Developments

N° 5/ February 2002 Editorial The CDCS will play a major part in pre- “Social responsibility in a globalised paring the Council of ’s contribu- world: the role of the State, the mar-

tion to the discussion. It is already plan- ket and civil society?” (see page 9). Sustainable develop- ning a debate to be held in autumn on ment - the contribution the link between human rights and sus- The debate on sustainable development of the Social Cohesion tainable development during which Ms and its links with social cohesion will of the Social Cohesion inevitably have an impact on the funda- Strategy Mary Robinson, the United Nations Strategy High Commissioner on Human Rights, mental work conducted by the CDCS in

will be invited to speak. the area of access to social rights. Ms In 2002, there will be a great deal of Mary Daly – professor at the School of discussion on sustainable development, Of course, in all sustainable develop- Sociology and Social Policy of the particularly in connection with the ment strategies a substantial role is Queen’s University, Belfast (Northern United Nations Summit to be held in played by the family because it is the Ireland) and consult- Johannesburg from 26 August to 4 Sep- starting point for the construction of ant – is currently preparing a report on tember 2002. This event will be a rare social cohesion in the private sphere. As access to social rights in Europe in five and outstanding opportunity to recon- a result, two other United Nations meet- key areas: social protection, housing, sider a number of fundamental con- ings will have a major impact on our employment, education and health (see cepts. future discussions, namely the Second page 4). This report will have to take World Assembly on Ageing in Madrid account of the debate on the social con- There are a number of reasons why we from 8 to 12 April 2002 and the Spe- sequences of globalisation and their im- think that our social cohesion strategy cial Session of the UN General Assembly pact on the effective enjoyment of fun- can make a positive contribution to the on children to be held in New York from damental rights. It will be officially pre- debate. It is based on human rights, it 8 to 10 May 2002. Bearing in mind sented at the Conference on Access to addresses social issues from the angle of recent demographic trends and upheav- social rights to be held by the CDCS in social, economic and cultural rights and als in the organisation of families, the on 14 and 15 November 2002. it raises the fundamental question of the position of children and elderly people in status of these rights in the context of contemporary societies has taken on The same applies to the other two min- sustainable development. increased significance because they isterial events scheduled for 2002, th need to be fully integrated into this proc- namely the 8 Conference of European The strategy, which is based on the as- ess of change. This issue of “Social Co- Ministers responsible for Social Security sumption that there is a strong link be- hesion Developments” includes de- to be held in Bratislava on 22 and 23 th tween social and economic develop- scriptions of two activities concerning May 2002 and the 7 Conference of ment, notes that “sound economic these population groups carried out by Ministers responsible for Migration Af- policies, while crucial in establishing DG III - Social Cohesion (see pages 4 fairs to be held in Helsinki on 16 and stable conditions for growth, cannot and 6). 17 September 2002. These events will be directed solely by market mecha- go to the heart of the key questions nisms without risking damaging social In addition to families, there is also the raised by globalisation: labour market consequences”. It also says that question of getting other partners in- flexibility, mobility of labour and the “economic development without accom- volved, such as governments, businesses, modernisation of social protection sys- panying social development will result in NGOs, employers’ organisations and tems through analysis of the movements serious problems sooner or later” and trade unions. This alerted us to the need of migrant workers and recognition of that social cohesion must be seen “as a to think about the social role that these their social rights. preventive strategy designed to re- partners should be playing in the current duce the risk of future social and po- context in view of their new responsibili- Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni ties, a question that will be discussed at Director General of Social Cohesion COUNCIL CONSEIL litical disruption”. In other words, it is OF EUROPE DE L'EUROPE up to us to build sustainable societies. a conference scheduled for autumn on Council of Europe CONTENT Social EDITORIAL: Sustainable development - the contribution of the Social Cohesion Strategy 1 Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni, Director General of Social Cohesion , Council of Europe Cohesion • Interview with Dr Christine Bergmann - German Federal Minister for Family Affairs, senior citizens, Wommen and 2 Development Youth • The role of social services in sustainable development (Berlin Conference, 25-26 October 2001) 3 Division Elsewhere at the Council of Europe DG III-Social Cohesion • Progress of the programmes: Access to social rights; Im- 4 • Cultural policy and cultural diversity 4 DG III proving the quality of life of dependent elderly persons; Working • Two Council of Europe integrated projects 7 Social Cohesion to improve the economic situation of Roma/Gypsies in Europe; • The times are a-changing “Youth - actors of social change?” 8

• Studies, analysis and research: Social Researchers Net- 8 F-67 075 Strasbourg Cedex work; Regional Seminar in the Southern Caucasus; Social responsi- International Conference bility in a globalised world: the role of the State, the market and • World Summit on sustainable development 10 civil society Tel. + 33 (0)3 90 21 47 94 Fax:+ 33 (0)3 90 21 49 52 • Discussion by the Forum for Children and Families 6 • Spanish Presidency of the 11 Civil Society - Latest http://www.coe.int/t/e/ • “Citizenship, solidarity: what sort of Europe do we want?” Joint 11 Adopted Texts Social_Cohesion/ NGO and Parliamentarians Conference Bibliography 13 Analysis_and_Research/1 • Soci Socialal protection: Cohesion: an essential developments tool for social - N°5/Februarycohesion 200212 - CouncilCalendar of Europe - DG III - Social Cohesion INTERVIEW WITH DR CHRISTINE BERGMANN - GERMAN FEDERAL MINISTER FOR FAMILY AFFAIRS, SENIOR CITIZENS, WOMEN AND YOUTH

Newsletter: What do you think nancial frameworks. Not-for-profit organisa- on growth, competitiveness, and employ- were the main achievements of the tions are involved as service providers in all ment. In my view, progress in these areas is Berlin Conference on Social member states. These organisations are impossible without making the key compo- Services for sustainable Social tending to gain importance in many member nents of our social protection systems fit to Development? states but we also see a growing number of face future challenges. for-profit actors. Social development over the last few dec- Investing in social cohesion is an asset and ades has been remarkable in many Member Growing competition between different pro- an important policy instrument in order to States of the Council of Europe. Today, the viders and the increasing reliance on user reach sustainable development goals. How- transition countries have made much pro- fees raises concerns about quality issues. We ever, one has to strike a balance between gress in building up social security systems, should therefore leave no doubt that public available resources and the expenditure on while western European countries need to authorities must play an essential role in set- social protection. If the budget is over- modernise their systems. The traditional divi- ting standards for the quality of services. stretched, this may have consequences for sion between East and West no longer cov- Not-for-profit providers should, however, be economic development. It is important to ers the whole picture. We have to recognise consulted by governments in setting and de- note that there is a variety of actors provid- that countries that formerly were perceived veloping standards for services since they ing resources for social development such as as lagging behind, have now adopted pio- have excellent record of developing services the state, volunteers and business. These neering reforms in certain sectors of their that are adapted to the needs of users. resources have to be co-ordinated well in social systems. order to make use of their full potential. It is In order to enhance the quality of services it equally important for sustainable social de- It was against this background that the Ber- needs to be clearly laid down that all provid- velopment that we define policy goals for lin Conference gave the signal that social ers have to comply with high quality stan- social development and set up clear priori- services are a crucial element of social devel- dards. We need to guarantee equal access ties. opment for all Member States of the Council for all people to high quality services. I do of Europe. Children, young persons, families, not believe that exclusively financial consid- Newsletter: Let's take family policy older persons and other people with special erations or a competition-centred approach as an example. How does the needs particularly require social services. The would provide adequate guarantees of qual- concept of sustainability affect latter therefore have major importance for ity-oriented service provision. Social services policies for the family? the daily lives of broad sectors of the popula- are in themselves a social policy instrument While there exist various concepts of the tion as well as for economic productivity and for fostering social cohesion. They cannot family in different social, cultural and political quality of life in a modern society. just be regarded as market products. systems, families are basic to the structure

and development of societies in all countries Within the area of responsibility of my Minis- For me it is also quite clear that the need for of the Council of Europe. We have to recog- try, namely family affairs, senior citizens, greater professionalisation, the current lack nise that societal change is also affecting women and youth, progress is not possible of co-ordination of services and the special families in and in all other Member without the extension and modernisation of role that social services play in promoting States. Plural societies go hand in hand with social services. There is a lot to learn from social inclusion of all people all make it es- the plurality of living arrangements and fam- other Member States of the Council of sential to provide a regulatory framework to ily living patterns in modern societies. Europe in this respect. The pan-European set standards. dialogue on social services which started at At a time when families are exposed to a the Berlin Conference now needs to be ex- Newsletter: When people talk multitude of social and economic changes, tended in order to facilitate modernisation of about sustainable development they the German government, the Federal States these services and to achieve progress in are usually thinking about the and local authorities are committed to offer- important social policy areas. The Council of protection of the environment. ing them a wide variety of family-related Europe can play an important part in raising Why do you think it is important to benefits, programmes and services. These awareness for social services as a crucial bring in social development too? include child allowances, child care, counsel- policy instrument and a key way of promot- ling, social services, parental leave and in- ing sustainable social and economic develop- The idea of sustainability originated from the come maintenance, all of which help families ment. area of the protection of the environment perform their societal and developmental but soon it became obvious that it needs to functions. Newsletter: What are the roles of be applied to the area of social development the State, the market and civil of our societies as well. My impression is that A sustainable policy approach that aims at society in maintaining and there is still a need to raise awareness for improving the situation of families needs to enhancing quality in social services? this fact.. be comprehensive. In order to promote a favourable environment for families, govern- Across member States of the Council of Sustainable social development involves pro- ments need to analyse the impact on fami- Europe we have numerous forms of what viding social protection systems that meet lies of a range of policies and programmes can be called the “welfare mix”. The situa- the needs of people across their entire life- including those related to education, health, tion is constantly changing and social services course. Social security and social service sys- social security, macroeconomic stability. We are no longer provided by state monopolies tems are a major economic asset and there have to make a particular effort to attract or only on a for profit basis. There are many is an important link between social and eco- public attention to the needs of young fami- different types of organisations providing nomic development. The current debate on lies with limited means. social services within different legal and fi- sustainable development in Europe focuses In addition to mainstreaming family issues 2 Social Cohesion: developments - N°5/February 2002 - Council of Europe - DG III - Social Cohesion Interview to Dr Christine THE ROLE OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN SUSTAINABLE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT BERGMANN Berlin Conference, 25 - 26 October 2001 into all relevant policies we have to take About 180 officials, practitioners and experts where for the State to reduce its direct involve- measures that address the needs and came to Berlin last October for a Conference on ment in the provision of social services. A grow- changing roles of individual family mem- the role of social services in sustainable social ing range of non-governmental bodies are taking bers and strengthen intergenerational development. The event was organised by the on responsibility for the delivery of social ser- Frankfurt-based Observatory for the Develop- vices. While there is widespread agreement that solidarity. For example, the German ment of Social Services in Europe on behalf of the non-governmental actors can often provide ser- government has taken a number of German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior vices more cheaply and efficiently than govern- measures to improve the situation of Citizens, Women and Youth, and in cooperation ment bureaucracies, and indeed no-one questions women in the family recognising that with the Council of Europe’s Directorate General the long-established role of not-for-profit provid- women make a great contribution to the for Social Cohesion. ers, opinions differ as to whether or how far so- welfare of the family and to the develop- cial services can satisfactorily be provided by the ment of society. Promoting equal rights The German authorities felt that the time had profit-making sector. Whatever the outcome of and opportunities, and equal sharing of come for a wide-ranging discussion of the numer- this debate, it is clear that there is going to be a ous changes affecting social services in many responsibilities for the family by men wider range of providers in the future. In the view countries, and in order to give this event a pan- of the Conference, while this clearly modifies the and women, are critical to the well-being European dimension they decided to ask the of all. role of government, it does not make it any less Council of Europe to participate as co-organiser. important. Government now has to take on an

enhanced regulatory role so as to make sure that Secretary General of the Council of Europe Newsletter: You are also the quality social services are available to all; if social pointed out in the opening session that social ser- Minister with responsibility for services are to continue to make their essential vices are for everyone. They clearly have a key questions related to population contribution to social cohesion, it will be impor- role to play in helping people with severe prob- ageing and this year we have the tant to make sure that the more disadvantaged lems escape from social exclusion. In addition to Second World Assembly on members of society enjoy full access to the ser- this they are available to help everyone cope with vices they need in order to improve their situa- Ageing in Madrid and then the the demands of the different stages of the life cy- tion. It was suggested that the Council of Europe European follow-up conference cle, in particular bringing up children and growing could pool experience and draw up guidelines for that you are hosting in Berlin. old. For the Council of Europe, social services are ensuring minimum standards in social service pro- What do you see as the key is- more than just a necessary public service; they vision. sues for European countries in are a right and one which is enshrined in Article this field? 14 of the European Social Charter. The Secretary There was also much interest in the changing role General appealed to people to get away from of social service professionals, especially given the The demographic challenge is linked to thinking of social services primarily as a cost, an current stress on the rights of users of services. a number of social and economic devel- economic burden. They should be seen as an in- Users are no longer regarded as passive recipi- opments and has to be addressed in vestment for a healthy society: “social services ents of services delivered to them by profession- that context. There are two driving have an essential part to play in sustaining the als. Users now expect to be involved in the design social cohesion that goes with a strong economy”. and delivery of services and this creates new ex- forces behind the ageing of the popula- pectations and a need to change attitudes. The tion: constantly low birth rates and a fall Dr Christine Bergmann, the German Federal Min- possibility was mentioned of drawing up, on the in mortality. The response to the associ- ister for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women basis of existing documents, a European code of and Youth explained why she wanted to look at ated challenges needs to focus on the professional ethics for social workers or a Char- social services in the context of sustainable devel- improvement of the situation of all socio- ter of rights and responsibilities of users. economic groups but should also take opment. For her, “the core element of sustainabil- into account the development of society ity is that young people must be allowed at least There was a clear expectation among participants as a whole. We need to adapt our social the same opportunities as previous generations”. that this should be not just another conference, Social services have a key part to play in helping security, health and education systems but the starting-point for ongoing debate and ac- people adjust to the increasing rate of change in to the demographic, social and economic tion at the European level. Already, in response society and in the economy. The Minister was to the issues highlighted at the Conference, the change. clear that if we try to pursue economic efficiency European Committee for Social Cohesion has and competitiveness to the exclusion of human proposed to launch a new intergovernmental pro- The ministerial conference in Berlin, be- and social considerations, we shall end up with a ing organised by the United Nations ject on social services. Planning will take place in society that is not sustainable in the long term. 2002 with a view to launching a well worked out Economic Commission for Europe project in 2003. The contacts and discussions that (UNECE), will focus on a large number Two keynote speakers, Professor Brian Munday took place in Berlin will provide fertile ground for of issues related to the demographic of the University of Kent and Professor Igor developing a project that will respond to the real change. The UNECE is engaged in a Tomes of Charles University in Prague, presented needs of those involved in social services across process that will ensure adequate re- the main issues facing European countries today Europe. gional follow-up to the Second World in the field of social services. Central and Eastern Assembly on Ageing. At Berlin we will European countries are faced with having to cre- The proceedings of the Conference, including the adopt commitments and objectives that ate social services of a new kind. But in Western summing-up by the general rapporteur, Professor Europe fundamental questions are also being Helmut Anheier of the London School of Eco- will assist policy-makers and other stake- asked about the future of social services. This nomics and Political Science, will be published holders in the region to focus on the key means that the time is clearly ripe for moving the shortly; full details will be given in the next issue priorities associated with individual and debate to the pan-European level. of Social Cohesion: Developments. population ageing. I do hope that the Council of Europe will be active in the Much of the subsequent discussion focussed on Contact: John Murray, Head of the Social Policies process of implementation of what is changes in the way in which social services are Department, DG III – Social Cohesion, Tel. : + 33 going to be adopted at the Berlin confer- organised in different countries. Despite very dif- (0)3 88 41 21 67, Fax : + 33 (0)3 88 21 27 18, E- ence. ferent traditions and origins of social services in mail : [email protected] different countries, there is a tendency every-

3 Social Cohesion: developments - N°5/February 2002 - Council of Europe - DG III - Social Cohesion DG III - SOCIAL COHESION ELSEWHERE AT THE COUNCIL OF PROGRESS OF THE PROGRAMMES EUROPE

Access to social rights An Editorial group with 13 members, NGOs, Cultural Policy and researchers and governmental experts, has “Social Cohesion Developments” already reported been set up to supervise the preparation of this Cultural Diversity in several issues on the work in the Council of report and to prepare a draft of a recommen- Europe on promoting access to social rights dation on access to social rights of the Com- The Council of Europe's Project on Cultural and on programmes on access to employment mittee of Ministers. The group met in Decem- Policy and Cultural Diversity was launched (CS-EM), social protection (CS-PS) and housing ber 2001 and will meet again on two occasions in 1999 with the participation of seven (CS-LO). The committees concerned com- before May 2002. states: , , , , pleted their work towards the end of 2001 and , , the United the resulting activity reports and the adopted The Report will be presented at a high profile Kingdom. The overriding goal of the Project guidelines will be available on the social cohe- conference on social rights to be held in Malta is to understand and support the sion part of the Council of Europe website at the kind invitation of the Maltese Govern- development of democratic cultural policy in shortly (http://www.coe.int/T/E/ ment in mid-November 2002. This is to be the context of culturally diverse societies. It Social_Cohesion) opened by the Secretary General of the Coun- focuses specifically on two facets of cil of Europe, Mr Walter Schwimmer. Readers diversity: the forms of cultural diversity The work on access to social rights now enters will be kept updated on progress on the re- associated with the international movements its next stage. A consultant, Professor Mary port, on the recommendation on access to so- of peoples, particularly post 1945; and forms of cultural differences that have resisted Daly from Queen’s University, Belfast in cial rights and the Malta conference. assimilation within dominant national , is now drafting an integrated cultures over extended periods. report for the Council of Europe on social Contacts: Pilar Morales, Administrative officer, Social Policies Department, DG III - Social Cohe- rights. Her task is first to identify common sion, Tel.: + 33 (0)3 88 41 21 59, Fax: + 33 (0)3 88 Phase one of the activities (1999-2000) themes in the work on these three activities on 41 27 18, E-mail: [email protected]; Robert produced a substantial body of research and Access to Social Rights and, in addition, the Drake, Technical Advisor – Employment, Tel.: + 33 analysis, as well as seven National Reports work on health care services for people in mar- (0)3 90 21 48 20, Fax: + 33 (0)3 88 41 27 18, E-mail: and a commitment by all participants to ginal situations (on which Recommendation [email protected] continue the work. The final report of phase Rec (2001) 12 has been adopted in October one was written by Tony Bennett, a leading 2001 by the Committee of Ministers) and in the Improving the quality of life of scholar and practitioner in the field of field of education in the Council of Europe with cultural policy. the purpose of assessing the extent to which dependent elderly persons social rights are a reality in Europe. On the ba- His report articulated a key theme of the sis of this, she will be making proposals to im- Since it began to work on the Strategy for work of the first phase of the Project, prove access to these rights and for future ar- Social Cohesion, the European Committee for namely, the focus on the changing eas of work in this field. This work will take Social Cohesion (CDCS) has given particular relationship between the citizen and the account of social indicators being developed by attention to the problems of elderly persons in state in the context of globalisation. This the Council of Europe. Europe. These problems are the result of rapid changing relationship is bringing to the fore growth in the population of persons over 60 the concept of cultural citizenship and a The report is being written with the purpose of throughout Europe over the last 20 years. body of entitlements associated with this relaunching the debate on social rights in status. Europe. It will take account of developments The fact that the population is living longer is over the last decade such as globalisation, pri- one of the greatest triumphs of the modern The Bennett report proposed follow-up work in a number of areas. In light of these vatisation and the transition to a market econ- world. But it is also a challenge to decision proposals, and at the request of the member omy in many member States and other societal makers, especially in the developed countries. states involved, the focus of Phase Two changes. The Report is likely to stress the im- Europe, a made up of highly industri- (2001-2002) of the Project will be a series of portance of the integrated measures to tackle alised and developed countries, has an unprece- workshops which will develop strategies, social exclusion and emphasise the role of civil dented population of elderly, very elderly and tools and case studies to assist member society and the development of effective part- even extremely elderly persons. In many Coun- states in the development of a nerships, particularly at local level. cil of Europe member states, not only is the comprehensive approach to cultural policy absolute number of elderly persons continuing for cultural diversity. It is hoped that they The objective would be to develop a compre- to rise, the relative percentage is also increas- will also contribute to a greater social hensive framework, based on already existing ing (in , for example, 16% of the popula- cohesion and intercultural harmony. The social rights as well as on the identification of tion is already over 65). The impact of this key objective of these workshops will be to situation on the labour force, social protection possible new social rights. It would seek to do identify principles which can begin to define systems and health-care needs is already being this through establishing general principles the emerging meaning of cultural citizenship (such as on gender equality, non-discrimination, felt, and it will continue to grow stronger. in the global age. These principles will be etc.) based inter alia on principles drawn from incorporated into recommendations and the final activity reports on the housing, em- Just over three years ago, the CDCS set up a submitted to the Steering Committee for ployment and social protection activities and Group of Specialists on Improving the Quality Culture (CDCULT). the health care services recommendation. In of Life of Elderly Dependent Persons (CS-QV). addition, it would look at the issue of the exer- It focused on dependent elderly persons be- Activities for Phase Two cise of rights from the particular perspectives cause the most rapidly growing section of the of disadvantaged groups in society, such as peo- population in Europe at present is persons of Cultural entrepreneurship and diversity ple with disabilities. Moreover, it would take extreme old age. Extreme old age is often ac- The overall goal of this activity is to foster account of the provisions of the European So- companied by the incapacity to carry out a creativity and creative enterprise at the local cial Charter and particularly the Revised Social large number of ordinary everyday activities. level in culturally diverse societies. The ac- Charter’s important provisions on the right to Dependence, sometimes linked with the vari- tivity which has begun as a pilot project in protection against poverty and social exclusion ous types of dementia, the risk increasing as Bulgaria is concerned with the developing and the right to housing. people grow older, requires a range of forms of interface between cultural producers and

4 Social Cohesion: developments - N°5/February 2002 - Council of Europe - DG III - Social Cohesion DG III - SOCIAL COHESION ELSEWHERE AT THE COUNCIL OF PROGRESS OF THE PROGRAMMES EUROPE care and aid, often over long periods. Depend- economic situation of Roma/Gypsy communi- electronically mediated markets and with ent elderly persons and their close families ties. Its terms of reference include preparing the role that government can play in assist- clearly expect, and are entitled to do so, that guidelines for member states wishing to im- ing new forms of cultural entrepreneurship their needs be met in terms of heath-care and prove their policies and programmes in a num- that will create new markets and distribu- social services. Furthermore, the quality of ber of spheres of day-to-day life such as health, tion routes for local, indigenous and dias- these services determines the health and well- employment, housing, education, and measures poric cultural producers. Luxembourg has being of elderly persons, fully-fledged members to combat discrimination and racism. Having given strong moral and intellectual support of society, as well as the members of their fami- dealt with the question of education (the Com- to this project and will be financing the sec- lies who are not dependent and who wish to mittee of Ministers adopted a recommendation ond phase of the pilot project in Bulgaria in help vulnerable relatives in need while continu- on this subject in 2000), it brought in experts, 2002. ing to contribute actively to social and eco- and individuals and organisations directly in- Intercultural communication and conflict nomic life. volved in Roma/Gypsy employment projects to prevention help prepare a draft recommendation on This should concern the role that the pro- The Group of Specialists has examined every means of improving their economic situation. motion of cultural diversity can play as a aspect of dependent elderly persons’ lives. It The draft was submitted to the European has always attached great importance to health- means of fostering greater civic dialogue Committee on Migration – which oversees the between the members of culturally diverse care systems (particularly for people suffering work of the MG-S-ROM – before being re- from dementia), including and involving depend- societies and so serve to promote social ferred to the Committee of Ministers, who cohesion and reduce the prospect of conflict ent elderly persons in community life, and pre- discussed and adopted it in November 2001. within such societies. Belgium will host a venting and delaying dependence. The group’s conference on this subject in 2002. guidelines have been the United Nations Princi- Recommendation Rec(2001)17 is based on the ples for Older Persons, especially respect for observation that the problems encountered by Culture, diversity and everyday life the autonomy, integrity, independence and dig- Roma/Gypsies and Travellers in various The need here is for a closer examination of nity of every person, whatever the nature or spheres of everyday life are of course inter- the implications of extending the traditional degree of his or her dependence, and the phi- linked and that solving their economic prob- remit of cultural policy (encompassing arts, losophical framework of the Council of Europe, lems is the key to improving their situation in heritage and media policies) to embrace a in particular Articles 11, 15 and 23 of the Re- other areas such as education and health. The wider definition of cultural resources and vised European Social Charter. recommendation suggests that, in order to their relevance to cultural diversity objec- achieve this, states should adopt proactive poli- tives. A conference on this subject will be A detailed report is currently being prepared cies to promote equal access to employment held in Canada (Ottawa/Hull) in 2002. for publication in the coming months, subject and economic resources. There is also a need to the authorisation of the CDCS, to coincide for vigorous action to combat the discrimina- Diversity and mainstream public institu- nd tions with the 2 World Assembly on Ageing tion encountered by Roma/Gypsies and Travel- The essential issue which will be considered (Madrid, April 2002) and/or the European Min- lers in this field and others, giving them full here will be the strategies and approaches isterial Conference following on the Madrid access to their fundamental rights. which can ensure that mainstream cultural Summit (Berlin, September 2002). The report institutions are managed and administered in calls for integrated, multidisciplinary, equal, ac- The recommendation also discusses other cessible social welfare provision focused on the ways that truly reflect the diverse public themes such as the need to promote income- which they serve. This will cover issues of individual and respecting his or her choices and generating activities and small businesses and preferences with a view to achieving intergen- democratic management of the public introduce appropriate financial mechanisms so erational solidarity in families, the community sphere as well as the objective of social co- that Roma/Gypsies and Travellers who, like and the state. hesion. A conference on this subject will be other poor sections of the population, do not held in London 21-22 February 2002. have access to credit, can find sources of fund- Contact: Irena Kowalczyk-Kedziora, Administra- tive officer, Social Policies Department, DG III - ing for their economic activities. Emphasis is Decentralisation and cultural planning Social Cohesion, Tel.: + 33 (0)3 90 21 44 34; Fax: + also laid on the need to establish training and approaches to diversity 33 (0)3 88 41 27 18, E-mail: irena.kowalczyk@coe. education institutions and information services This should focus on the creation of local, int for both the Roma/Gypsy and the majority regional, municipal, and community struc- population. The Committee of Ministers also tures and strategies for the development stresses that we should not overlook the inte- and implementation of cultural policies com- Working to improve the eco- gration of Roma/Gypsies and Travellers into mitted to the pursuit of cultural diversity nomic situation of Roma/ the labour market, particularly in the public objectives. nomic situation of Roma/ Gypsies in Europe services which should, after all, reflect the di- versity of the community they serve. Phase Two of the Project will also see the

engagement of five new states: , The first ever official text from an international 'The former Yugoslav Republic of This is an important text which reflects the institution to deal specifically with the eco- Macedonia', , and , in authorities’ increased awareness of the difficult nomic situation of Roma/Gypsies and Travel- the Project of transversal reviews on situation of Roma/Gypsies and Travellers in lers in Europe was adopted on 27 November cultural Policies and cultural Diversity. Europe and enables the member states to reit- 2001 by the Committee of Ministers of the These states will develop national reports erate their desire for them to become fully- Council of Europe in the form of Recommenda- and country site visits will be undertaken, fledged citizens in the countries in which they tion Rec(2001)17 on improving the economic and and they will also be invited to engage in the live, particularly through measures enabling employment situation of Roma/Gypsies and Travel- activities being planned for Phase Two. them to enjoy their social and economic rights. lers in Europe. Contact: Madelena Grossmann, Administrator,

Contact: Françoise Kempf, Deputy to the Coordi- Cultural Action Division, Directorate of Culture Since 1998-99, the Group of specialists on nator, Roma/Gypsies Division, DG III – Social Cohe- and Cutural and Natural Heritage, Tel: + 33 (0) Roma/Gypsies (MG-S-ROM) has been looking sion, Tel.: + 33 (0)3 88 41 38 54; Fax: + 33 (0)3 88 3 88 41 22 03, Fax: + 33 (0)3 88 41 27 55, E- into problems linked to the employment and 41 27 26, E-mail: [email protected] mail: [email protected]

5 Social Cohesion: developments - N°5/February 2002 - Council of Europe - DG III - Social Cohesion DISCUSSION BY THE FORUM FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES “Reconciling working life and family life: overcoming the obstacles of the present to picture the future” 29 - 30 November 2001, Strasbourg

Even though many European countries have that in , flexible working hours did not cash, when it became a necessary part of the introduced policies aimed at making it easier to necessarily encourage employees, especially income of an older person with a dependent reconcile working and family life, many eco- men, to spend more time with their families, family, it could soon become a strain that was nomic, social and psychological obstacles still but rather to do home improvement work or difficult to bear. In the same way, outworking at bar the way. On 29 November 2001, during a get an extra job. home, which was considered an attractive discussion of the issue, the participants in the proposition by the youngest participants, could Council of Europe’s Forum for Children and Furthermore, as several members noted, includ- also generate constraints that had an adverse Families tried to identify these barriers more ing a teenage Swedish member of the Panel, the effect on family life. clearly while seeking new lines of inquiry for the division of labour in families was still unequal, as future. too few men agreed to genuinely look after Seeking new lines of inquiry for the future their children, especially for long periods. She suggested that in order to remedy this situation, At the end of the discussion however, several campaigns to raise young people’s awareness practical suggestions were made on how to and educate them to share responsibilities more better reconcile working and family life. First of should be stepped up, even though it involved all, the central and eastern European countries, changing attitudes, which could take a long time. many of whose social and occupational arrange- ments had been seriously disrupted by the Beyond the psychological and economic obsta- changes that had taken place throughout the cles, work itself obviously had an effect on fam- 1990s, hoped that other European countries ily life. Shorter working hours did not mean that and the Council of Europe would help them to work became less intensive, said Dr François seek ways of restoring patterns for reconciling Becker, occupational health doctor in Stras- work and family life that had sometimes been Reconciling working and family life in bourg, who considered that stress and the battered by the emergence of every-man-for- Europe: contrasting developments growing constraints of working life inevitably himself attitudes and free enterprise, in which influenced personal and family life. When working employees had to yield to all their employers’ In , women do not have to choose between conditions are too hard, every aspect of a person’s demands, especially as regards working hours. working and looking after their children and can do health is affected, he said, and therefore it was not Furthermore, the high levels of unemployment both at the same time. In presenting their coun- surprising that the family suffered. recorded in some countries, in themselves fac- try’s social policy, researchers Trine Gjer- tors of stress, worsened job insecurity and mundbo and Berger Hareide did indeed give a Better working patterns and more flexible working conditions, and employees often had to flattering report of the measures taken in Nor- working hours could improve the quality of life give up everything in order to keep or find jobs. way and the other Scandinavian countries, but of all employees, but it was important to be nevertheless recognised that they were far from wary of false good solutions, warned Béatrice Another topic that was brought up by many of solving all the conflicts between working and Hertogs on behalf of the European Trade Union the young people at the Forum was household family life. Exhaustion and stress were still part Confederation (ETUC): working part time task-sharing, of which the young generations of Norwegians’ everyday vocabulary, even could certainly make more time available for the should be made more aware; parental leave and though the situation was much better there family, but too often it involved a reduction in aid to young parents could also, in their view, than in many other countries. The central and income, which was a problem, especially for be harmonised at European level. The partici- eastern European countries in particular often lone-parent families. Similarly, although working pants then referred to their fears regarding the had the impression that reconciling working and at home logically reduced the time away from pitfalls of false devices for reconciling working family life was more difficult today than it had home, it could turn out to be just as dangerous and family life, which could become more re- been in the past, when large companies had for the family’s well-being, as many companies stricting than traditional work, and called on given their employees more social benefits, in- considered that their employees were available trade unions to be vigilant in these areas. Finally, cluding crèches and free time, and when unem- 24 hours a day, making them even more depend- the issue of care facilities for young children was ployment had been almost unknown. Today, said ent. The system of on-call time at home also had raised by most of the speakers, who considered Dr Irena Belohorska () on behalf of the many pitfalls: if employees could be called at them a concrete priority in need of expansion. Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, peo- home at any time, how could they truly organ- It was extremely important to avoid reducing ple have to take their destinies into their own ise their own lives? opening hours, or even closing crèches, at a hands, but this is often detrimental to their family time when certain countries or companies were life. Day-care centres for children, particularly Work flexibility therefore seemed to be a two- admitting that they were finding it difficult to crèches, were sometimes so expensive that edged sword: it was beneficial to employees continue to fund them. Care centres remained a families could not afford them, she went on, when freely accepted, but could become a bur- priority in any attempt to reconcile working and while her compatriot, Ms Erika Kvapilova was den when it entailed working late or at night, family life. concerned to note that current maternity-leave something to which employees were not neces- systems continued to feminise poverty instead of sarily suited. The young people invited to the Nevertheless, all of the participants were aware fostering genuine economic equality between Forum thought that although working late in a that it was not enough to take legislative meas- women and men. shop was a simple way of earning a little extra ures in order to improve family life. The general attitude to work, the perils of exaggerated com- Merely reducing working hours is not petition, and incentives to individualism and enough to improve the situation … consumption also had repercussions on the quality of family life. No doubt a general change Can a reduction in working hours, such as that in attitudes was also needed if the family was to currently being applied in , help people to be restored to its central position in the lives of devote more time to the family? Alain Brugière, Europeans. For all these reasons, the Forum Director of Human Resources at Strasbourg hoped that by continuing its discussions, it might University Hospital, noted that staff preferred contribute to restoring this balance, pointing to convert this reduction of working time into out that families, as well as the quality of work extra holidays rather than cut down on the itself, would benefit as a result. length of the working day or week. The Danish representative to the Forum added laconically Denis Durand de Bousingen - Journalist

6 Social Cohesion: developments - N°5/February 2002 - Council of Europe - DG III - Social Cohesion TWO COUNCIL OF EUROPE INTEGRATED PROJECTS “Making democratic institutions work” and “Reponses to violence in everyday life in a democratic society”

In 2001, the Secretary General of the hitherto insufficiently inter-connected ac- will be necessary both to define the general Council of Europe decided to launch at the tivities in this field, carried out by the differ- principles for action and to adapt these beginning of 2002 two integrated projects ent sectors of the Council of Europe. It will principles so as to tackle concrete situa- for a duration of three years. Two themes bring together and consolidate a set of tions and problems in the field. were selected: “Making democratic institu- common principles which should govern tions work” and “Reponses to violence in the setting-up and functioning of democ- For this reason, three operational objec- everyday life in a democratic society”. ratic institutions and electoral systems, the tives have been set, in order to: active participation of the population in de- · identify common challenges and general The Projects’ functions were described as mocratic processes, the promotion of de- policy guidelines; follows: mocratic culture and the development and

implementation of civic education. · understand and act upon the major so- “First, the Integrated Projects concern areas of cial phenomena present in every part of major interest to the member states where the The Integrated Project will include different Europe (diversity, social exclusion, the Council of Europe has been working in a piece- forms of specific assistance and support traffic in human beings and the role of meal way and where, despite a growing need, activities, some of which will be carried out the media); and there has been an omission of comprehensive via on-the-ground co-operation, in particu- · take action in specific places or in fa- policy development, standard-setting and/or lar with NGOs and other external partners vour of specific groups (towns, families, assistance. Secondly, they aim to maximise the (international organisations, foundations, sport, schools, young people and train- impact of the Council of Europe’s activities to etc.). ing for those involved in prevention). ensure that the Organisation’s work makes a difference in practice and, where necessary, to Many of the activities that will be imple- The social dimension of violence in every- provide support in the implementation of its mented by the Integrated Project will have day life is clearly crucial, not only to an un- standards. Thirdly, they will identify obstacles to an important social cohesion dimension. derstanding of the root causes of violence, the full and efficient implementation of Council The existing and ongoing work of the but also so that strategies for action in the of Europe standards and principles and pro- Council of Europe in the field of social co- field are securely based in reality. pose remedies. Fourthly, they will increase the hesion, particularly with regard to Access visibility of the Organisation by widely dissemi- to social rights for disadvantaged persons nating their findings and results. Lastly, they will Particular attention will be given to the and the Forum for children and family, pro- contribute to renew and decompartmentalise themes of social exclusion, extreme pov- vides very pertinent starting points. working methods within the Council of Europe.” erty and other marginalising factors (such

as drug addiction). To give but a few examples, the Integrated The Project will reinforce the links between Project will look into ways of creating the work of different sectors that are im- Social exclusion, which is itself a form of ”arenas” of participation of different groups plementing activities in related fields and violence, also results in a situation in which of society in democratic institutions and pool their expertise, thereby creating syn- everyday violence may emerge through processes at all levels (European, national, ergies. It will improve the sharing of knowl- mechanisms acknowledged to be complex. regional and local) drawing on, in particular, edge between sectors and contribute to What is more, once violence becomes an expertise in the fields of social cohesion, increasing the impact and visibility of the everyday phenomenon it acts as yet an- youth, education, and NGOs. Under the Council of Europ’s work in its member other marginalising factor. It is this down- heading “learning to participate”, the role of states. The Project teams will play a co- ward spiral that needs to be better under- civic education, civil society, media, and ordination and/or implementation role. stood and overcome. new technologies in encouraging participa- Moreover, they will develop the capacity tion in democratic processes will be ana- and tools for periodical reporting to the The process of determining what action to lysed. Committee of Ministers and Steering Com- take will depend on close co-operation be- mittees and for periodical information up- tween all departments concerned at the In addition, models of inclusion of vulner- dates for relevant Committees of the Par- Council of Europe, among which the Direc- able groups (e.g. minorities, migrants, dis- liamentary Assembly and the Congress of torate General of Social Cohesion will abled persons) into democratic decision Local and Regional Authorities of Europe naturally play a leading role. making and of reducing tendencies of auto- (CLRAE), and external partners. exclusion of certain vulnerable groups will The three-year programme of action will be brought to the fore. be agreed in the coming weeks on the basis Integrated Project on “Making de- of work already completed or still under mocratic institutions work” Contact : Michael Remmert, Project Manager, way and through consultation with the op- Integrated Project "Making Democratic Institu- erational directorates. It is too early to say In accordance with its Statute, the Council tions work", Tel: +33 (0) 3 88 41 34 05, E-mail: exactly what results will be sought, but of Europe has been working for over 50 [email protected] they should consist of a coherent body of years on various aspects of the establish- general policy recommendations or strate- ment and functioning of democratic institu- Integrated project on “Reponses to gies for action in each context and will cer- tions. However, despite a wealth of infor- tainly include the need to raise awareness mation, know how and standards developed violence in everyday life in a democ- and offer training to those involved. over the years, no consolidated policy ap- ratic society” proach has been adopted. Violence in everyday life is a complex issue, Contact: Jean-Pierre Titz, Project Manager, The Integrated Project “Making Democratic especially at the level of all Council of Integrated Project "Reponses to violence in eve- Institutions work” will, inter alia, bring to- Europe member states. Since the aim of ryday life in a democratic society", Tel: + 33 (0) gether the results of the many related, but the project is to provide practical tools, it 3 88 41 26 29, E-mail: [email protected] 7 Social Cohesion: developments - N°5/February 2002 - Council of Europe - DG III - Social Cohesion DG III - SOCIAL COHESION ELSEWHERE AT THE COUNCIL OF STUDIES, ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH EUROPE

Social Researchers Network : regions in Russia and Romania. The Volga The times they are a- A new comparative research district in Russia has been selected and the Romanian region chosen will be final- changing Programme ised soon. “Youth – Actor of Social

The Social Researchers Network on So- Change?” a Symposium held at Included in the main issues to be investi- cial Exclusion, which was set up in 2000 the Strasbourg European gated are: What are the obstacles and by the Council of Europe Social Cohesion Youth Centre the needs in Central and Eastern Euro- Development Division, is preparing a new pean countries, especially at the local comparative research for 2002 on From 12-16 December 2001 the level, for the development of activation “Activation policies, measures and actors European Youth Centre welcomed policies which would be customised and at regional level in Russia and Romania: almost 100 people from over 40 targeted to individual needs? What is be- Main lessons”. countries including Mexico, Brazil and ing done in that field in some selected the Democratic Republic of Congo to regions of Central and ? The second meeting of the Network the Symposium “Youth – Actor of Social Who are the different actors involved in took place in The Hague on 29 October Change?”. The Symposium represented a activation institutional frameworks? How 2001. The meeting brought together a first for the Youth Directorate. The effective is cooperation between these small number of European experts to dis- attempt was to bring together three actors? What are the best ways of coor- cuss the notion of activation policies to usually distinct communities: dinating different types of actions – train- fight social exclusion in Central and East- representatives of youth NGOs, youth ing, social assistance, psychological assis- ern Europe - one of the crucial issues researchers in the academic sphere and tance, job and personal counselling – to identified at the first meeting - and to de- policy makers at governmental level. The facilitate social integration? What have sign a draft project in that field. Two rep- event aimed to address the questions of we learnt in about an resentatives from the Secretariat and Mr. whether young people are involved in individualised approach to fighting unem- Van Rienen from the Dutch Ministry of bringing about social change, how they ployment and poverty? What is the effec- Health, Welfare and Sport also attended do so and the obstacles that they meet tiveness of such measures? the meeting. in attempting to do so.

Contact: Frédéric Lapeyre, Administrative Whereas young people, students and the The experts agreed on the need for the Officer, Social Cohesion Development Divi- various movements they have given rise countries of Central and Eastern Europe sion, DG III - Social Cohesion, Tel: + 33 (0)3 to in the latter half of the twentieth to strengthen their analysis of : 90 21 52 30, Fax: + 33 (0)3 90 21 49 52, E- century have often been a cause of · the adequacy of the concept of activa- mail: [email protected] concern to those in power, it could be

tion in the Central and Eastern Euro- asked today whether the pean context; transformations undergone by European · the nature of the policy and measures Regional seminar in the societies in recent times – times that are related to it that are emerging pro- Southern Caucasus on “Social often labelled ‘postmodern’ – have gressively in the region partnerships as a tool for de- engendered a wholly different type of young person: apathetic in the face of · the actors – public authorities, social velopment” the traditional modes of political workers, NGOs, social partners – participation, enchanted by the allures of involved in activation programmes; The regional seminar on “Access to So- hyper-modern technologies and the and cial Rights in Anti-Poverty Strategies: So- pressure to spend and consume. · the way those different actors and cial Partnerships as a Tool for Develop- initiatives interact. ment”, prepared by the Council of The answer to this question was a Europe with financial support from the resounding ‘no’. Participants working for The project should consider a broad defi- Japanese Government and the European youth organisations, constructing youth nition of activation referring to active Commission, took place in Tbilisi policy at local and national levels or measures for social integration of disad- () from 21 to 23 November conducting research on young people vantaged individuals trapped in a multi- 2001. from a variety of perspectives responded dimensional process of social exclusion. It to this question by stressing the ways in should also put a strong emphasis on The 45 participants from the three South which youth participation has undergone partnerships for effective activation insti- Caucasian countries (, considerable change. As Dr Rupa Huq, tutional frameworks. and Georgia) showed great interest in University of Manchester, expressed it, the seminar topic and in the opportunity whereas the hippies and punks of The project’s proposal was approved at it afforded for discussion among them- yesteryear portrayed an idealism or a the November 2001 meeting of the Euro- selves, ie among both representatives of sense of the unattainable, epitomised by pean Committee for Social Cohesion different countries and representatives of slogans such as ‘Be Reasonable, Seek the (CDCS) in Strasbourg as a possible new the various players in social and eco- Impossible’, today’s young people are comparative research activity to be nomic development (local and national more indirect, knowing and humorous. launched by the Social Cohesion Devel- authorities, mayors, NGOs, trade unions, There is a sense that the ‘Age of opment Division in 2002. The Project will employers’ associations and researchers). Innocence’ has long left us. Young people be based on two case studies of activa- Drawing on their practical and profes- are demanding to choose for themselves, tion institutional frameworks in selected sional experience, the six European ex- are much more knowledgeable than 8 Social Cohesion: developments - N°5/February 2002 - Council of Europe - DG III - Social Cohesion DG III - SOCIAL COHESION ELSEWHERE AT THE COUNCIL OF STUDIES, ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH EUROPE perts and the Japanese expert enabled a pert seminars to awaken people’s previous generations about a wide range constructive dialogue to take place on initiative and sense of responsibility. of social, political, cultural and economic the role of partnerships as a central fac- issues but that this high degree of tor in local and regional development. Lastly, as the United Nations were knowledge may well lead to them to opt The seminar was preceded by a confer- launching International Year of Moun- out of participation in the structures that ence at Tbilisi University on 20 Novem- tains 2002, the participants decided to older generations have established for ber 2001. take this opportunity to propose a Cau- them, such as the institutions of voting casus/European Union project for pro- or the youth organisations of old. moting social and economic develop- The three speakers opening the semi- In fact, young people are re-inventing ment in the Caucasus mountain regions nar – Mr Gamkrelidze (Deputy Minister their modes of participation. Of by developing income-generating activi- for Social Affairs and acting Minister for particular note is the power of the anti- ties, training and partnerships and rein- Health and Social Policy), Mr Torben globalisation movement and the ability forcing democratic practices. The idea Holtze (Head of the European Commis- that the issues it raises has to mobilise emerged from the participants’ discus- sion Delegation to Tbilisi) and Ms Gilda hundreds of thousands of mainly young Farrell (Head of the Division for the De- sions of local development problems people the world over. The workshop velopment of Social Cohesion, Council common to the region on Political and Associative Life of Europe) – stressed the importance of welcomed an input from Mr Giacomo Contact: Frédéric Lapeyre, Administrative intensifying action against poverty and Filibeck of the Bureau of the European setting up partnerships aimed at social Officer, Social Cohesion Development Divi- sion, DG III - Social Cohesion, Tel: + 33 (0)3 Youth Forum who came in his personal and economic development. 90 21 52 30, Fax: + 33 (0)3 90 21 49 52, E- capacity to talk about his involvement in mail: [email protected] the Genoa Social Forum and to discuss The good practices described by the ex- the implications of these new political perts (three mayors, a regional council- dynamics for the future of social lor and two network leaders) played a movements. Social responsibility in a decisive part in the conduct of the semi- globalised world: The role of The Symposium was also addressed by nar. The Hungarian case, for example, the State, the market and Bendik Rugaas, Director General for prompted many positive responses and Education, Culture and Heritage, Youth stimulated the participants’ initiative, civil society? and Sport of the Council of Europe and demonstrating that local development Joao Vale De Almeida, Director of Youth was a real possibility when the various Each year, the Social Cohesion Develop- ment Division (in the Council of and Citizenship of the European players were actively involved and local Commission. Mr Vale De Almeida talked Europe’s Directorate General of Social resources were put to good use. about the White Paper on Youth, Cohesion – DG III) organises a forum published last month following a two- which is open to representatives of gov- Throughout the discussions the partici- year consultation process with youth ernments, international organisations, pants recognised that forming partner- NGOs. It may be noted that, despite researchers and NGOs. ships was a long, arduous, complex and changing trends in youth participation, fragile process and that it was essential the spirit of protest was alive and well to identify common interests, create op- The 2001 Forum, jointly organised with amongst several of the participants: a rap portunities for consultation and discus- the Nordic Council of Ministers in Stras- produced and sung by the members of sion between the different players in the bourg on 18 and 19 October 2001, the workshop on Culture and Lifestyle development sphere, increase reliance looked at “New social demands and gov- proclaimed that the “White Paper [was on dialogue and develop participatory ernance”. In 2002, the Division is plan- for] White People!” and that all they decision-making arrangements. A series ning, in conjunction with the European wanted was “More Rap”. of requirements for partnerships to Parliament, to hold a conference on one function well were identified: of the most hotly debated issues in The Symposium produced many Europe today: social responsibility. challenging debates among participants, · openness and access to information: particularly thought-provoking due to the participants insisted that the cir- The aim will be to broaden the debate the unique combination of these three culation of information at all levels on social responsibility, a key aspect of groups of actors. The process embarked was a prerequisite for partnership; governance, the future of the European upon at the Symposium shall be carried through in the work of the European · boosting the capacities of the players social model and the developing links involved in partnerships for local de- between Europe and the rest of the Youth Centres in Strasbourg and Budapest where priority will be given velopment and linking them up in world. The conference will draw the at- bringing to the fore the issues networks; tention of governments, policy-makers, citizens, the media and representatives determining the future of youth · training in project management, ne- of civil society and the private sector to research, youth activism and policy- gotiating techniques and participatory the importance of clearly defining each making in Europe and beyond. approaches to support the develop- player’s share of social responsibility. Contact : Alana Lentin, Coordinator, ment of reliance on dialogue and ne- gotiation; Strasbourg European Youth Centre, 30 rue The preparations for the conference will Pierre de Coubertin, 67000 Strasbourg, Tél : · pooling of experience and good prac- focus on the overall concept of social + 33 3 88 41 23 00, Fax : + 33 3 88 41 27 tice through networks, visits and ex- responsibility, including the political 77, E-mail : [email protected]

9 Social Cohesion: developments - N°5/February 2002 - Council of Europe - DG III - Social Cohesion DG III - SOCIAL COHESION THE WORLD SUMMIT ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STUDIES, ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH 26 August - 4 September 2002, Johannesburg

measures needed to improve the living The chief aim of the World Summit on themes, see: http://www.johannesburgsummit.org/ and working conditions of the people Sustainable Development, which will take web_pages/vail_roundtable_report.htm)

living in the developing countries and place in Johannesburg from 26 August to 4 September 2002, will be to examine the For their part, the representatives of central transition economies. results of the United Nations Conference on and eastern European countries, meeting in the Environment and Development (UNCED) Bucharest on 27 and 28 June 2001, recognised Three main aspects will be discussed: ten years after it was held in Rio de Janeiro in that past events in their countries had discour- 1992. aged civil society from participating in the gov- · Implementation: institutional frame- ernance process, which was a disadvantage in works and roles; The UNCED ended with the adoption of terms of sustainable development. They had · Evaluation: tools and transparency; Agenda 21, an ambitious action plan aimed at collectively recognised the need for more achieving sustainable development all over the open government and greater accountability, · Adopting a global approach: respect world. The definition of the concept of sus- and to work to bring about cultural changes to for identities and reducing inequali- tainable development at the time was based their ways of life and achieve sustainable man- ties in the world. mainly on a balance between three compo- agement of resources. The link between the nents: economic development, protection of environment, poverty and development was highlighted and a series of recommendations The concept of social responsibility is the environment and social justice. Since then, sustainable development has had a special was made on seven key issues: now part of the new corporate thinking place on the international agenda. The princi- · the need for a regional framework for sus- and new business practices, with social ples adopted at the Rio Summit have provided tainable development; and environmental questions now sup- the basis for several initiatives, which have · the need for a better understanding of sus- plementing traditional economic con- made it possible to give a more operational tainable development at policy-making level cerns. The ’s and specific definition of the notion of sustain- and of its relationship to good governance; Green Paper on “Promoting a European able management of the environment through- · the promotion of a greater understanding of the participatory process; Framework for Corporate Social Responsi- out the world. · the coordinated exchange of good practice bility” has further focused attention on Today, globalisation means that, at the various in education for sustainable development; the issue. regional and sub-regional ministerial meetings · the need to help to improve use of infor- being held in preparation for the Johannesburg mation; While this corporate development is a Summit, the concept of sustainable develop- · improvement of the use of technological developments and research in the region; step in the right direction and should ment is having to be revised in the light of the economic integration process and its impact · the need to organise a donor-country dis- be encouraged, it should not be forgot- on the living conditions of the planet’s inhabi- cussion forum to make better use of contri- ten that social responsibility goes far tants, particularly the most vulnerable. The butions, in particular by identifying local beyond the business sector and con- link between the concept of sustainable devel- community needs and promoting awareness cerns the whole of society. Corporate opment and the urgent need to eradicate pov- of the role played by institutions and instru- social responsibility is no substitute for erty cannot be avoided. The concept highlights ments in supporting sustainable develop- national and international legal frame- the link between poverty and quality, integrity ment. (See: www.johannesburgsummit.org/web_pages/ works, which continue to be an essen- and the productivity of resources accessible to individuals and rural and urban communities. ceec_outcome.htm) tial means of ensuring access by all to

social rights. Nor can it replace indus- The preparatory discussions also show that For Europeans, the summit must therefore trial relations and consultations be- the concept of sustainable development is make concrete recommendations on tween management and trade unions. If now an integral part of the challenges facing improving dialogue, establishing partnerships the concept of social responsibility is to our society (the availability of financial and and concluding global agreements on the following subjects: be a credible one, it has to be able to technological resources, the impact on social cohesion, an ethical sense of governance and · poverty eradication as the central thrust of be assessed on the basis of criteria the planet’s sustainable development; agreed upon via a process of consulta- social responsibility at world level). Sustainable development has become a political concern, · sustainable management, use and conserva- tion and consensus involving public au- in other words, the concern of the world’s tion of natural resources to reverse current thorities, political parties, non- inhabitants and not just of experts. trends in unsustainable consumption; governmental organisations, employers’ · making globalisation work for sustainable and workers’ associations and re- Implementation of Agenda 21 and other initia- development benefiting all people and espe- tives have generated ideas at local, regional cially the world’s poor; searchers. · improving governance and democratic and national levels in a number of countries and the very concept is understood differently processes at all levels and combating cor- There is therefore a real need for according to different concerns and contexts. ruption as part of the necessary foundation broad debate at European level on : for sustainable development in all countries; (i) the new roles and responsibilities of At the Regional Roundtable for Europe and · financing sustainable development; · enhancing scientific knowledge and improv- central government, the market and North America held in Vail (Colorado, USA) from 6 to 8 June 2001, the western countries ing the processes of generating, sharing and civil society, and using science for sustainable development (ii) the framework within which social focused on five key themes: · the need for a new development model both within the scientific community and responsibility should operate. based economic, social and environmental among scientists, policy makers and the integration; general public for more action-oriented · consumerism; interdisciplinary research with greater focus Contact: Gilda Farrell, Head of the Social · resources depletion and waste; on the prevention and early identification of Cohesion Development Division, DG III - · responses to the climate change challenge; emerging problems and opportunities. (See: UN Document ECE/AC 22/2001/2) Social Cohesion, Tel: + 33 (0)3 88 41 30 57, · the establishment of institutions to support

Fax: + 33 (0)3 90 21 49 52, E-mail: gilda. sustainable development. [email protected] (For the proposals for action made on each of these Gilda Farrell

10 Social Cohesion: developments - N°5/February 2002 - Council of Europe - DG III - Social Cohesion “Citizenship, solidarity: THE SPANISH PRESIDENCY OF THE EUROPEAN UNION what sort of Europe do we want?” 6 - 7 November 2001, Strasbourg

termined above all to press ahead with Final Declaration of the the very ambitious goal of full employ- Joint NGO and Parliamentarians’ ment by 2010, to give people easier ac- Conference cess to employment and training oppor- tunities in other European countries and Parliamentarians and NGO representatives met at the to encourage geographical mobility by Council of Europe on 6 and 7 November 2001 to design improving the effectiveness of employ- together the demanded by citizens in ment services. The themes of health and the face of present-day society’s ills, and to debate the safety at work and the quality of employ- role of Parliaments and NGOs in making civil and politi- ment are key elements of this policy. cal rights, as well as economic, social and cultural rights, a full reality in the whole of Europe.

Other areas of focus will include social Considering the respective roles of Parliaments and protection issues (especially in relation to NGOs in enhancing participation of citizens in political migrant workers), the viability of pension life, they schemes and the ageing population. Spain · renewed their commitment to pluralist parliamen- “More Europe” – this is the general is stressing the need to adjust social pro- tary democracy as the best system for ensuring the motto of Spain’s Presidency of the Euro- tection policy to the new requirements of democratic functioning of society based on the val- ues of freedom, justice, equality and solidarity, Hu- pean Union during the first half of 2002. family and working life and considers For the social dimension of its pro- man Rights and the rule of law which are the Coun- guarantees of safe and sustainable pen- cil of Europe’s raison d’être; gramme, Spain has adopted the motto sions which are adapted to the new · recognised the existence of an active civil society and “More Europe, more employment and forms of work organisation as the its NGOs as a vital component of European society more social cohesion”. “mainstay of the European social model”. and as an important and indispensable element of In this context, it views social dialogue democracy; In a brochure published by the Spanish and international co-operation as essen- · reaffirmed the essential role of NGOs in a pluralist democracy by contributing to checks and balances Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, the tial instruments for European pension Minister, Juan Carlos Aparicio Pérez, and enhancing the active participation of all citizens reform. in the conduct of public affairs. states that the ambition which inspires the Spanish Presidency of the European A further priority of the Spanish Presi- Considering the respective roles of Parliaments and Union is to create a common area which dency’s social programme concerns pro- NGOs in promoting democratic citizenship based on will be not only a concurrence of eco- gress towards full implementation of the citizens’ rights and responsibilities, they nomic interests but also a confluence of principle of equality between women and · underlined the importance of life-long formal and non-formal education to nurture a democratic cul- social values. The Minister goes on to in- men. Spain hopes to be successful in vite each and every European to demand ture throughout Europe and to promote citizens’ countering violence against women, both awareness of their rights and responsibilities in a real social integration and stable and qual- at home and in the workplace. It is em- ity employment, to ensure equality be- pluralist democracy; phasising the principle of mainstreaming · stressed their joint responsibility in combating mar- tween men and ’s com- in order to have equal opportunities for ginalisation, civic apathy, intolerance, racism, anti- mon area, to preserve and enhance the women and men recognised as a sine qua Semitism, xenophobia and violence; legacy of well-being which Europeans en- non in all policy areas. · called for particular efforts to be made to develop joy today for future generations, and to partnerships between educational institutions, local face the challenges of the future, trans- communities, NGOs and political authorities to The fight against social exclusion is yet strengthen education for democratic citizenship with forming them into greater opportunities another weighty item on the Presidency for progress and well-being for all citi- its political, economic, social, (inter)cultural and eco- agenda, the aim being to make progress in logical dimensions, and with its different levels - from zens. those social policies that promote the local to international;

integration of all people. To this end, ef- · underlined the necessity of activities carried out by One of the main priorities of the Spanish forts will be made in matters of employ- young people, and with them, which favour the exer- Presidency’s social programme is to give cise of their responsibilities and the daily practice of ment to identify new mechanisms and fresh impetus to the Lisbon process. The active citizenship; good practices that make for social inclu- objectives of employment, social protec- · called for seeking ways and means of encouraging sion. Also concomitant with this desire to tion and the fight against social exclusion greater participation by civil society in European establish a Europe excluding no-one will were approved in Lisbon in 2000 and will political life, thus strengthening participatory de- be the themes of participation by young mocracy as an integral part of representative de- be at the heart of the Presidency’s social people in European society, the integra- mocracy. and employment commitments. Moderni- tion of people with disabilities in every sation of the European social model will area of community life, the removal of Considering the respective roles of Parliaments and therefore be the principal theme of the NGOs in strategies to promote social cohesion, they barriers preventing access to employment Barcelona Summit scheduled for spring · reaffirmed the indivisible nature of all Human and training and the protection of chil- 2002. Rights, be they civil, political, social, economic or dren. cultural; · confirmed that social cohesion between all those In the field of employment, the Presi- Contact: Ana María Lagares Pérez, Head of who live together in the without dency would like to use the Barcelona Department of International Social Relations, dividing lines is an essential part of human rights Summit to evaluate the results of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, María de and dignity; European Employment Strategy launched Guzman 52, 28003 Madrid. Tel: +91 363 · recalled that social cohesion would be all the more in 1997 and draw up general guidelines 38 27, fax: +91 363 38 85, E-mail: alaga- efficient if it were associated with education for de- for a new European strategy. Spain is de- [email protected]. mocratic citizenship; 11 Social Cohesion: developments - N°5/February 2002 - Council of Europe - DG III - Social Cohesion “Citizenship, solidarity: CIVIL SOCIETY - LATEST what sort of Europe do we want?” 6 - 7 November 2001, Strasbourg

Social protection: an essential Europe’s European Code of Social Secu- · underlined the need for particular efforts to be made to promote social justice, in particular by in- tool for social cohesion rity and European Social Charter and the ILO conventions. They also learned about volving marginalized groups in public and economic

the implementation of strategies, espe- life, and for social partners and NGOs to take com- plementary action; The title "Social protection: an essential tool cially those of the European Union. For · called for full accessibility and social inclusion of for social cohesion" expresses very well the 2002 the aim is to form a network of un- rationale and the objectives underlying the people with disabilities and full recognition of their ion-based specialists in specific social secu- organisations. training programme on social protection rity issues from among those who at- which the European Trade Union Confed- tended the first Budapest course. Several Focusing their discussion on citizenship and solidarity at eration (ETUC) set up for union officials in sessions are planned: a week of training in global level, they welcomed the action of the European the countries of central and eastern Strasbourg and another in Budapest, fol- Centre for Global Interdependence and Solidarity (North- South Centre) in Lisbon, set up as a Partial Agreement of Europe which have applied to join the lowed by two weeks shared between Paris European Union. the Council of Europe, and invited all European states to and Brussels. The first training session in join it. 2002 will be held in Strasbourg, thanks to The ETUC is recognised by the European the logistical and technical support of the Participants paid specific attention to the challenges Union, the European Free Trade Associa- Council of Europe, from 24 to 28 March. facing societies at the present time, and tion (EFTA) and the Council of Europe as Participants will expand their knowledge · reaffirmed that both sustainable human develop- the only cross-sectoral union organisation and improve their ability to apply the ment and democracy at all levels of human society - at European level. It is composed of 74 Council’s standard-setting instruments. local, national, regional and global - are essential if national trade union confederations from peace is to endure; Subsequently, in Budapest, using progress · declared that the roots of terrorism are in particular 34 European countries and 11 European reports drawn up by the regional ILO/ industry federations, making a total of 60 embedded in poverty, injustice, inequality, discrimina- ACTRAV office, they will be able to ana- tion and hatred, that preventive strategies would million members. It also includes most lyse the progress of reforms undertaken in have to include efforts in the fields of education and large union organisations which were their home countries, consider their im- social cohesion which seek to counter exclusion, formed by or emerged from the political pact and formulate conclusions. alienation and intolerant attitudes and try to resolve changes that followed the collapse of the conflicts in a non-violent way; “Eastern Bloc”. During the two weeks in Paris and Brus- · recalled that the fight against terrorism must not sels, finally, participants will work with the undermine democracy, Human Rights, in particular After the upheaval of the 1990s and the individual freedom, and justice on the grounds of French and Belgian employment and social defending these values; transition period, central and eastern security departments to examine the ap- European countries have set about re- · expressed the expectation that a democratic, soli- proaches they have followed in ensuring a dary Europe will substantially work for an environ- forming their social protection systems. quality system of “genuine” social security ment - at the national, European and global levels Drawing inspiration from the policies of for all. They will also meet union bodies in alike – which is conducive to sustainable develop- the International Monetary Fund and the these two countries in order to consider ment, global human security and to the elimination World Bank, they appear to favour the how to become involved in the manage- of poverty; Europe will do the utmost to ensure that privatisation of social provision. ment of social security schemes. In addi- globalisation becomes a positive force for all the tion, there are plans to hold several work world’s people. Given these developments, and since it sessions with the European Commission Participants called for legislation providing NGOs with a considers social protection to be a basic in order to assess the challenges currently framework and resources to enable them to play their human right and an essential tool for so- facing social protection systems and the full part. cial cohesion, the ETUC decided to launch strategies introduced at European level to a training programme to enable union ac- respond to these challenges. Participants invited the Parliamentary Assembly and the NGOs enjoying consultative status with the Council of tivists from these countries to familiarise Europe to intensify co-operation, notably by improving themselves with international social secu- At the end of the training programme, rity instruments and strategies for their their access to the work of the Parliamentary Commit- with the help of the ETUC and in the light tees in their different fields of competence. Furthermore, implementation so that they can have a of their experiences and the specific cir- the participants welcomed the creation of the Sub- real influence on current reforms. cumstances in their home countries, par- Committee on the Strengthening of Democratic Institu- ticipants will draw up proposals designed tions, which would allow for a structured dialogue be- The programme was set up with the finan- to influence the reform processes and tween the Liaison Committee of NGOs enjoying consulta- cial and technical support of the Council bring their social protection systems into tive status with the Council of Europe and parliamentari- of Europe (through DG III – Social Cohe- line with the model prevailing in the Euro- ans. sion), the European Commission pean Union. The ETUC’s goal is to de- In the same vein, the participants expressed the wish (Employment and Social Affairs Director- velop a social protection system which will that Committee of Ministers’ Resolution (93)38 on rela- ate-General), the International Labour Or- help to combat poverty and social exclu- tions between the Council of Europe and international ganisation (primarily its Budapest office) sion, strengthen social cohesion and em- non-governmental organisations be revised in order that and the French and Belgian ministries of power European citizens by allowing them it reflect the actual partnership between NGOs and the employment and social affairs. It was to take responsibility for their own destiny Council of Europe. launched at the end of 2001 and will con- rather than have it handed to them. tinue through 2002. Participants required that the present declaration be transmitted to the Committee of Ministers and the Con-

gress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe. The first training course was held in Buda- Contact : Henri Lourdelle, European pest from 5 to 8 December 2001. Around Trade Union Confederation, 5 Boulevard Contact : NGO Unit, Directorate General of Politi- fifty participants were introduced to the Roi Albert II, 1210 Bruxelles, Tél.: + 32 2 cal Affairs, Council of Europe, Tel.: + 33 (0)3 90 21 47 range of international social security in- 22 40 411, Fax: + 32 2 22 40 454, E-mail: 66, Fax: + 33 (0)3 90 21 47 66, E-mail: NGO- struments, in particular the Council of [email protected] [email protected] 12 Social Cohesion: developments - N°5/February 2002 - Council of Europe - DG III - Social Cohesion ADOPTED TEXTS

Recommendations: · Recommendation Rec(2001)17 of the Committee of Ministers on improving the economic and employment situation of Roma/Gypsies and the travellers in Europe (adopted on 27 November 2001) · Recommendation Rec(2001)19 of the Committee of Ministers on the participation of citizens in local public life (adopted 6 December 2001) · Recommendation 1545 (2002) of the Parliamentary Assembly on launching a Campaign against trafficking in women (adopted on 21 January 2002) · Recommendation Rec(2002)1 of the Committee of Ministers on the Guiding principles for sustainable spatial development of the European Continent (Adopted on 30 January 2002)

NEW PUBLICATIONS

Reports: · CDCS (2001) 61 - Final activity Report of the Group of Specialists on Access to Housing (CS-LO) · CDCS (2001) 62 - Final activity Report of the Group of Specialists on Access to Social Protection (CS-PS) · CDCS (2001) 63 - Final activity Report of the Committee of Experts on Promoting Access to Employment (CS-EM) Publications: · Trends in Social Cohesion, Volume No.1 - Promoting the policy debate on social exclusion from a comparative perspective. (available from the Social Cohesion Development Division; also available in PDF format on the website http://www.coe.int/T/E/ social_cohesion/Analysis_and_Research/Publications/) · Recent demographic developments in Europe - Edition 2001, ISBN 92-871-4783-3 · Population studies series No.35 - Fertility and new types of households and family formation in Europe, A. Pinelli, H.J. Hoffman- Nowotny, B. Fux - 2001 Edition, ISBN 92-871-4698-5 · Population studies series No.36 - Trends in mortality and differential mortality, J. Vallin, F. Meslé, T. Valkonen - 2001 Edition, ISBN 92-871-4725-6 · European Social Charter - Collected texts - 3rd Edition 2001 (English version to be published in April 2002), ISBN 92-871-4718-3 · Social Charter Monographs No.11 - The protection of fundamental social rights in Europe through the European Social Charter - Pro- ceedings, Sofia, July 2000, ISBN 92-871-4620-9 · Guide to the preparation, use and quality assurance of blood components - 8th edition, ISBN 92-871-4770-1 · Contribution to the sensible use of benzodiazepines - Seminar Proceedings, Strasbourg, January 2001, ISBN 92-871-4751-5

CALENDAR FROM MARCH 2002 TO SEPTEMBER 2002

8-12 April : Second World Assembly on Ageing (Madrid, Spain) 8-10 May: UN General Assembly’s Special Session on Children (New York, ) 24 August-26 September: World Summit on Sustainable Development (Johannesburg, South Africa) Conferences: · 26-27 April: High-level Conference on Health reforms in Europe: from policy to practice » (Vilnius, ) · 22-23 May : 8th Conference of European Ministers responsible for social security (Bratislava, Slovakia) · 20-21 June: Conference of Ministers on equality between women and men (Skopje, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) · 16-17 August: Conference of European Ministers responsible for migration questions (Helsinki ) · 25-27 September: European Conference on "Education and health promotion in schools” (Egmond aan Zee, Pays-Bas) Seminar: · 26-27 April: Seminar on the "Access to the effective public health system” (Strasbourg) Meetings: · 12-13 March: Bureau of the European Committee for Social Cohesion (Strasbourg) · 18-19 March: Working Group on Children, Democracy and Participation in Society (Strasbourg) · 25-26 March: 13th meeting of the Specialist Group on Roma/Gypsies (Strasbourg) · 18-19 April: 3rd meeting of the Forum for Children and Families (Strasbourg) · 25-26 April: 1st meeting of the Group of Specialists on Employment for Marginalised Groups (Strasbourg) · 28-30 May : 9th meeting of the European Committee for Social Cohesion (Strasbourg) · 3-5 June: European Population Committee (Strasbourg)

“Social Cohesion: Developments” is the DG III - Social Cohesion Directorate’s electronic newsletter - Publication: issued three times a year - Members of the editorial committee: Gilda Farrell (responsible editor), Head of the Social Cohesion Development Division - Maria Ochoa-Llido, Head of the Migration and Roma/Gypsies Division - Cathie Burton, Press Officer - John Murray, Head of the Social Policy De- partment - Françoise Zahn (writing, co-ordination and layout), Tel.: + 33 (0)3 90 21 47 94, E-mail: [email protected]

13 Social Cohesion: developments - N°5/February 2002 - Council of Europe - DG III - Social Cohesion