Resolution 15 (1952)
Reply to the Report of the International Labour Organisation
The Assembly has noted with interest the Report of the International Labour Organisation on its work in the European field.
From the inception of the Council of Europe, the International Labour Organisation has rendered valuable assistance to the Committee on Social Questions in the important field of social security, and has kept the Committee informed of its more specifically European activities. More recently the Assembly has been able to welcome the establishment of official relations between the two organisations.
It is, however, the first time that a comprehensive Report of the nature now before the Assembly has been transmitted directly to it by the International Labour Organisation. The Assembly thanks the International Labour Organisation for this initiative, which it greatly appreciates. The Assembly is convinced that a continuation of this practice in the future will provide a valuable link between that Organisation and the Council of Europe. It will help to co-ordinate the activities of the two Organisations in fields of common interest in such a way as to enable the Council of Europe to benefit fully from the experience and technical facilities of the International Labour Organisation, while avoiding any duplication of effort.
The functions of the International Labour Organisation cover a wide range of subjects which are directly or indirectly of interest to the Council of Europe. Some of them in fact coincide with the social activities of the Council itself.
The Assembly looks forward to the establishment of a European Code, of Social Security, for which the results of the 35th Session of the International Labour Conference, as well as the proposals for advanced standards of Bocial security put forward by the International Labour Office, will provide a useful basis.
The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe has approved the principle of co-ordinating the national activities of Member States in the social sphere. The Consultative Assembly is of the opinion that, in any such action, the Conventions and Recommendations adopted by the International Labour Organisation, covering large and vital sectors of social legislation and practice, will be of the greatest importance. They provide internationally accepted standards which may serve as a guide for national legislation. That is the reason why the Assembly in its Recommendation of 7th December, 1951, relating to the adoption by Member States of the Council of Europe of a common policy in social matters, included a proposal for joint action with a view to the ratification of the International Labour Conventions.
The Assembly notes with special interest that the International Labour Organisation considers it feasible to promote measures for reinforcing the principles laid down in the Conventions and Recommendations to meet the special circumstances of different regions.
The Assembly envisages a gradual but considerable expansion of the activities of the Council of Europe in the social field. It is convinced that this expansion will lead to a growing need for co-operation with the International Labour Organisation, and it welcomes any measures whereby such co-operation may be rendered as effective as possible.