European Year against Racism 1997

OBJECTIVE: implementation in 1997 of a 'European Year against Racism' the aim of which is to raise public awareness of the fight against racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism in the Community by various information activities and the development of solidarity. COMMUNITY MEASURE: Resolution of the Council and the representatives of the governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council (96/C.237/01) concerning the European Year against Racism (1997). SUBSTANCE: this Council Resolution (which does not constitute a basic Regulation within the meaning of the Joint Declaration of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on various measures to improve the budgetary procedure) seeks to set the main objectives of the European Year against Racism, namely: . to highlight the threat posed by racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism to respect for fundamental rights and to the economic and social cohesion of the Community; . to encourage reflection on the measures required in this area; . to promote the exchange of experience on good practice devised at local, national and European level to combat racism; . to disseminate information on such good practice among persons working to combat racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism; . to make known the benefits of integration policies, implemented at national level, in particular in the fields of employment, education, training and accommodation; . to turn to good account the experience of persons actually affected or likely to be affected by racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism and promote their participation in society. - the Member States and the Commission are called on to implement at Community level the following measures, complementing the measures implemented at national, regional and local level: . the organizing of conferences to open and close the European Year; . the organizing of seminars on specific aspects of the fight against racism; . the preparation, translation and circulation of reports setting out the results of these seminars; . the promotion of information campaigns on the positive contribution to society of immigrants; . the exchange of information and experience to promote the transfer of good practice; . the publication of information on the European Year; . the design and promotion of a common logo and slogan for the European Year and their use in publicity for all the events connected with the Year. An annex gives details of the measures to be taken at Community level and at national level (in particular the use of the common logo and slogan for the European Year, organization of Community competitions and prizes highlighting the achievements in the fight against racism, organization of local information and public campaigns including cooperation with the media, etc.). - The Commission is responsible for the implementation of this year. It is to be assisted by an ad hoc working party composed of representatives of the Member States, for implementing the measures provided for at Community level. It is to implement the European Year in a way consistent with other relevant Community measures which they complement and with the activities undertaken by the Council of Europe, by involving the various organizations active in the fight against racism. - The Member States are called on to set up a national coordinating committee or an equivalent administrative body that is representative of all the bodies active in this field and, where appropriate, of local and regional authorities concerning themselves with the European Year. - A report should be submitted to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the implementation of this European Year not later than 31 December 1998. �