DECLARATION AGAINST RACISM AND XENOPHOBIA(86/C 158/01)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEMBER STATES, MEETING WITHIN THE COUNCIL, AND THE COMMISSION, Recognizing the existence and growth of xenophobic attitudes, movements and acts of violence in the Community which are often directed against immigrants; Whereas the Community institutions attach prime importance to respect for fundamental rights, as solemnly proclaimed in the Joint Declaration of 5 April 1977, and to the principle of freedom of movement as laid down in the Treaty of Rome; Whereas respect for human dignity and the elimination of forms of racial discrimination are part of the common cultural and legal heritage of all the Member States; Mindful of the positive contribution which workers who have their origins in other Member States or in third countries have made, and can continue to make, to the development of the Member State in which they legally reside and of the resulting benefits for the Community as a whole, 1. vigorously condemn all forms of intolerance, hostility and use of force against persons or groups of persons on the grounds of racial, religious, cultural, social or national differences; 2. affirm their resolve to protect the individuality and dignity of every member of society and to reject any form of segregation of foreigners; 3. look upon it as indispensable that all necessary steps be taken to guarantee that this joint resolve is carried through; 4. are determined to pursue the endeavours already made to protect the individuality and dignity of every member of society and to reject any form of segregation of foreigners; 5. stress the importance of adequate and objective information and of making all citizens aware of the dangers of racism and xenophobia, and the need to ensure that all acts or forms of discrimination are prevented or curbed.