European Union and Racial Discrimination.

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8

Civil Rights; Ethnic Discrimination; Foreign Countries; History; Immigrants; Immigration; Legislation; Minority Groups; Racial Discrimination

The European Community (EC) has the power to pass laws based on the Community Treaty. Since 1989, the EC's Commission for Racial Equality has called for an amendment to the European Treaty that would provide basic protection against racial discrimination throughout the EC and legal remedies for those who suffer discrimination. Tracing the history of the foundation of the EC shows that there has been a tradition of opposition to discrimination, although provisions against racial discrimination have not been explicit. Advocates of formal provisions argue that the single market cannot function properly if people from minority ethnic groups are deterred from moving between countries because protection is weaker in one country than another. The Treaty of Amsterdam, which was accepted by member countries in June 1997, contains amendments that commit the EC to respect for human rights generally and to opposition to sex, racial, or ethnic discrimination. Before the treaty goes into effect, it must be ratified by every member government; the soonest this European legislation can be expected is 2000. Some other European actions against racial and ethnic discrimination are outlined. (SLD)

1999

ED429154