12 September 1994

Doc. 7161

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

on the need for the new World Trade Organisation

to improve the social rights and conditions

of workers worldwide

presented by Mr HOLTZ and others 1

1.       As the world is becoming one economically, it becomes ever more important that it should not remain divided socially but instead ensure sustainable human development. The open multilateral trade system which was confirmed under the GATT Uruguay Round Agreement, and which will be managed under the new World Trade Organisation to be created in GATT's succession, will in the longer term stand and fall with the elimination of unfair trade practices, the achievement of sustainable social and environmental conditions for growth, and the worldwide respect of international labour standards, notably those concerning the right to organise and those banning child labour.

2.       The Assembly, aware of the importance in this respect of the United Nations Social Summit to be held in Copenhagen in 1995, therefore calls on the member States of the Council of Europe, and on the European Union to ensure that the creation of an open international trade system, the safeguarding of adequate social conditions and inalienable rights of workers, in particular in emerging economies, and the environmental aspects of international trade are given high priority under the new World Trade Organisation.

Signed:

Holtz, Malinowski, Molloy, Özver, Latronico,

Coviello, Guirado, Kolar, G. Bjarnason, Davis, Verspaget

1 ¹ 1. This text only represents the views of the individual members who have signed it. It does not reflect a position adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly.