218 Grand-Saconnex/Geneva, Switzerland. Fax (41)22.798 41 22, Email:[email protected]
4. Aims:
- to promote and strengthen autonomous co-operatives throughout the world.
Through action at the international, regional and national levels, ICA also seeks to promote and protect co-operative values and principles:
- to facilitate the development of economic and other beneficial relations between its member organisations;
- to further the economic and social progress of its members and their communities, thereby contributing to international peace and security.
5. Structures:
A. Membership:
Individual by region
International member organisations
National member organisations
B. Organs:
i. General Assembly: is the highest authority of the ICA, bringing together representatives from all member organisations every two years to formulate policies on the major issues affecting the organisation and the movement worldwide. This organ also approves the work program and the budget.
ii. Regional Assemblies: to promote co-operation at the regional level and to provide a forum for the discussion of regional issues.
iii. Board: proposes budget, decides on membership, appoints the Director-General.
iv. Audit and Control Committee
6. Activities:
- In order to achieve its aims, the ICA organises international, regional and sectoral meetings, thus serving as a forum for the exchange of experience and information among its vast membership;
- to build strong viable co-operatives in developing countries by acting as co-ordinator and catalyst of co-operative development;
- to provide technical assistance for co-operative development in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern and Central Europe;
- to have good working relations with the United Nations and co-op branch of then International Labour Office and International Federation of Agricultural Producers;
- ICA submitted a report to UN Economic Commission for Europe, addressing the role of agricultural co-operatives in regional trade with North America and Europe.
7. Representation:
ICA members represent 35 countries, 92 national member organisations, and 2 international member organisations.
8. Personalities:
President: Mr Graham Melmoth
Vice President: Mr Roberto Rodrigues (North America)
Vice President: Mr Lars Hillbom (Europe)
Vice President: Mr Hakara Toyoda (Asia and Pacific)
Vice President: Mr Hon. B Wolimbwa, MP (Africa)
9. Finances:
contributions from national development agencies and national government ministries.
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10. Opinion of the Secretary General:
This is a well-established organisation to promote and strengthen autonomous co-operatives throughout the world. Its worldwide network would allow the extensive dissemination of information on the Council of Europe's work.
The Secretary General accordingly grants consultative status to the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA).
EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION FOR PALLIATIVE CARE
(EAPC)
1. Application for consultative status: 17 February 1995
2. Founded: 1972
3. Headquarters: Milan (Italy)
4. Aims:
Palliative care is the active, total care of the terminally ill at a time when the disease is no longer responsive to curative treatment and when the control of pain of other physical symptoms and of social, psychological and spiritual problems is paramount.
Palliative care is multi-disciplinary in its approach and encompasses the patient, the family and the community in its scope. In a sense, palliative care is to offer the most basic concept of care, that of providing for the needs of the patient wherever he or she is cared for, either at home or in the hospital.
The Association has the following objectives:
- to bring together those who study and practice the disciplines connected with the care of the terminally ill, their relatives and care givers;
- to promote the knowledge, advancement and diffusion of palliative care at a scientific, clinical and social level;
- to promote implementation of the enormous knowledge existing in palliative care, to train those who, at any level, are involved with the care of the terminally ill, and to promote study and research;
- to address the ethical problems associated with the treatment of the terminally ill;
- to establish an international network for the exchange of information and expertise;
- to promote or sponsor publications or periodicals concerning palliative care.
5. Structures:
A. Membership:
i. Founding members: the signers of the act of incorporation and those who, having the requisites for being full members, shall be invited to join as founding members by the majority of the founding members.
ii. Full members: persons who may prove a professional experience or personal engagement in palliative care either within a palliative care service/unit, or a hospital based service or an association, and who adhere with no restriction to the objectives of the Association.
iii. Associate members: persons who do not have the necessary professional experience and qualification but adhere with no restriction to the objectives of the Association; associations or entities which adhere with no restriction to the objectives of the Association.
iv. Honorary members: persons who the Board of Directors so appoints and who shall have no obligation for membership fees.
B. Organs:
The structure of the Association is the following:
i. The General Meeting
ii. The Board of Directors
iii. The Chairman and Vice-chairmen
iv. The auditors of the accounts
v. The Executive Office (permanent management)
6. Activities:
- colloquiums
- research projects
- training.
7. Representation:
Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom.
8. Personalities:
President: Geoffrey HANKS (United Kingdom)
Vice-Presidents: Bernadette WOUTERS (Belgium)
Jordi ROCA I CASAS (Spain)
Charles Henri RAPIN (Switzerland)
9. Finance:
- member's fees;
- contributions by members or third parties;
- revenues deriving from the activities organised by the Board of Directors.
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10. Opinion of the Secretary General:
This Association aims at promoting palliative care throughout Europe. Palliative care is an ethical solution to the problem of terminally ill persons and permits the patient to die in dignity. The EAPC has already established working links with the relevant services (health) of the Council of Europe.
The Secretary General decides in favour of granting consultative status to the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC).
INTERNATIONAL LESBIAN AND GAY ASSOCIATION
(ILGA)
1. Application for consultative status: 12 March 1995
2. Founded: 1978 (in Coventry, England)
3. Headquarters: Storgatan 49, N-3110 Tönsberg, Norway.
Tel./Fax (47)33. 31 05 71
4. Aims:
Working for the liberation of lesbians and gay men from legal, social, cultural and economic discrimination through the following means:
conduct of political and information campaigns in pursuit of lesbian/gay rights;
promotion of the unity of lesbians/gay women and men throughout the world by the collection and distribution of information on lesbian/gay oppression and liberation;
encouragement of the development of lesbians/gay organisations in parts of the world where these do not exist, support and help those in countries where the lesbian and gay movement is vulnerable or faces especially severe oppression.
5. Structures:
A. Membership:
Full membership: is open and granted to all non-commercial lesbian and gay national and transnational groups that support the aims of ILGA.
Associate membership: any other organisation or association which supports the aims of ILGA; any individual who supports the aims of ILGA.
B. Organs:
Secretariats or Departments:
- six Regional Secretariats,
- the Women's Secretariat,
- the Action Secretariat,
- the Financial Secretariat,
- a female and a male Secretary General.
The Annual World Conference.
6. Activities:
consultative status in the United Nations' Economic and Social Council (1993);
assistance to groups lodging similar complaints under the European Convention on Human Rights;
liaison with groups of experts who produced papers for the Council of Europe's 15th Criminological Research Conference on "Sexual Behaviour and Attitudes and their Implications for Criminal Law", 1982;
assistance to members of the Parliamentary Assembly in drawing up an additional protocol to the European Convention on Human Rights, prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation;
participation in the interregional meeting "Human Rights at the dawn of the 21st century", organised by the Council of Europe in advance of the World Conference on Human Rights (January 1993);
appeals to the European Court of Human Rights to secure full legal and social equality for homosexuals in several countries;
campaigns to support the creation of autonomous lesbian and gay groups in Eastern Europe and to highlight oppression of homosexuals in countries where it is dangerous for any organised movement to exist;
- ILGA convinced the European Community (European Union) to include the rights of lesbians and gay men in policy documents. To this direction the 1993 EC Publication Homosexuality: A European Community Issue, by K. Waldijk & A. Clapham, consisted an important step in the recognition of lesbian and gay issues by the European Union. In addition, the report Lesbian Visibility (November 1993), concerning the social, political, economic and legal situation of lesbians living in the EU, with a special reference on the labour market has made recommendations to the EU. The Roth report to the European Parliament and the February 1994 (AC-0028/94) Resolution, called for equal treatment of homosexuals and lesbians in the EC.
In the context of the Council of Europe, ILGA is lobbying since 1978 and so far has achieved the recognition of equal rights for gays and lesbians by the Parliamentary Assembly [Recommendation 924 (1981), Motion for a Recommendation (1990), Written Declaration 227 (1993),Admission of Romania (Opinion 176, 1993)]. Within the same context, the European Court decided in several appeals that the right to privacy (article 8 of the Convention) was violated by member state authorities.
Publication of the Pink Book which highlights the legal and sociopolitical status of the international lesbian and gay movement and describes the legal and social situation of gays and lesbians through a country-by-country survey;
Publication of the Information's Secretariat bimonthly "ILGA Bulletin" and of the "Euroletter" information bulletin that co-ordinates and facilitates communication of the 15 ILGA member organisations in various countries;
Regionalisation, to develop homosexual movements by organising global conferences once every two years and in the meantime holding regional ones, secretariat meetings in different regions and establishing the lesbian secretariat's operation on a regional representation basis.
7. Representation:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia-Montenegro).
8. Personalities:
Secretary General: Mr Hans Hjerpekjön (Norway)
9. Finance:
- members' subscriptions
- donations.
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10. Opinion of the Secretary General:
The ILGA is an active and representative organisation in its field of competence. It has already established working relations with the Council of Europe. Furthermore, the organisation has a specific contribution to make to any discussion on discrimination generally as well as on more specific issues such as discrimination against people with HIV and AIDS.
For these reasons, the Secretary General decides in favour of granting consultative status to the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA).
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF JUVENILE
AND FAMILY COURT MAGISTRATES
(IAJFCM)
1. Application for consultative status: 10 July 1995
2. Founded: 1986
3. Headquarters: Palais de Justice, F-75055 Paris
4. Aims:
- to establish links between judges, magistrates and specialists all over the world who are attached to a juridicial authority which is concerned with the protection of youth;
- to encourage research into the causes of the criminal behaviour or maladjustement of youth and to seek a permanent prevention and rehabilitation programme;
- to study, at international level, all problems raised by the functioning of juridical authorities and bodies for the protection of youth and the family;
- to examine legislation designed for protection of youth and the family and the systems existing for the protection of the maladjusted young or young in social or moral danger with a view to improving such systems both nationally and internationally;
- to assist collaboration between nations and competent authorities with regard to foreign minors;
- to collaborate with international associations concerned with the protection of youth and the family.
5. Structures:
A. Membership:
i. ordinary membership: may be granted only to judges and magistrates who hold or have held office in a juvenile or family court and to other persons performing similar functions;
ii. honorary membership: should be proposed to persons who have rendered notable service to the Association;
iii. associate membership: is open for organisations, specialist bodies and all persons who can contribute to the work of the Association by their their exceptional qualifications and achievements in the field of activity of the Association.
B. Organs:
i. General Meeting (every four years): decision-making body
ii. Executive Council: administration, promoting of activities
iii. General Purposes Committee: consists of the Executive Council, honorary members, Vice-Presidents, Associate Members, initiates and arranges the Assosiation's scientific activities
iv. Secretariat
6. Activities:
- organisation of seminars, congresses and conferences on an international level, e.g. the international congress 'Juvenile Offenders and their Families - the question of the human rights' (1994) in Bremen, the international seminar "Prevention, Adjudication, Rehabilitation of Juvenile Deliquency" in Shanghai (1992).
- publication of a magazine (twice a year);
- participation in the NGO-group on UNICEF and the United Nations 'Convention on the Rights of the Child', chairing of an subgroup of the NGO Committee on UNICEF: 'Group of NGO's on the Rights of the Child', representation at the 'UN - Criminal ustice and Crime Prevention Branch in Vienna';
- taking part at international conferences, such as the Council of Europe's '3rd European Conference ON Family Law' in Cadiz (Spain) in April 1995, 'The Ninth UN-Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders was held in Cairo (1995);
- project to establish the 'International Institute on the Rights of the Child"' in collaboration with the 'Institute Universitaire Kurt Bösch' in Switzerland.
7. Representation:
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Roumania, Russian Federation, Slovenia, Spain, United Kingdom and other non-european countries
8. Personalities:
President: Jean Zermatten (Switzerland)
Deputy President: Edward Healey (USA)
Vice-President: Lucien A. Beaulieu (Canada)
General Secretary: Jakob Van Der Goes (Netherlands)
9. Finance:
- members' fees
- donations.
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10. Opinion of the Secretary General:
The IAJFCM is an active and representative organisation in its field of competence. It has already established various working relations with the Council of Europe and made valuable contributions to it's work. In the light of the fact that the IAJFCM is on the forefront of those who have practical knowledge of difficult child-related situations in society, the Secretay General considers that it would be useful to grant this Association consultative status.
EUROPEAN BUREAU FOR LESSER USED LANGUAGES
(EBLUL)
1. Application for consultative status: 9 September 1994
2. Founded: 1993
3. Headquarters: 10 Sraid Haiste locht., IRL-Baile Atha Cliath 2, Ireland.
Tel. (353)1.661 22 05, Fax (353)1.676 68 40
4. Aims:
- to provide advice and assistance of a cultural and educational nature for the preservation, promotion and advancement of the lesser used autochthonous and/or historical languages in the member states of the European Union;
- to promote education and research in these languages;
- to promote co-operation and the exchange of information and ideas between various lesser used language groups.
5. Structures:
A. Membership:
is open to any person who supports the aims of the Bureau
i. ordinary members
ii. special members: shall be co-opted by the Directors for their special knowledge and skills
B. Organs:
i. Annual General Meeting
ii. Board of Directors: management body; consists of representants from the member state committees
iii. member state committees
6. Activities:
- Member state committee Ireland: lobbying lesser used languages on the occasion of the European elections in June 1994 to make political decision makers aware of this problem
- Member state committee Italy: organisation of a conference on regional languages in Salerno (1993), of a congress on place names in Alghero (1993) and various seminars and colloquiums
- member state committees Spain: working on a 'basis programme' on the Basque language (1993) with 12 working groups on themes like 'The use of the Basque in the public administration', 'The development of Basque schools' etc. and discussions with representatives of the government of Nafarroa, publications etc.
- various contacts with the European Commission, the European Parliament, the UN
- contacts with the Council of Europe: promoting the integration of the proposals of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages of the Council of Europe (1992) in the work of the work of the Directorate of Education,taking part in the expert group who prepared the original draft text of the Charter.
7. Representation:
Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom
8. Personalities:
President: Mrs Helen O' Murchu
Vice-Presidents: Mr Bojab Brezingar
Mr Rudolf Kern
9. Finance:
- members' contributions
- grants
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10. Opinion of the Secretary General:
The European Bureau for Lesser Used Languages represents the interest of a fairly wide range of language communities. It already established intensive contacts with the Council of Europe and is able to contribute to its activities.
For these reasons the Secretary General is in favour of granting the consultative status with the Council of Europe to the European Bureau of Lesser Used Languages.
EUROPEAN BUREAU FOR CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION
(EBCO)
1. Application for consultative status: 27 December 1996
2. Founded: 1979 (1986 officially recognised as an "association international")
3. Headquarters: Rue Van Elewyck 35, B-1050 Bruxelles, Belgique.
Tel. (32)2.648 52 20, Fax (32)2.640 07 74, e-mail ebco@ gn.apc.org
4. Aims:
- to promote the right to conscious objection as a fundamental human right and to ensure the full recognition of this right without discrimination at any level, social, professional, institutional or any other;
- to work for a legislation which guarantees this right;
- to promote civil service as a clear contribution to the buildung of peace and international understanding on an international level;
- to promote the right of conscious objectors to find asylum in other countries;
- to disseminate information about organisations working in the field of conscientious objection and about legislation concerning conscientious objection.
5. Structures:
A. Membership:
is open to anyone who supports the aims of the EBCO
B. Organs:
i. General Assembly (annual meeting): decision-making body
ii. Board of Administration (min. twice a year)
iii. Working Groups
iv. Secretariat
6. Activities:
- lobby work with the Council of Europe and the European Parliament in order to gather support for conscientious objectors (CO);
- Campaign on Turkey: organising meetings with human rights organisations for Turkish COs, monitoring of trial of 4 Turkish COs;
- Campaign on ex-Yugoslavia: publishing of a study on "COs, draft evaders and deserteurs from ex-Yugoslavia" (1995), establishing a backround solidarity network of NGOs, lobbying on the Committee on Civil Liberties and Internal Affairs of the European Parliament in order to influence measures towards Cos in the framework of EU asylum policies;
- preparation of a working document on the establishment of a European civilian service;
- publishing of a newsletter, documentations, studies, e.g. "The right to conscientious objection and the European Parliament" (1995), press work;
- organisation of international seminars, inter alia in the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg and in Budapest;
- support of university studies on conscientious objection.
7. Representation:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Romania, Russia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom
8. Personalities:
President: Sam Biesemans
Representative: Florian Gommel
9. Finance:
- members' fees
- donations
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10. Opinion of the Secretary General:
The EBCO is an active and representative organisation in its field of competence. It has already established working relations with the Council of Europe - especially with the European Youth Centre, the Directorate of Human Rights and with the Office of the Clerk of the Assembly. It has a useful contribution to make to the Council of Europe's work relating to conscientious objection to military service.
For these reasons, the Secretary General decides in favour of granting consultative status to the European Bureau for Conscientious Objection (EBCO).
C I V I T A S
1. Application for consultative status: 5 July 1997
2. Founded: 1995
3. Headquarters: Strasbourg
4. Aims:
- to function as an international clearinghouse on civic education;
- to contribute to the maintenance and expansion of an international Internet network for civic educators;
- to provide technical assistance to, and facilitate fundraising for, its members;
- to serve as a consultant to national governments and international organisations in the development of programs in the field of civic education, and
- to organise international, regional and national meetings and training programs on teaching democracy.
CIVITAS pledges itself to create and maintain a worldwide network that will make civic education a higher priority on the social, cultural and political agenda.
5. Structures:
A. Membership:
i. organisational membership
ii. individual membership
iii. associate membership
B. Organs:
i. Council (highest governing body);
ii. Steering Committee (establishes a general policy for CIVITAS);
iii. Executive Board (composed of the Steering Committee, the Chairperson, two Vice-chairs and the Treasurer);
iv. Executive Director and Secretariat.
6. Activities:
the organisation has a multilingual website on the INTERNET (www:\\civnet.org) which includes practical information on CIVITAS, a list of members, a timetable of events; it also features a journal with articles on civic education and related topics.
research studies, academic expertise as well as down-to-the-earth teaching methods and training programs;
close cooperation with the Education Department of the Council of Europe: Mr Stobart, Deputy Director of Education, Culture and Sport is on the CIVITAS Executive Board and Steering Committee.
A teacher-training program in Bosnia-Herzegovina under the auspices of CIVITAS, jointly sponsored by the European Community, USIA and the Center for Civic Education (USA) has entered its second year. The program has affected hundreds of Bosnian teachers (of all three ethnic communities).
besides the Council of Europe and UNESCO, CIVITAS also seeks the support of other international organisations. Representatives of the World Bank and the European Commission are on the CIVITAS Steering Committee.
7. Representation:
Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Bosnia-Herzegovina. At a world level: in Africa, Asia, Australia and America.
8. Personalities:
Chairman: Mr David DORN (USA)
Vice-Chairmen: Mr Maitland STOBART (Great-Britain)
Ms Maria-Rosa MARTINI (Argentina)
Executive Director: Mr Balazs HIDVEGHI (Hungary)
Treasurer: Mr Karlheinz DÜRR (Germany)
9. Finance:
- funds
- gifts
- dues.
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10. Opinion of the Secretary General:
CIVITAS is composed of a variety of different organisations, including governmental and intergovernmental institutions, and therefore, offers the possibility to widely disseminate the work of the Council of Europe in the areas of citizenship and human rights education. Moreover, the website "CIVNET" represents a useful forum for the Council of Europe documentation, calendars of events, etc.
Most of the organisations represented in CIVITAS are European. It provides the opportunity for the Council of Europe to broaden its contacts and networks in these areas and to identify suitable partners for projects and activities, where desirable. Co-operation with CIVITAS could benefit the Council of Europe's projects and programmes in citizenship education. Several activities have already been successfully implemented in co-operation with CIVITAS partners.
For these reasons, the Secretary General decides in favour of granting consultative status to the association CIVITAS.
EUROPEAN FEDERATION OF YOUTH SERVICE ORGANISATIONS
(EFYSO)
1. Application for consultative status: 27 February 1996
2. Founded: 1993
3. Headquarters: 3, rue Récamier, 75341 Paris. Tél. 01 43 58 97 97,
Fax 01 43 58 97 88
4. Aims:
- to promote, at a European level, the quality of life of young people, specifically of disadvantaged youth, in regard of their social development and their vocational training;
- to promote understanding between young people from different countries and cultures;
- to promote European awareness amongst young people and social workers;
- to develop and qualify European and international cooperation amongst the members of EFYSO;
- to assist its member organisations in their bilateral or multilateral co-operation.
5. Structures:
A. Membership:
is open to non-governmental youth service organisations which are qualified and registered as non profit organisations. They must be active on supra-local levels in a European country and shall not undertake any political or religious action.
i. ordinary members
ii. associated members
B. Organs:
i. Presidium (meets at last two times a year)
ii. General Assembly (annual meeting): decision-making body
iii. Board of Administration (two meetings a year): implements the decisions of the General Assembly
6. Activities:
Organisation of international workshops, conferences and seminars:
International Youth Conference on Education for Peace in Normandie (1994): 150 young people from 16 countries commemorated together the landing of the Alied troups in June 1944;
International Youth Conference "Environment Education" in Altenhof, Germany (1995): 250 young people from 13 countries discussed with experts how they can protect environment;
International Seminar "Anti-racist youth work" in Vienna (1995): Streetworkers, youth workers and social workers discussed the phenomena of racism, xenophobia and possibilities of detecting right wing radicalism;
International Seminar "Social Integration through employment" in Dublin (1995): Research on the possibilities to create jobs on a European level.
7. Representation:
Austria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, United Kingdom
8. Personalities:
President: Mr Tilman Schmieder (Germany)
First Vice-President: Mr Eduard Schüssler (Austria)
Executive Director: Mrs Conny Reuter
Secretary General: Mrs Doris Distelrath
9. Finance:
- members' contributions
- financing of individual programmes
*
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10. Opinion of the Secretary General:
The EFYSO is an active and representative organisation in its field of competence. It has already established working contacts with the Council of Europe and can contribute to the Council's activities on a European level.
For these reasons the Secretary General is in favour of granting the consultative status with the Council of Europe to the EFYSO.
FEDERATION OF BALKAN NGOs
(FEBANGO)
1. Application for consultative status: 19 November 1996
2. Founded: 1993
3. Headquarters: Athens (Greece)
4. Aims:
- to advance cooperation among the movements for peace and friendship of the Balkan countries and peoples;
- to strive towards the consolidation of peace through the respect of the sovereign equality, the territorial integrity and the national independence of the Balkan countries and the avoidance of expansionist tendencies;
- to oppose any use of force or threat of force, aggression or military intervention in the Balkan area;
- to respect human and minority rights and to develop relations of friendship and good cooperation among the Balkan peoples for their own common progress.
5. Structures:
A. Membership:
- any organisation or movement for peace and friendship from the Balkan countries that accepts the aims of the Federation.
B. Organs:
i. General Assembly: is the highest organ of the Federation and is composed of two representatives from each member organisation. In the meetings of the General Assembly, which take place on principle once a year, each organisation has only one vote.
ii. President: the president of the Federation is elected by the General Assembly for a period of two years.
iii. Executive Committee: the member organisations participating in the Federation elect ONE representative for each country. These representatives constitute the Executive Committee which convenes twice a year. Decisions are taken by consensus.
iv. Permanent Secretariat: the coordination of the Federation and its manifestations is carried out by a permanent Secretariat which is established in Athens, based in the KEADEA headquarters for the time being. This permanent Secretariat is headed by the Secretary General, designated by the Executive Committee and is responsible for coordinating the activities of the Federation until a new decision is taken.
6. Activities:
the undertaking of common initiatives and the organising of common manifestations in the Balkan region as well as the European and the International area in general;
the encouragement and development of grass root cooperation between persons and groups (e.g. between youth, women, workers, scientists, peace tourism etc.);
regular meetings of the member organisations in different Balkan countries;
the publication of a Balkan Peace Bulletin;
the promotion of research on peace problems in the Balkans.
7. Representation:
Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Rumania, Federation of Yugoslavia.
8. Personalities:
President: Mr Christos MARKOPOULOS (Greece)
9. Finance:
- voluntary contributions of the members;
- any form of donations, contributions and allowances made to the Federation;
- the income of organising common manifestations.
*
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10. Opinion of the Secretary General:
The Federation of Balkan NGOs is a regional group of NGOs and fulfils the necessary conditions for the granting of consultative status. It has already established working links with the Council of Europe and may be able to contribute to its activities.
For these reasons, the Secretary General decides in favour of granting consultative status to the Federation of Balkan NGOs (FEBANGO).
FOUNDATION OF THE EUROPE OF SCIENCES AND CULTURES
(FESAC)
1. Application for consultative status: 28 November 1996
2. Founded: 1982
3. Headquarters: 77, avenue des Villas, B-1190 Brussels,
Tel. (32)2. 538 18 39, Fax (32)2. 537 12 01
4. Aims:
to promote European science and culture;
to enhance the concept of European cultural identity;
to strengthen the dialogue, within the community of democracies, between peoples sharing common values.
5. Structures:
- Executive bodies: Administrative Council, Scientific Council
- Advisory bodies: Board of Governors, Advisory Council
6. Activities:
action to promote and encourage the exchange of researchers and artists in various disciplines;
colloquies, conferences, meetings, debates, exhibitions, festivals, summer camps, courses, concerts, etc;
award of grants for students, researchers and the teachers;
development of teaching and education;
strengthening of co-operation in the educational field;
opening of professorships;
production of European magazines and television programmes;
publication of periodicals;
continuation of the practical co-operation established in 1982 with the Council of Europe:
. 1989: participation in the work of the organising committee of the Council's 40th anniversary
. 1994-1995: active involvement in the European Youth Campaign against intolerance (received the Secretary General's patronage for several FESAC initiatives in the campaign)
. application for the patronage of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe for public events organised by FESAC (Art exhibitions, concerts of the Europe of Sciences) so that the Council's image can benefit from the media impact of the event.
7. Representation:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
8. Personalities:
Honorary President: Ms Simone VEIL
President: Mr Robert PARIENTI
Chair of the Scientific Council: Prof Jean DAUSSET (Nobel Prize winner)
Chair of the Cultural Council: Mr Joseph ROUBACHE
Secretary General: Ms Elisabeth MOIRON-BRAUD
9. Finance:
membership subscriptions and donations
state, regional and municipal subsidies and grants from public and private institutions
proceeds from events organised by the Foundation
*
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10. Opinion of the Secretary General:
This very active organisation plays a primary role in its particular sphere of activity. For several years, the Foundation has carried out some outstanding work and has maintained positive and mutually profitable working relations with the Council's Directorate of Education, Culture and Sport.
For these reasons, the Secretary General is in favour of granting consultative status to the Foundation of the Europe of Sciences and Culture (FESAC).
EUROPEAN FORUM FOR FREEDOM IN EDUCATION
(EFFE)
1. Application for consultative status: 12 February 1994
2. Founded: 1990
3. Headquarters: Witten (Germany)
4. Aims:
- to make the principle of the right to education and proper freedom in education of children known to a wider public;
- to promote cooperation among individuals who are committed to freedom in education;
- to unite people from independent and state establishments, academies and teachers, politicians and administrators, as well as parents;
- to welcome all those willing to help in this work;
- to co-operate with people and organisations which foster respect for the environment.
5. Structures:
A. Membership:
i. regular members: all natural persons who wish to further the aims of the Association
ii. supporting members: all legal persons who wish to further the aims of the Association
B. Organs:
i. General meeting: decides upon all matters that are not part of everyday business, meets at least once a year
ii. The Executive: has the task of managing the Association's affairs; consists of up to 7 members elected by the General Meeting for five years
iii. Advisory Group
iv. Council of National Representatives
6. Activities:
- colloquiums
- publications
- research projects
- campaigns
- teacher training
- participation and cooperation in different international conferences organised by the Council of Europe in the field of education
- cooperation with the Council of Europe in drafting a resolution to safeguard the rights of minorities in the fields of culture and education.
7. Representation:
Members in: Armenia, Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Rumania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom
8. Personalities:
Presidents: Mr R. BELL (United Kingdom)
Mr E. FUCHS (Germany)
Mr T. VEKERDY (Hungary)
Chairpersons of the Council:
Mrs F. CARNIE (United Kingdom)
Mr A. SCHUBERT (Germany)
Hauptstraße 44, D-88696 Owingen
9. Finance:
subscriptions of members
*
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10. Opinion of the Secretary General:
The European Forum for Freedom in Education is a representative and active organisation which already has close working relations with the Council of Europe.
Having regard to the contribution it could usefully make to the Council of Europe's work and mission, in particular in the field of education, the Secretary General decides to grant consultative status to the European Forum for Freedom in Education (EFFE).
EUROPEAN FORUM FOR URBAN SECURITY
1. Application for consultative status: 12 december 1996
2. Founded: 22 september 1990
3. Headquarters: 38, rue Liancourt F-75014 Paris, Tel.01 43 27 83 11,
Fax 01 43 27 79 52, E-mail [email protected]
4. Aims:
- to provide a link between local and regional authorities in Europe which engage in activities at local level to combat insecurity;
- exchanges of information, research, training and pilot experiments by encouraging and organising encounters;
- dialog with the European authorities concerned, and with government administrations, public organisations and associations in the different countries;
- constitution of national Forums for urban security.
5. Structures:
A. Membership:
i. active members: are those European local and regional authorities which espouse the objectives of the Forum
ii. associated members: local, national or international groups of local and regional authorities and institutions who wish to take part in the Forum's activities
iii. honorary members
B. Organs:
i. General Assembly (annual meeting): decision-making body; consists of active members
ii. Executive Committee: consists of representatives of every country; appoints the President and the Vice-President; conducts the policy of the Forum; administrative and financial management
iii. National Forums in the member countries: organise their activities freely in the spirit of the guidelines of the Forum
6. Activities:
- 1993: European Seminar in the framework of the EU's Action Plan Against Drugs;
- 1994: sending experts to the Council of European Regions and Local Communities on Urban Policies;
- 1995: Hearing of the European Forum by the Public Freedom and Internal Affairs Commission of the European Parliament in Brussels on the issues of crime;
- 1997: The Forum took part and made contribution to the CLRAE Conference on "Crime and Urban Insecurity in Europe" in Erfurt (Germany);
- various publications, e.g. "Safety and Democracy" (1994);
- various international seminars, workshops, conferences on topics as Europe and safety, senior citizens and urban insecurity, domestic violence, prevention of recidivism, integration of young people, urban transportsituational prevention, methodology, resolution in urban conflicts, European training programmes of local coordinators, drugs, public housing and insecurity etc.
7. Representation:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom. Africa, America
8. Personalities:
President: Mrs Martine AUBRY (France)
Vice-President: Mrs Leona DETIEGE (Belgium)
Mrs Carmen SAN MIGUEL I RUIBAL (Spain)
General representative: Mr Michel MARCUS
9. Finance:
- members' subscriptions
- subsidies from the States, local and regional authorities, intergovernmental organisations or foundations
- donations
*
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10. Opinion of the Secretary General:
The European Forum for Urban Security is an active and representative organisation in its field of competence. The Forum has already made very important contributions to the work of the Council of Europe, especially to the CLRAE. It has consistently identified and secured a presence of experts for different seminars and conferences of the Council of Europe.
For these reasons, the Secretary General decides in favour of granting consultative status to the European Forum for Urban Security.
EUROPEAN OMBUDSMAN INSTITUTE
(EOI)
1. Application for consultative status: 12 May 1996
2. Founded: 1988
3. Headquarters: Salurnerstraße 4/8, A-6020 Innsbruck, Tel. (43)512. 56 69 10,
Fax (43)512. 57 59 71, E-mail: [email protected]
4. Aims:
- to deal in a scientific manner with issues relating to human rights, civil protection and Ombudsmen in regional, national, European and international spheres;
- to carry out research in this field;
- to propagate and promote the Ombudsman idea;
- to co-operate with national and international institutions with the same or similar goals;
- to promote an exchange of experiences on a national, European and international level.
5. Structures:
The only directing body is at the head office of the Association. The managerial organ of the Association is the Board of Directors consisting of the president, two vice-presidents, the secretary, the treasurer and 10 further members of 9 European countries. One member of the Board is elected executive member of the Board.
6. Activities:
The focal points of the work of the EOI are:
- the protection of human rights towards the gradual attainment of an effective protection of fundamental rights, the protection against infringement of citizens' rights by the State, and also towards acts of the administration.
The means of the EOI are:
- conferences, meetings and publications in the area of human rights, citizens' rights, Ombudsmanship in general and especially current topics as was the case during the Workshop in Ljubljana on 21 September 1996 on the extremely current subject of privatization, deregulation and the accompanying threat of the loss of the protection of citizens' rights by the aforementioned institutions.
Among the most important recent meetings organised by the Institute are:
- "Dealing with Citizen Complaints regarding European Community Jurisdiction" in June 1993, in Bonn;
- "The Ombudsman and his Relations to Language Minorities; Experience and Prospects" in September 1993, in St. Kassian, Gadertal, Italy;
- "The Importance of The Regional Ombudsmen", 3. European Ombudsman-Conference in October 1993, in Victoria/Gasteiz, Basque Country, Spain;
- "Consolidation of Civil Rights Institutions in Europe", 4. European Ombudsman-Conference in June 1994, in Berlin.
In addition to organising regional and international conferences the Institute initiates publications on ombudsman matters.
7. Representation:
Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Bosnia-Herzegovina.
8. Personalities:
President: Dr Nikolaus SCHWÄRZLER
9. Finance:
- membership fees
- subsidies from public agencies
- donations from supporters
*
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10. Opinion of the Secretary General:
This is a well-established organisation which promotes issues relating to human rights and civil protection. It cooperates with the Directorate of Human Rights in the framework of the Council's human rights work with Ombudsmen.
The Secretary General accordingly grants consultative status to the European Ombudsman Institute (EOI).
EUROPEAN WOMENS' LOBBY
(EWL)
1. Application for consultative status: 27 June 1996
2. Founded: 1990
3. Headquarters: 22, rue du Méridien, B-1210 Bruxelles. Tél. (32)2.217 90 20,
Fax (32)2.219 84 51
4. Aims:
- to act on behalf of its mandating organisations to promote the interests of women living in the European Union Member States including immigrants, ethnic minorities, vulnerable and marginalised social groups, within the framework of a united and democratic Europe;
- to promote the achievement of equal rights and chances between women and men by using European and international instruments and mechanisms establishing equality between women and men;
- to make proposals for European social policy and social unity so that they contribute to the disappearance of social and regional inequalities;
- to ensure that cooperation between the EU and other countries, especially the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and developing countries, includes the participation of women at all levels;
- to seek to influence proposed Union policies in all problems affecting European society.
5. Structures:
A. Membership:
is open to all women's non-governmental organisations and women's sections of mixed NGOs recognised by the laws and customs of their country of origin that support the aims of EWL.
i. corresponding members
ii. full members: have the right to participate in and vote at the General Assembly.
B. Organs:
i. General Assembly (annual meeting): decision-making body
ii. Board of Administration: consists of representatives from the member states and of European Organisations (60%/40%). Its task is implementing the Work Programme established by the General Assembly
iii. Secretariat: carries out the tasks entrusted to it by the Board of Administration.
6. Activities:
i. Women in decision-making
Convening of the "Women in Power" summit 1992 in Athens at which a 'declaration in Balanced Participation of Women and Men in Decision-Making at Local, Regional and National Level and in the European institutions, including the next European Parliament' was signed by Members of the European Parliament, Commissioner Papandreou and Ministers of Member State countries and representatives of women NGOs
EWL representation in the European Commission's Users' Advisory Council (1994)
European Election Campaign which resulted in an increase of 8% of the numbers of women elected Members of the European Parliament (1994)
various seminars, reports, representations
ii. Human Rights
support for victims of rape in ex-Yugoslavia by functioning as a link between women's groups in Zagreb and the EU emergency funds (1993)
monitoring the ratification of the International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Violence against Women
iii. EU Legislation
"Women and the Construction of Europe" (EWL expert group, whose task is to propose legislative amendments to the current Treaty of Maastricht in view of its revision in 1996
other activities with the view to implement legislative frameworks at European level
iv. Others
activities and monitoring on the following issues: the feminisation of poverty and female unemployment, women in Community planning strategies etc.
various publications
7. Representation:
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom
8. Personalities:
President: Ann TAYLOR (Ireland)
Vice-Presidents: Denise FUCHS (France)
Rena LAMPSA (Greece)
General Secretary: Barbara HELFFERICH
9. Finance:
members' fees
donations
*
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10. Opinion of the Secretary General:
The European Women's Lobby is very active in the framework of the European Union and has much competence and expertise in the field of equality. It is widely represented in European countries and may usefully contribute to establishing links and networks between NGOs of West Europe and those of Central and East Europe.
For these reasons, the Secretary General decides in favour of granting consultative status to the European Women's Lobby (EWL).
MEMORIAL
International Historical and Educational
Human Rights and Charity Society
1. Application for consultative status : 6 November 1996
2. Founded : 1988
3. Headquarters : 103051 Moscow 12, M. Karetnyi per. (Russia),
Tel. (95)200 65 06, Fax (95)209 57 79, E-mail: [email protected]
4. Aims:
struggle against totalitarianism in all its manifestations
restoration of historical truth about crimes committed by totalitarian regimes
protection of human rights
promotion and strengthening of civil society and the rule of law and active participation in the transition to a democratic society.
5. Structures:
A. Membership:
Membership: is open and granted to all persons and any other collective body who accept the aims of MEMORIAL and act in compliance with its charter.
B. Organs:
- Management: . Executive committee
(elected coordination body)
. Annual Conference
. Board
. Co-Chairpersons
. Auditing commission
- Centers and branches: . Scientific-Information Center
. Human Rights Center
. local MEMORIAL branches
6. Activities:
publication of periodicals on Human Rights:'Memorial- Aspekt'(since 1991), Karta'(Ryazan), Memorial Herald'(St. Petersburg);
having a radio programme on human rights topics on Radio Russia (since 1991): 'Choice' (Vybor);
sending of materials and papers on the conflict in Chechnya to the Council of Europe;
archives about history of political repressions and violation of human rights;
Memorial's museum at the Scientific-Informational Educational Centre (a collection of works created by political prisoners in labour camps and exiles of the former USSR);
'Hot spots' (informational and analytical programme on the problem of violation of human rights in the zones of mass conflicts). Memorial sends its observers in these regions, collects information on situation with human rights and makes it public;
assistance to people persecuted for political reasons on the territory of the former Soviet Union by providing them with lawyers and experts and making public violations of human rights;
legal consultation and lawyers assistance for refugees and forced migrants;
Charity-programmes (social and medical assistance to victims of political repressions);
rendering legal assistance for repression victims and their families;
On the initiative and with participation of Memorial in many cities of the former USSR memorial stones and plaques have been errected in the places of executions and mass burials of victims of political repressions; list of executed victims were published and mass actions were organised dedicated to the memory of the killed.
7. Representation:
Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Poland, Russia, Ukraine
8. Personalities:
Co-Chairmen: Yurii Afanasiev
Yurii Karyakin
Sergei Kovalev
9. Finance:
members' subscriptions
voluntary donations, gifts estates from Russian-foreign private persons and legal entities
income from MEMORIAL's publishing and lecturing activities as well as income from other activities undertaken for the society's benefit
ownership of stock, debts and other securities
*
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10. Opinion of the Secretary General:
MEMORIAL is an active and representative organisation in its field of competence. It is the most broadly-based NGO within the Russian Federation with a genuinely democrative structure. MEMORIAL produces human right materials of high professional quality and its research, publications and media broadcast in the field of ethnic conflict and prison conditions have made it an authority within Russia and elsewhere.
For these reasons, the Secretary General decides in favour of granting consultative status to the MEMORIAL - International Historical and Educational Human Rights and Charity Society.
MIGRATORY BIRDS OF THE WESTERN PALEARCTIC
(OMPO)
1. Application for consultative status: 5 May 1997
2. Founded: 1987
3. Headquarters: Paris (France)
4. Aims:
To improve knowledge of migratory birds of the Western Palearctic and their habitats in order to:
determine suitable conservation methods;
ensure the wise use of resources;
maintain hunting activities while respecting different cultures.
5. Structures:
Administrative Council (25 members)
Committee (1 Chair, 2 Vice-Chairs, 1 Secretary, 1 Treasurer, 2 Acting Chairs): meets at least once quarterly.
6. Activities:
. in close co-operation with the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation, creation of an international data bank by establishing a network that includes countries, the relevant authorities and hunting and conservation associations from all over the Western Palearctic region;
. regular contacts with the Directorate of Environment and Local Authorities of the Council of Europe;
. publication of information on the activities of the Bern Convention in the OMPO's contact and information newsletter.
7. Representation:
In all member countries of the Council of Europe plus Belarus and Bosnia and Herzegovina. OMPO is also represented in Africa.
8. Personalities:
President: Mr Raymond POUGET (France)
9. Finance:
membership fees;
grants from states, regions, departments, municipalities, public institutions, public and local authorities;
donations and legacies;
grants from regional economic integration organisations constituted by sovereign states;
proceeds from sales, events and various services.
*
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10. Opinion of the Secretary General:
As it is a representative and active organisation in its field and has already established close working links with the Council of Europe, the Secretary General is in favour of granting consultative status to "Migratory Birds of the Western Palearctic (OMPO)".
WORLD ORGANISATION AGAINST TORTURE
(OMCT)
1. Application for consultative status: 16 October 1996
2. Founded: 1986
3. Headquarters: Case Postale 119, 37-39 rue de Vermont, CH-1211 Geneva 20 CIC, Tel. (41)22. 733 31 40, Fax (41)22. 733 10 51,
E-mail: [email protected]
4. Aims:
The struggle against torture, summary executions, forced disappearances, arbitrary detention, abusive psychiatric internment and all other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
This is achieved by:
. the rapid forwarding of information on instances of serious violations to the bodies able to respond effectively (urgent appeals programme); medical, social and/or legal support for the victims of torture (urgent assistance programme);
. defence of the fundamental rights of children, in particular children in trouble with the law, children in armed conflicts, street children and child victims of violence because of their belonging to ethnic, religious or political minorities (children's programme);
. active participation in international organisations responsible for the protection and promotion of human rights;
. organising or participating in fact-finding missions;
. drawing up and publishing detailed studies on specific aspects of the protection and promotion of human rights;
. organising international and regional conferences on fundamental issues related to the protection and promotion of human rights.
5. Structures:
i. International secretariat (Director, Deputy Director, programme leaders, administrative assistants);
ii. Executive Council (governing body);
iii. Bureau (President, Vice-President, Treasurer);
iv. General Assembly (supreme body);
v. Advisory Board;
vi. Auditors.
6. Activities:
setting up of a network called "SOS Torture", comprising over 200 member NGOs from the five continents of the world which provide the information on which the association's action is based. The organisation is also in contact with several thousand other NGOS which are not members.
daily dissemination of action taken by fax, letter and E-mail (sent out to some 95,000 addressees including all intergovernmental bodies active in the fight against torture, at both regional and international level);
the presence within the international secretariat of eminent defenders of human rights;
the organisation has consultative status with ECOSOC, the ILO and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights;
participation in the work of the UN Committee against Torture, the Committee on the Rights of the Child and the Human Rights Committee;
publication of periodicals, alternative reports presented to UN committees and other studies, eg:
. Alternative reports presented to the Human Rights Committee on (in 1996) Senegal, Guatemala, Nepal and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia;
. Practical guide to international procedures for denouncing and appealing against acts of torture, disappearances and other degrading or inhuman treatment (1998);
. Democracy, development and human rights (Manilla, 1991);
. Exactions et enfants (1992)
. Africa: A new lease on life: Towards economic policies for the prevention of serious human rights violations (Kenya, 1993);
. Ouagadougou, Burkino Faso: the promotion and protection of human rights at a time of structural adjustments (1994);
. Into the Lion's Den: Gross violations against human rights defenders 1992-1996 (1996).
collaboration with the relevant departments of the Council of Europe (participation in work, investigations, meetings and colloquies).
7. Representation:
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom. Also represented in Africa, Asia, Australasia and America.
8. Personalities:
President: Mr Pierre de SENARCLENS
Director: Mr Eric SOTTAS
9. Finance:
membership subscriptions;
contributions from members of the network;
grants, gifts and bequests;
other income derived from the organisation's activities.
*
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10. Opinion of the Secretary General:
The activities of this very representative and active organisation cover one of the Council of Europe's major fields of activity. The OMCT's approach is perfectly compatible with the Council's concerns in the field of the prevention of torture and the defence of the fundamental rights of children. The OMCT, a very professional organisation, is a source of valuable information and expertise.
Furthermore, with its world-wide network, it is able to give extensive publicity to the activities of the Council of Europe.
For these reasons, the Secretary General has decided to grant consultative status to the World Organisation against Torture (OMCT).
INTERNATIONAL INFORMATION AND ECOLOGY PARLIAMENT
(IIEP)
1. Application for consultative status: 4 April 1994
2. Founded: 1996
3. Headquarters: Sovet, 420022, RU-Kazan, Komsomolskaya d.28
4. Aims:
- joining the efforts made by governments, state, scientific, public and other organisations as well as individuals to improve the environment on a stage-by-stage basis and to establish efficient mechanisms of its protection;
- working out and introduction of environmental management techniques;
- analysis of ecological information all over the planet and forecast of the environmental conditions;
- provision of legal, advisory, informative and other assistance to regions where the environmental conditions are critical.
5. Structures:
The governing bodies of the IIEP are: the Conference, the IIEP Council, the General Executive Directorate and the Control and Review Committee.
6. Activities:
- The IIEP develops, confirms and disseminates ecological programmes, defends ecological rights of the population, advances ecological culture of the population, attracts citizens on voluntary basis for dynamic nature protection activity;
- it carries out projects related to the reproduction of natural resources and improvement of nature environment; it renders comprehensive support to state bodies in fighting violations of ecology legislation and sets up public funds aimed at protecting the environment;
- it endeavours to obtain true and detailed information on polluting the environment and on protecting measures;
- it arranges meetings, rallies, marches, demonstrations, petitions and initiates discussions on projects related to the environment;
- it makes proposals on appointing state ecological expertise, publishes ecological platforms in mass media.
7. Representation:
Germany, Lithuania, Russian Federation and Ukraine.
8. Personalities:
President: Mr Vasily N. LIKHACHEV
Chairman of the Council and
Executive Director-General: Mr Albert L. BIKMULLIN
Chairman of the Control and
Review Committee: Mr Farid B. KHABIBRAKHMANOV
9. Finance:
- membership fees
- voluntary contributions
- donations
*
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10. Opinion of the Secretary General:
This organisation fulfils the necessary conditions for the granting of consultative status. The IIEP has already established contacts with the relevant services of the Council. The ecological situation in the Russian Federation is far from satisfactory. Any attempt to contribute to improve the situation should be welcomed. It appears that the IIEP could make a useful contribution to the work programme of the Council of Europe in the field of environmental protection.
For these reasons, the Secretary General decides in favour of granting consultative status to the International Information and Ecology Parliament (IIEP).
EUROPEAN MEETINGS OF CIVIL SERVICES
(REFP)
1. Application for consultative status: 22 June 1995
2. Founded: 1989
3. Headquarters: 4, place Raoul Dautry, F-75014 Paris
4. Aims:
To conduct and foster research, studies and surveys, carry out audits, hold colloquies, seminars or other scientific events and organise or participate in training sessions and symposiums.
All these initiatives concern officials working in national civil services, regional or local public services or in hospitals and, in general, officials employed in public services of general interest within the meaning of the basic treaties of the European Union. They also concern the organisation and management of these services. Their aim is to increase the mobility of all these people in Europe.
5. Structures:
The REFP is represented by a National Office in every state of the European Union.
International management bodies:
i. General Assembly: this is the main international management body. Its members are regularly informed of the activities of the Council and the Presidency.
ii. Administrative Council: in between sessions or written votes of the General Assembly, this has general powers of decision-making, policy-setting and co-rdination. It takes decisions by a majority of members present or represented, except in the case of convocation of the General Assembly.
iii. International Presidency.
6. Activities:
- The REFP comprises some 200 experts on the civil and public services of the countries of Europe (the European Union) and has contacts with the countries of central and eastern Europe. It essentially deals with issues concerning people employed in education, regional officials and the social protection of civil servants in Europe.
- To help achieve its objectives, the association issues a range of publications:
a. Vade-Mecum for Civil Servants in Europe:
. A series of booklets comprising one or more booklets per state. Each series deals either with matters concerning the civil service or with issues relating to public services of general economic interest, especially those concerning their staff. Each booklet is updated periodically.
. Proceedings of seminars or colloquies held by the association.
b. Collection of works - studies, comparisons or summaries concerning public service or civil service issues, called the "European Administrative Area".
- The REFP led, for the Council of Europe, an assistance mission to Romania in connection with the civil service assistance programme and prepared and set the scientific theme for the Portoroz Conference, held on 4 June 1994 under the auspices of the Council of Europe. It initiated the Pact sponsorship programme between western countries and the countries of central and eastern Europe.
7. Representation:
The member countries of the European Union.
8. Personalities:
Scientific President: Mr Marcel PIQUEMAL, University Professor
9. Finance:
subsidies, sponsorship and patronage;
revenue from studies, research, surveys, audits, training courses and publications;
aid in kind in the form of premises, equipment and staff, etc.
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10. Opinion of the Secretary General:
The REFP is an association which is sufficiently representative at European level. Its national offices in ten or so member states of the Council of Europe are made up of higher court judges, officials and academics, all civil service experts.
The REFP has contributed to the Parliamentary Assembly's work in the field of co-peration with the countries of central and eastern Europe at both bilateral and multilateral level. These experiences were positive and showed the professional nature of the Organisation's work. Moreover, its sphere of competence includes the important and difficult task of developing the state structure of new democracies.
The Secretary General is accordingly in favour of granting consultative status to the European Meetings of Civil Services (REFP).
EUROPEAN ANTI POVERTY NETWORK
(EAPN)
1. Application for consultative status: 21 November 1996
2. Founded: 1990
3. Headquarters: Rue Belliard 205 (Boîte 13), B-1040 Bruxelles,
Tel. (32)2. 230 44 55, Fax (32)2. 230 97 33
4. Aims:
- to establish across Europe a democratic and effective network of anti-poverty groups to influence and effect change in the social, economic and political structures;
- to empower people and communities facing poverty and social exclusion, enabling them to break their isolation and counter their social exclusion;
- to promote the effectiveness of actions against poverty and social exclusion.
5. Structures:
A. Membership:
i. full members: shall become natural or legal persons or associations working for the establishment of national networks (national delegations and representatives of European organisations);
ii. associate members: shall become natural and legal persons, which are constituted according to the law of their home countries and concerned with the problems of poverty.
B. Organs:
i. General Assembly (annual meeting): decision-making body, consisting of full members
ii. Executive Committee: possesses management and administrative powers, consists of 15 administrators from the member states, meets two times per month
iii. Secretariat
6. Activities:
- The EAPN is actively involved in proposing revisions of the European Social Charter;
- organising seminars with NGOs of Eastern and Central Europe, e.g. in Budapest in May 1994 and in Bucharest in March 1996, in order to establish contacts and build up networks in Central and Eastern Europe;
- The EAPN has published a report on "Racism and poverty in the European Union" and organised a seminar on that topic in 1995;
- organisation of international working groups and seminars on various topics, such as economic integration, women in poverty, the structural funds of the European Union, poverty in southern and peripheral countries, working with NGOs in Central and Eastern Europe;
- Information bulletin on the activities of EANP - "Nouvelles du Réseau";
- position paper on the revision of the Treaty of the EU.
7. Representation:
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom
8. Personalities:
President: Mrs Ruth BRANT (Germany)
Vice-President: Mr Massimo CRUCIOLI (Italy)
9. Finance:
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10. Opinion of the Secretary General:
The EAPN is one of the most active and representative organisation working in the social field. It has already established working relations with the Council of Europe's Partnership Committee in the Human Dignity and Social Exclusion Project and is undoubtedly a very important partner.
For these reasons, the Secretary General decides in favour of granting consultative status to the European Anti Poverty Network.
EUROPEAN NETWORK OF TRAINING ORGANISATIONS
FOR LOCAL AND REGIONAL AUTHORITIES
(ENTO)
1. Application for consultative status: 28 May 1996
2. Founded: 1995 (registered)
3. Headquarters: 1 rue Sainte Marguerite, F-67000 Strasbourg,
Tel. 03 88 21 45 28, Fax 03 88 21 45 29
4. Aims:
to promote the development of skills in local and regional authorities in Europe and increase mutual knowledge in training matters through co-operation at European level;
to strengthen the position of local and regional authorities;
to facilitate the partnerships between training organisations;
to support the development of democratic, legal, effective working authorities.
5. Structures:
A. Membership:
i. ordinary membership: is open for any non-profit-making body (whether legal personality, part of a local authority or of an association of local authorities), engaged in training for local and regional authorities
ii. associate membership: shall be open to bodies, institutions, authorities or individuals which have an interest in the aims of ENTO
iii. ex-officio members: shall be the Secretary General of the Council of Europe or his representative and representatives of European institutions, involved in the association's field of activity
iv. honorary membership: can be offered to persons who have served the network with distinctions
B. Organs:
i. General Assembly: coprises all members, meets once a year, decides the general lines of the association's work
ii. Bureau: is composed of a President, two Vice-Presidents, a Treasurer, a representative of the Council of Europe (advisory status); management organ of the association and services to the General Assembly
6. Activities :
organisation of seminars on topical issues within public management and training in different European countries;
- Newsletter on the ENTO activities;
directory of all member organisations;
mediation of partnerships between training organisations;
support of trainee exchanges, study tours, exchanges of teachers, students and professionals from central, regional and local government;
close cooperation with the Council of Europe through programme advisors, missions, expertises, seminars (e.g. LODE), students exchanges, close contacts with CLRAE;
broker function between experts and the Council of Europe's / EU's projects;
support of the empirical and comparative research in European public administration.
7. Representation:
ENTO has a network of members in the following countries:
Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom
8. Personalities:
President: Mr Jorgen HAHN (Denmark)
Vice-President and Secretary General: Mr Gernot JOERGER (Germany)
9. Finance:
member's financial contributions, items or services
revenue from the association's property and activities
membership fee
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10. Opinion of the Secretary General:
The ENTO is a well-established and active organisation within its sphere of competence. It has already established an extensive co-operation with the Council of Europe and is widely representative at European level. The experience of ENTO corresponds very much to the mission of the Council of Europe, identifying local democracy as one of the key areas of reform in central and eastern Europe.
For these reasons, the Secretary General decides in favour of granting consultative status to the European Network of Training Organisations for Local and Regional Authorities (ENTO).
INTERNATIONAL UNION OF FRENCH-LANGUAGE JOURNALISM
(UIJPLF)
1. Application for consultative status: 25 November 1996
2. Founded: 1950
3. Headquarters: 3, Cité Bergčre, 75009 Paris, Tel. 01 47 70 02 80,
Fax 01 48 24 26 32
4. Aims:
to foster press co-operation on a technical level and with regard to information and vocational training;
to improve press freedom and legislation;
to develop and co-ordinate, throughout the world, relations between publications and between radio, television and any other kind of broadcasting station whose language of communication is French.
5. Structures:
The International Committee, made up of representatives of the national sections, sets out the main guidelines for the Union's activity.
The international general secretariat, located in Paris, implements the action decided upon.
6. Activities:
. The UIJPLF is the oldest francophone association.
. Recognised as an INGO by the biggest international and multilateral organisations such as UNESCO and ACCT (Agency for Cultural and Technical Co-operation), it comprises over 2,000 journalists, managers and editors of the written and audiovisual press throughout the world, covering 84 countries or regions and including 32 national sections. It thus constitutes a unique network. In a number of states the national section of the UIJPLF is the only professional union for journalists, whether they work in the public media or in the private sector. This makes the International Union one of the profession's most representative organisations.
7. Representation:
Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, "the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia", Moldova, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, Ukraine. Bosnia and Herzegovina
8. Personalities:
President: Mr Abdallah STOUKY (Morocco)
Special Adviser: Mr André DELEHEDDE (France)
9. Finances:
membership fees
all resources authorised by law.
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10. Opinion of the Secretary General:
Owing to its geographical range (84 countries or regions of the world), the means of action of its members, the media and the public it can reach, the UIJPLF could play an important role in upholding the values of the Council of Europe, developing democracy and protecting human rights, especially in the fields of freedom of expression, education and cultural co-operation.
The Secretary General accordingly decides to grant consultative status to the International Union of French-Language Journalism (UIJPLF).
1 Paragraph 8 of the appendix to Resolution (93) 38:
"The decision to grant an organisation consultative status shall be taken by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe in accordance with the above rules. The Secretary General may also take into consideration the main priorities of the Council of Europe programme of activities and possible proliferation of organisations in a given sector of activity. However this decision will be submitted for tacit approval to the Committee of Ministers and to the Parliamentary Assembly. To this end the Secretary General shall inform the Committee of Ministers and the Parliamentary Assembly at least once a year of the names of the organisations concerned, together with those items from the relevant files which are necessary for the assessment of each case and his or her reasons for suggesting that they be added to the list. In the absence of any objection founded on the conditions set out in paragraph 9 below, the said organisations will be added three months later to the list of those enjoying consultative status."
2 Paragraph 9 of the appendix to Resolution (93) 38:
"During the three-month period, a member of the Committee of Ministers or three members of the Assembly of different nationalities may request that an examination be made of the file of any applicant organisation. In the former case, the examination shall be made and the decision to add the name to the list shall be taken by the Committee of Ministers. In the latter case, the Committee of Ministers shall defer its decision until it has received a recommendation from the Assembly acting on a report from its competent committee."