Doc. 8169
8 July 1998

Illegal movement of persons from the east and south of the Mediterranean into Europe

Motion for a recommendation

presented by Mrs Ana Guirado and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only

the members who have signed it

1. The different rates of economic growth on the two shores of the Mediterranean and their divergent demographic trends increase the potential for breakdown in the region. The reasons for this economic imbalance are varied and numerous efforts have been made, both at the European level and in the 27 countries concerned, to remedy the effects.

2. While the causes of migration are often economic in nature, its effects are essentially human. This applies particularly to illegal migration.

3. These population movements, from south to north and from east to west, often originate well beyond the Mediterranean area itself, as is shown by the illegal flows of immigrants from black Africa, Asia and the Middle East. These movements are on the increase and represent a major social, political and cultural challenge for the international community.

4. Illegal migrants are vulnerable and are exploited by networks of organised traffickers against whom all available weapons must be deployed.

5. The conditions that migrants experience in the countries of destination are far from enviable since they have no legal or social protection and an absence of human rights.

6. The Assembly recommends that the Committee of Ministers:

- examines the process of illegal migration in all its forms;

- examines the human situation of illegal migrants.

Signed : 1

Guirado, Spain, SOC

Bergqvist, Sweden, SOC

Davis, United Kingdom, SOC

Grenfell, United Kingdom, SOC

Magnusson, Sweden, SOC

Martelli, Italy, EDG

Newall, United Kingdom, EDG

Palmitjavila Ribo, Andorra, LDR

Speroni, Italy, NR

Squarcialupi, Italy, SOC

1        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group