ENAR
work programme
May 2004 – April 2005
Adopted at ENAR’s 5th Annual European Assembly (AEA)
28 –
30 November 2003, Palermo
WP table of contents
ENAR draft work programme 2004/2005...................................................... 6
A. ENAR’s policy activities of ENAR............................................................ 7
2.1.6. European Commission info campaign on combating discrimination............................ 13
B. Unforeseen policy activities of ENAR...................................................... 26
C. Statutory/structural activities of ENAR..................................................... 27
E. Assessment of work programme 2004/2005............................................ 39
Introductory remarks and
methodology
ENAR’s long-term perspective
ENAR is a permanent structure of the
anti-racist NGO’s in the European Union. For the long-term planning (3 years) ENAR has
prepared a strategic plan, which is to be adopted at the 2nd GA in
March 2004.
This strategic plan will guide the various
bodies such as the Board and Bureau as well as the Secretariat in its long- term defined goals. The work programme (WP) in front of you is paying tribute owes a great deal to the draft strategic plan, even though it has not yet been officially adopted at the time of
drafting and adopting this WP. of
ENAR review and performance management
ENAR has gone through an intensive and very
constructive review process. The findings outlined in the ’‘Manifesto’ have guided us in working towards
a more transparent, democratic, visible and effective network. The works on the implementation of the ‘Manifesto’ are will be finalised by March 2004 with the
adoption of a comprehensive ‘Operating Manual’ including ENAR’s newly defined
mission and vision and a comprehensive fundraising strategy.
ENAR can strongly build on this experience and continue to sharpen and strengthen the political profile of the organisation.
As startedInitiated in 2003/2004, a Pperformance Mmanagement system was put in place and will
be continued, so that there are to have tools at to hand to continuously assess ENAR’s work
performance and the impact made.
Objective of the work programme
The European Network against Racism has designed a work programme to define its priorities and to specify the activities of the network as well as the funding resources needed to carry out the work outlined.
This work programme will guide all relevant stakeholders of
the network, may be they be internal or external. It will bind the
stakeholders to a certain extentd to make a co-ordinated effort to implement
what was agreed upon by the representatives of the national co-ordinations (NC’s) at the 5th AEA in 2003.
Structure of draft WP
The WP is divided into five chapters.
A. Policy activities
B Unforeseen policy activities
C. Statutory/structural activities
D. ENAR services
E. Assessment of work programme 2004/2005
Within a number of chapters you will find
sub-headings, such as activities, actors and timeline. This will help to answer
the crucial questions of what, how, when, and with whom and by whom.
Learning from past experience, we need to be realistic about whatwhich available capacities we have in order
to avoid to fuelling frustration and negative assessments ofn the work quality and quantity of work performed.
Stakeholders of the ENAR work programme
Thise work programme in front of you outlines the work programme for the whole ENAR network.
This includes the:
· Secretariat
· Bureau
· Board
· ENAR’s national/EU co-ordinations
All involved parties mentioned above realistically assessed realistically their capacities and skills
during a consultation and adoption process in order to design a programme that can be implemented. The work programme will only be successfully implemented if
all involved parties take their responsibility seriously and carry out the activities confirmed and
stated in the work programme.
Special emphasis is put on the involvement of co-ordinations in lobbying at the national level. The co-ordinations play a crucial role in this process.
As agreed elsewhere, in a different place external assistants
will be involved in various short- term activities like publications,
conferences, training seminars or contributing to policy discussions. Costs for
their services are included in the application to the EC.
Timeline
Thise presented work programme proposes certain periods or dates when
activities will be carried out. In the context of meetings, events and
conferences, specific dates are stated. These dates were
adopted by the 5th AEA. The sSecretariat tried to respect religious
holidays as much as possible. Even though it is intended to respect the needs
of all Board members, this will remain a difficult task and all persons
involved are kindly asked to be flexible enough to allow compromises.
Other activities like lobbying and advocacy work will be carried out over a longer period. This is why such dates are indicated in months.
Dates and periods are suggested in an overall overview (last page) to avoid meetings being
held too close together. Activities need to build on one another and might/will
need to be carried out at certain times to follow and respect the official
policy agenda of the EU.
Financial aspects leading to the application for the May 2004 – April 2005 budget
The work programme adopted by the 5th AEA build forms the basis for the application for funding
from the EC, which will define the available budget for 2004/2005. The AEA has
given guidance to the Director and Treasurer working on the application.
However the Board and AEA is aware that the Treasurer and Director must respect
certain rules set by the EC.
ENAR draft work programme 2004/2005
Current political situation
2003 was a virtual milestone for European
anti- discrimination legislation. The ‘Raciale Equality Directive’ was supposed to be
transposed into national law by 19 July. ENAR was focusing on the Ttransposition of the ‘Raciale Equality Directive’ and, given the non-transposition of this
Directive in most of the countries, this work needs to remain high on the
agenda of the network.
ENAR hasve co-operated with other EU networks working
on discrimination in the context of the Employment Framework Directive, to make sure that the public pressure remains high on political
leaders to transpose this Directive into national law. However, there many EU countries seem to lack the
political will of to transpose these Directives by their
respective deadlines as agreed in 2000.
As concerns the Tampere commitment to “ grant third- country nationals rights as close as
possible to thosee ones of EU citizens”, NGOs have witnessed
rather serious backlashes in the context of the discussions on family reunion
and long- term residentce status that took place in the Council of
the European Union in the past months.
Legislative measures to tackle
discrimination are, however, only one track strand of possible strategies to work towards
a just and equal society. Positive measures like integration measures for
migrants or measures to promote equal rights for third- country nationals should equally shape the
EU agenda.
NGOs feel that the shift of political
colour we witnessed recently in many EU countries from labour, centre- left governments to centre -right, conservative or even populist
governments will make it even more difficult for the European Union to design
and implement progressive strategies and legislation aiming at a society builtd on equality and non-discrimination.
There are new challenges ahead
From May 2004 onwards the EU will have a very
different face. The accession of 10 new countries will shape the policies and
structure of the Union. This will have a considerable influence on the ENAR
network. Not only will the EU be will enlarged, but ENAR, as an EU network, will also need to follow this enlargement process
and establish national co-ordinations in the 10 new countries as well.
Beside In addition to the full policy agenda for
anti -racist NGOs in Europe, this will be one of the big challenges for
the years to come.
A. PPolicy activities of ENAR
A.1.1. New constellation of European Commission (EC) and European Parliament (EP)
Introduction
In 2004 will see elections for the European
Parliament will be elected again. The constellation of Ccommittees, Ggroups, and Iintergroups etc. will are very likely to change (even though a number of current MEPs might may retain their seats instay a member of the European Parliament). This means for ENAR to will have to establish new contacts, to find
out, which members sympathise with the
anti-racist course cause and which people might be willing to
actively support anti-racism, anti-discrimination and equal rights policies in
the Parliament’s work.
The European Commission is faced with a
similar situation. In 2004 the Commissioners will change, even though people from the relevant DG’s maymight stay. This might could mean new focuses in the political work
of the EC. It will be crucial to establish smooth working relations with the
cabinets of the new Commissioners to make sure that ENAR issues are properly
considered.
Activities
1.1.1. Holding meetings with MEPs
Goal: Have a supportive and constructive working relationship with the EP
During the first six months of the new
legislativeon period it will be crucial actively to actively make contacts with new MEPs and to sound out their
willingness to support ENAR and its political work. A good number of meetings
should be held, formal and informal, to introduce ENAR and its work programme and to see in which aspects of the latter a co-operation can be established.
The overall work with the EP should be
continued. The agendas of relevant committee meetings, reports, and group debates need to be monitored and
lobbying should take place when relevant legal or political initiatives are on
the EP agenda. It is hoped that the Intergroup on Racism willould be re-established and willould develop regular activities. Depending on
its objectives and on its good functioning, ENAR may decide to collaborate more
closely with the inter-group.
1.1.2. Holding meetings with the new EC
Goal: Have a supportive and constructive working relationship with the EC
Given the situation that Commissioners have
the opportunity to steer the policies and set priorities of for their DG, it will be important to establish a regular communication with the cabinets and, if possible, with the new Commissioners themselves working on Employment and Social
Affairs as well as Justice and Home Affairs. In the light of the implementation
of ENAR’s mainstreaming policy it will also be important to meet the other
Commissioners to sensitise them to their duty to mainstream anti-racism.
Actors
The Secretariat will mainly take
responsibility in for establishing contacts to with new MEPs and Commissioners and to holding meetings. National Cco-ordinations are, however, encouraged to meet their respective MEP’s to establish new working relationships, and communicate this to the sSecretariat.
The relevant persons in the Secretariat
will regularly monitor the agenda of the EP and attend meetings of EP
committees, etc. The relevant staff and Board representatives as appropriate will carry outhold meetings with cabinets or Commissioners, as appropriate.
Timeline
Second half 2004 Establish contacts with new MEPs and cabinets
As appropriate Hold meetings with MEPs and cabinets/Commissioners
As appropriate Support
Intergroups [?] of EP
Introduction
Even if the new European Constitution
abolishes the rotating Presidency system, this text will not enter into force before 2006 if
so adopted by the Council. ENAR will therefore in this work programme still need to
establish strong working relationships in this work programme period, and possibly beyond, with the
presidencies of the EU in order to shape the policy agenda of the EU.
Activities
1.2.1. Meetings with Presidencies
Goal: Take Exert influence ion the policy agenda of Presidencies
It is suggested that ENAR meets at least
twice with each Presidency, either in Brussels in connection to with the permanent representation of the
country or in the country itself with representatives of the relevant
ministries, to steer the Presidency political agenda.
These meetings will create the opportunity for ENAR to steer the broader wider presidency’s agenda on the basis of our work programme and will allow us to receive information
in advance on the policy developments planned by the respective Presidencies,
which would then allow us to develop timely and appropriate responses.
Actors
In order to make the strongest impact, the
first meeting should be scheduled 6 months in advance. At that moment time it will still be possible to steer their presidency programme. A follow -up meeting will need to take place 2 to 4
weeks before the Presidency starts. The Secretariat will co-ordinate the
preparation of the meetings but is, however, dependenting on the support of national member NGOs to
request meetings with the permanent representatives or relevant Mministry representatives in the country. Ifn case the Nnational co-ordination does not have the
capacity to provide this support, the Secretariat will
approach the permanent representations in Brussels.
Timeline
6 moths before Presidency starts Hold first meeting
2-4 weeks before Presidency starts Hold
follow-up meeting
A.1.3. Impact of the Convention on anti-racism work in the future
Introduction
With the possible establishment of a EU
constitution political as well as legal aspects of anti-racism work and work to
achieve equality might need to be adjusted and newly considered. New strategic
instruments and in legal tools might give ENAR the
opportunity to explore new tools to address our issues.
Activities
ENAR will provide for an overview of the instruments and references made in the future EU constitutions referring to equal rights and anti-discrimination. Those points will be analysed and prospects for the future will be developed on a political and legal level.
This will be done in a form of a publication covering the following aspects:
- Which instruments are provided by the future Constitution for fighting racism and to promote equal rights for third country nationals?
- Do they open new ways relevant for ENAR as EU network?
- Which strategies could be drawn from these instruments and how do they fit into the overall aim of ENAR?
The publication will be produced in EN, FR, DE and will be available in hard copy as well as on the ENAR website. It is recommended to publish only one publication for this WP period given the high workload and to increase the budget for this one publication to improve its style and appearance.
Actors
Secretariat with support of reference group on this publication (to be established)
Timeline
September 2004 Identify authors
October 2004 Write text
January 2005 Layout and printing
Introduction
ENAR is aware that one strand in of its work is addressed to at the wider public to voice the network’s
concerns, take a public political stand and to indirectly ‘do lobbying work’
through the media. This can and should be done through regular media contacts,
press releases, press briefings, press conferences, etc. which develop into a
coherent and strategic approach to media work on the basis of the strategy
document on media work that was possibly developed drawn up in early 2004 by the Information
Officer.
Activities
The Secretariat, or possibly upon the initiative of Board members, will
write press releases or and briefings and will establish and maintain
regular media contacts to with media people on the EU level. In the
context of ENAR events of ENAR the media will be addressed targeted as appropriate. The media will be
actively contacted to make policy statements and to announce opinions on
measures of taken by the EU. National media work will be
carried out by national co-ordinations or Board members as appropriate.
Actors
Ř
EU- level media work on European issues
The Secretariat will proactively take
responsibility for this activity or will do so upon request of Board members based
on already made internal procedural agreements already made.
Ř
National- level media work on EU and national issues
The bBoard members will carry out this work within
their capacities, if possible with the support of other
national member organisations.
Timeline
As appropriate EU and national media work
A.1.5. Exchange of information and close collaboration Secretariat/NCs
During the past years it has become clear
that one of the weaknesses of such a big network as ENAR has been the
limited communication and exchange of information between the Secretariat and
the national co-ordinations. This exchange of information is crucial
for developing a strong stand of by ENAR, not only on the EU level but also on the
national levels. Only through transparency and sharing of information will the Information Officer will be able to make information accessible
for the network and the wider public.
The Board has adopted a proposal on how to
enhance the communication between the Secretariat and the NCs in 2003. This
communication strategy needs to be developed and strengthened more in this work
programme. This includes the regular exchange of newsletters or and publications of NCs with the Secretariat, so as to be able to include information
from the national level ion the ENAR website. NCs are requested to
hold at least one meeting each year. In order to develop the sensitivity for needs and debates on the
national level, it willould be important for members of the
Secretariat to attend those meetings where appropriate. Furthermore, it willould be important to provide the Secretariat
with information concerning legal and political initiatives from their country, so as to be able to voice concerns on the
EU level. BMs Board members or member NGOs should proactively
support the Secretariat with relevant material and information relevant.
Actors
Ř
National co-ordinations/Board membersM
The national co-ordinations and/or Board
members will proactively support the sSecretariat with information and/or material
and will make newsletters, publications and meetings accessible to the
Secretariat on a regular basis.
Ř Secretariat
The Secretariat will use the material for
its lobbying work and will include the received information received into on the website.
Timeline
PermanentContinuous
A.2. Ethnic and religious[1] discrimination
A. 2.1. Follow- up of the transposition of the ‘Raciale Equality Directive’ and of the Employment Framework Directive [should this
not be in the Heading 7 format, as A.2.2. is?]
Introduction
All 15 EU mMember sStates were supposed to transpose the Race
Directive (RD) and the Employment Framework Directive (ED) into national law before by the 19 July (RD) and the 2 December 2003 (ED) respectively. The stage of transposition
reached by the governments is most disappointing. The quick adoption of these
Directives in 2000 was obviously not a guarantee for a quick implementation of
the legal standards set by the EU. In fact the changing political landscape in
various EU mMember sStates hasve lead to a clear lack of political will to speed
up the transposition process. ENAR cannot rest until all countries have met
their obligations in this regard.
We were always aware that the Directives are only defineing the minimum standards for legal protection
against ethnic or religious discrimination. There is still a long way to go
until comprehensive legislation is in place and implemented in all EU mMember sStates to ensure that discrimination is
really avengedcombated.
Activities
2.1.1. Lobbying for transposition
Goal: Achieve national legislation on the prohibition of ethnic and religious discrimination
Ř National level
Victims of racism are still far away from having legal protection against
ethnic or religious discrimination. The NC’s of ENAR will need to keep the pressure on
national governments to make sure that legislation is in place as soon as
possible, respecting at least the minimal standards set by the Directives, but
hopefully going beyond these. A dialogue with governments will be crucial to
contribute to the elaboration adoption of appropriate legislation. It is
recommended that national co-ordinations network with a variety of NGOs active
in the field of anti-discrimination in order to join forces and to support such
efforts.
National co-ordinations will need to communicate any change/development in the legislation on ethnic and religious discrimination to the Secretariat, in order to keep an updated overview of national legislation available for the entire network.
2.1.2. Dissemination of information concerning anti-discrimination policies
Goal: Keep membership updated
on EU developments and on best practices in other Member States
The exchange of information is crucial for
the exchange of best practices and to keep the networking dynamic. The
national co-ordinations are encouraged to send in any information on new
developments in the legislative field concerning ethnic or
religious discrimination. The Secretariat will compile this information (to
update our ‘overview table’) and share it with the broader wider network through the monthly newsletter,
the website, e-mailings and fact sheets. These means will also be used to keep
the membership updated on any other information on EU policies, to ensure the implementation of both Directives
(litigation, infringement procedures, experts groups reports, etc.).
The Secretariat will support NCs as much as requested and possible in their efforts with material and good examples/arguments from other countries.
2.1.3. Analyse new laws based on
the Raciale Equality Directive and the Employment
Framework Directive
Goal: Check compliance with Race Directive and Employment Framework Directive and identify possible gaps
Ř National level
The NGO community iswill well advised to have a close look on at the content of the transposed laws based
on the Raciale Equality Directive and on the Employment Framework Directive to
check if whether they comply with all aspects laid out
in the Directives. Membership organisations having which have lawyers and legal experts within their structure will be invited to
analyse in co-operation, with external support if need be, the laws as
transposed or drafted by governments. This exercise will be crucial to ensure
proper implementation of the minimum standards as defined in the Directives.
This information should be given to the EU level to make best use in of the infringement procedure carried out by
the EC.
Ř EU level
The above-described analysis of existing
laws on the national level will be compiled, made public and disseminated to
the Commission to support infringement procedures in case of non-compliance
with the Directives. This analysis is meant to support or complementte the work of the EC experts monitoring
group on the Directives.
2.1.4. Anniversary of the deadlines for transposition of the Directives
Goal: Keep the pressure high at the European level
It is considered as useful to design a
mini-event, such as, for example, a public hearing in the European Parliament
to mark the first birthday anniversary of the deadline for transposition
of the two Directives. Besides keeping the pressure high on the European
Commission and on the other European institutions, it would also provide the
opportunity for to giving establish a new overview ofn what the new developments in the Ttransposition of the Directives, emphasising
good and bad practices.
2.1.5. Information on the Article 13 Action Programme
Goal: Inform membership
The Action Programme is the funding basis for ENAR as a network, as well as for a number of projects carried out by member organisations. The ENAR Secretariat will continue to inform the membership about developments, trends and actions under this programme to support the coherence of anti-discrimination and anti-racism activities in the EU and to make sure that ENAR’s membership is making full use of such opportunities.
The website andas well as the newsletter will be the natural
means of keeping the membership informed about this programme.
A Europe-wide consultation will be launched in Spring 2004 by the Commission through a Green Paper. On this basis the Commission wants to make a policy document for the new Commissioner, outlining the future of anti-discrimination policies. ENAR will certainly provide input to this document by consulting NGO’s inside the network. It will equally encourage its members to contribute on an independent basis and with a national perspective to the development of such a policy.
2.1.6. European Commission info campaign on combating discrimination
Goal: IEnsure the input of the NGO perspective in the Iinformation campaign
The Iinformation campaign on discrimination, with a specific focus on employment for the
first year, was launched in June 2003 and will be runcarried out until 2006. The main purpose of
the Ccampaign is to inform the broader wider public as well as any specific
stakeholder of his/hertheir rights and/or duties under the two
Directives. Given the limited impact EU NGOs were able to make in the
development of the strategies for the campaign on the EU level, NGOs on the
national level should actively use the opportunity to be involved in the
development and implementation of national and more specific campaigns.
The Secretariat will collect the
information communicated by the national co-ordinations and by the Commission
concerning the development of these campaigns in the sector of ethnic and
religious discrimination and to will make this information available through
its newsletter and website. EU material will be disseminated to the membership
where appropriate.
2.1.7. Update ENAR policy papers
Goal: Achieve internal mainstreaming of religious
discrimination issues into existing policy papers
The Secretariat will review existing policy
papers to ensure that issues related to religious discrimination is are properly mainstreamed in relevant ENAR policy papers of ENAR.
Actors
National co-ordinations:
-
Lobbying national governments where transposition
is not finalised
- Communicate developments to Secretariat
- Analyse existing and drafted laws with expertise of legal experts in member organisations and inform Secretariat
-
Get involved in national Iinformation campaigns and inform Secretariat
about developments
Secretariat:
-
Monitor Ttransposition process with the help of the NC’s and update overview table regularly
- Compile analysis received from NCs and communicate it to relevant actors
-
Organise event around first birthday anniversary of Directives
- Cover information on the Action Programme in monthly newsletter and website
- Provide for any relevant information on the
transposition of the Raciale Equality Directive and the Employment
Framework Directive in the ENAR newsletter, website, mailings and fact sheets.
Timeline
May 2004 If
they have not already done so NCs get involved in national Iinformation campaigns
July or December 2004 Hold
event on 1st birthday anniversary of Directives
Where Aappropriate Cover
info of Action pProgramme in newsletter and website
Regularly and where appropriate Lobbying national governments where Ttransposition is not yet finalised
NCs keep Secretariat updated about developments
Analyse laws and communicate with relevant actors
Secretariat
monitors developments and updatesd ‘overview table’
Secretariat Pprovides NCs [??] with information on the
transposition on
regular basis
2.1.8. Strategies on litigation tackling discrimination in EU countries (SOLID)[2]
A. 2.2. Ethnic and religious discrimination in employment
Introduction
By the end of 2003 all EU mMember sStates are supposed to transpose the
Employment Framework Directive. This Directive covers the prohibition of
religious discrimination in employment. Within the debates held in ENAR we
identified the close link between ethnic and religious discrimination. This
leads to the understanding that work on the ED should include the combined
aspects of discrimination,: ethnic and religious.
Works carried out in the previous period as well
as documents developed will feed into the activities outlined.
Activities
2.2.1. Dissemination of information
Goal: Raise awareness on accompanying measures to tackle ethnic and religious discrimination in employment
As part of its mainstreaming strategy and of a comprehensive approach on towards combating racism, the Commission has
provided for a specific reference to combating discrimination in its broader social policy
Ř Employment Strategies
Fighting against ethnic and religious
discrimination in employment should not only take place through legal meansroutes. In broader response to the problems
linked to employment in the European Union, the European Commission has
established the Employment Strategy. This strategy includes a specific
guideline on measures to combat all forms of discrimination, including ethnic
and religious discrimination. This strategy is, if well used, a forceful tool
to work on these phenomenaon outside the legal field and to pressure
national governments also to meet also their anti-discrimination commitments
under this strategy. It is crucial for ENAR to gain a better understanding of
this strategy, in order to be able to shape both the
European and the national agenda on employment and discrimination and make the
best use of the financial possibilities linked to it. .
ENAR will make information available on the
Employment Strategyies in a fact sheet, and if appropriate in the newsletter, to make sure that member organisations arewill be fully aware of European policy
strategy.
Ř EQUAL
EQUAL is the funding programme of the European Commission supporting
projects in the wider field of discrimination in the work place. This includes
gender, disability and other grounds of discrimination. EQUAL has huge
financial capacities, which could potentially be used for projects promoting
equal treatment for of ethnic and religious communities in
employment. NGOs could be potential partners in usually large-scale projects.
ENAR will make information available on
EQUAL in a fact sheet and, if appropriate, in the newsletter to make sure that member
organisations arewill be fully aware of available resourcesmeans.
Ř Combat social exclusion
Target groups of ethnic discrimination are
often faced with poverty and social exclusion. Beside In addition to the Action Programme combating discrimination, the EC also developed a specific strategy
to combat social exclusion, which is ruled by the open method of co-ordination. ENAR strives tofor widening our perspective and inform the membership
about related activities and strategies to be able to be in which they may be involved if they so wished.
ENAR will make information available on developments concerning social exclusion in a fact sheet and, if appropriate, in the newsletter to make sure that member organisations will be fully aware of such strategies.
2.2.2. Co-operation with social partners
Goal: Convince central stakeholders on the EU and Council of Europe level of need for action
Working on employment requires contact towith social partners. ENAR will continue to
co-operate with the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) but will also try to establish a connection
to employers’ organisations, or other International stakeholders (ILO and ESC)
to present ideas and measures for tackling discrimination in the
employment sector. This should lead in the long term to encouraging social
partners to stand up for equal treatment and support concrete
action against ethnic and religious discrimination.
Actors
The Secretariat will be in charge of
collecting and processing information on the Employment Strategy, EQUAL and on Ssocial Eexclusion for the publication of shing various fact sheets.
Concerning meetings with social partners, ENAR will communicate with the relevant organisations and will arrange meetings to discuss ethnic and religious discrimination in employment with them.
Timeline
May 2004 Meeting with employers’ organisations
June 2004 Fact
sheet on Employment sStrategies
June/July 2004 Review
existing ENAR policy papers concerning religious dsiscrimination
October 2004 Fact sheet on EQUAL
February 2005 Fact
sheet on Ssocial Eexclusion
A.3. Racism and xenophobia: Fear, hatred and violence on grounds of ethnic origin or religion
Introduction
Racism can
take different abject forms. With the two Directives and the
Action Programme promoting equal treatment and combating discrimination, discrimination
as one of the expressions of racism has received a lot of political attention. Ethnic
or religious discrimination is nevertheless, although closely related to, a
different problem from issues related to fear, hatred, (Islamophobia, Aanti-Semitism) and violence on grounds of
ethnic origin or religion. These different problems therefore require a
different approach and an appropriate strategy.
Physical violence against persons people because of their ethnic background or
religion is a serious crime, even more so because racism is the motivation
behind it and it should therefore genuinely be condemned. As regards hatred
and hate speech, however, a balance should be found with the
right to freedom of expression, which is a fundamental right of every personindividual. This right might be misused for
incitementing to racial hatred and it is important to
weigh the interests of an individual against the interests and rights of others. The freedom of speech
has its limits and it is important for ENAR to acknowledge where freedom of
expression ends and where racist speech starts. The important work done by ECRI
should be acknowledges in this regard and the collaboration with ECRI should be
maintained.
Activities
A.3.1. Framework Decision on Racism and Xenophobia
Goal: Support the development of a constructive legal tool tackling violence and hate speech on grounds of ethnic origin or religion on the EU level
On the 28th November 2001 the European
Commission adopted a proposal for a Framework Decision to cCombat rRacism and xXenophobia. The Council has more or less
achieved an agreement on the content of the draft proposal, but the current
signals concerning the adoption of the Framework Decision on Racism and
Xenophobia are rather negative (due, to among others things, to a general reservation of from Italy). In the past months governments
of EU mMember sStates have raised a number of objections and
reservations towards regarding this legal instrument. ENAR should
continue to lobby for the adoption of this instrument and look at it as an
interim step towards a more comprehensive and stringent legal instrument.
The new possibilities that might be given
through the new European Constitution might could open doors for action for by ENAR, if the draft Constitution is adopted by the
Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) in December 2003. As soon as possible ENAR
should start to develop more complete and comprehensive policy demands towards in relation to the EC to obtain the most
appropriate legal instrument, which is in this case an EU Framework law (formerly Directive). The Secretariat will therefore further monitor the policy
developments in this area and keep the network informed about them. This will
be done as appropriate in the newsletter or on the website.
A.3.2. Event on strategies to combat racism and xenophobia (fear, hatred and violence)
Goal: Provide for input into policy paper on strategies to combat racism and xenophobia
Up to now ENAR members orand the Board did not have not yet had the opportunity to discuss this
matter in a substantial way. In order to have create sufficient space and time for an exchange of information and views on this
subject it is suggested to hold an ENAR event on strategies to combat fear,
hatred and violence on grounds of ethnic origin or religion (racism and
xenophobia) through, amongst other things, a.o. penal law. The event should include
legal experts working in this context as well as NGOs which supporting victims of racial and religious hatred
and violence. This will allow ENAR to develop strategies leading to a general
policy paper on combating fear, hatred and violence on grounds of ethnic origin
or religion.
Ř Format
The format of the event would be similar to
the events held before. The event will would be held over two days with panel
discussions and workshops to be used for in-depth discussions on the topic.
This event should inform a Ppolicy Ppaper and should be designed accordingly to achieve this goal.
Ř Costs
The budget for this event should not exceed
65.000.00 Euro.
Ř Date and venue
This event should be held in September 2004.
A detailed proposal on for this event will be elaborated produced by the Secretariat in at a later stage and presented at a Bureau
meeting well in advance before the event needs to be prepared.
For this activity ENAR should seek to
obtain additional funding from foundations or funding organisations which supporting such activities.
A.3.3. Policy Ppaper
Goal: Define an ENAR position on this subject
As a follow- up to the publication that which ENAR issued in 2003 on European
strategies to combat racism and xenophobia as a crime, it is time for ENAR not
only to look at legal strategies but also to other strategies to combat racially
motivated crime.
WithIin the framework of debates held during Board
meetings (20th and 21st Board meetings for at least 3 hours each) and during the
event mentioned above, a policy paper should be developed as a follow- up to define and formulate the ENAR
position.
Actors
The Secretariat will monitor the developments on the Framework Decision on Racism and Xenophobia and will inform the network as appropriate. The Secretariat will develop a new policy strategy on this issue if the Draft Constitution is adopted in 2004, in order to increase our demands accordingly in relation to the new competencies established by the Constitution.
As usual, the Secretariat will develop a proposal for
the event and will share it with the Bureau for feedback and input. An external
conference assistant will be hired employed on an interim and part -time basis to prepare this event.
Timeline
As appropriate Monitoring developments on the Framework Decision / develop new policy
strategy accordingly to the changes in competence brought in by
the European Constitution.
June - September 2004 Preparation of event
11 - 12 September 2004 Event on racism and penal law
October 2004 Debate on subject at 20th BM
March 2005 Debate at 21st BM
April 2005 Drafting
of Ppolicy Ppaper
A.3.4. The future of JHA policies
Commissioner Vitorino has announced that the DG Justice and Home affairs will produce a document setting out policy orientations on Justice and Home Affairs for the new Commission and that this will be based on a broader consultation. ENAR will certainly provide input to this document by consulting NGO’s inside the network. It will equally encourage its members to contribute on an independent basis and with a national perspective to the development of such a policy.
Actors
The Secretariat will inform the network about the consultation and will draft a policy contribution on the issue.
Timeline
Spring 2004
A.4. Promoting equal treatment irrespective of ethnic origin or religion
Introduction
Combating racism, xenophobia and ethnic or
religious discrimination is a crucial step towards a more just and equal
society. It is, however, not enough, because the disadvantages
experienced by people with a minority ethnic or religious background are often
deeply rooted in the society. Consequently, that positive measure are needed to make
sure these people have first and foremost the same rights, but also the same
opportunities to achieve a similar standard of living and inclusion as the mainstream citizens.
A. 4.1. Promoting equal access to political rights
Introduction
The European Commission has published a Communication in 2003 on “mMigration, integration and employment”, which
emphasises, among other things, that racism, and ethnic and religious discrimination are
clear obstacles to integration. The Communication also stresses the importance
of the political involvement of third- country nationals in local, national and
European political life for their integration in these societies.
Access to equal rights, especially
political rights, for non-EU citizens constitutes a key theme and area of work
for ENAR. This work goes hand in hand with fighting discrimination. It leads to
the just fair involvement in
society [??]
of any all peopleperson residing in the EU and paves the way
for an open and receptive European region.
As one of the rights deriving from European
citizenship, EU citizens hold have the right to stand as candidates and to vote in local and
European Parliament elections in the Member State where they reside
permanently. What about third- country nationals residing legally and
permanently in an EU mMember sState? They have very different political
rights, depending on which mMember sState they reside in. Only in a small number
of EU countries, have governments have understood that granting political
rights on the local and European level enhances the involvement and integration
of those personsthese people and could constitute an interim
step in acquiring citizenship and the nationality of the Member State.
ENAR has lead a 2-year campaign calling for the creation
of an ‘EU citizenship of residence’. After a
debate byin the Board, it appeared that the campaign should be transformedfurther developed. It was decided to go over proceed to a next phase, beyond sensitisation awareness-raising amongof the broader wider public and of politicians, and to develop our demands in deeper greater detail. The political principles of
this campaign are reflected in the activities outlined below.
Activities
4.1.1. In-house research on access to political rights and on laws and procedures for naturalisation
Goal: Enhance ENAR’s knowledge on how third- country nationals acquire political rights
in an EU Member State.
If ENAR wishes to develop its demands
related to acquiring political rights and develop drawing up a comprehensive proposal based on factsthe
,facts,
[??]
there is a need for in-depth research
on how third -country nationals can acquire political
rights,; on laws granting such rights or and on laws on naturalisation if the
acquisition of such rights passes through is linked to naturalisation. Such research
will enable us to stress, on the ground ofbased on facts and figures, that there are huge discrepancies in the
way third- country nationals are treated in terms of the possibility to get of being politically involved in European
/national or local elections, depending on the Member State they reside in.
The Secretariat will perform the research to collect such information across
the EU. The factual information will be screened, processed and summarised in a
fact sheet, which will be widely disseminated within the network. The information will also
be put on the website and it will be used as a base for a further debate in by the Board.
4.1.2. Monitor and disseminate the results of the main research projects financed by the Commission DG Research on citizenship and integration
The 6th Framework Programme for rResearch of the Commission (DG Research) has
a specific branch on “citizens and governance in a knowledge-based society”.
This branch focuses amongst others on: “citizenship, democracy and new forms of
governance: implications of European integration and enlargement for governance
and the citizen; articulation of areas of responsibility and new forms of
governance; new forms of citizenship and cultural identities” (http://www.cordis.lu/citizens/citizens.htm)
These studies on citizenship and the link
of citizenship with the integration of migrants will certainly contribute to a
better understanding of the problem issues addressed byof
[??] the ENAR network.
The Secretariat will monitor and disseminate the outcomes of the different research projects under this branch of the 6th Framework Programme of DG Research.
4.1.3. Discussion at Board level on
access to political rights for third- country nationals
Goal: Achieve a common understanding on the issue amongst bBoard members
The ENAR bBoard will dedicate half a day of the 21st
Board meeting to debating positions concerning access to
political rights for third -country nationals.
4.1.4. Clearer policy demands on
access to political rights for third- country nationals
Goal: Define position of ENAR
The ENAR Secretariat will develop clearer
and more precise policy demands based on the input received at the event and
with the support of experts on this topic amongst ENAR members. Any paper based
on theseis new policy demands will be formally
adopted by the Bureau and will be disseminate widely in throughout the network and put on the ENAR
website. This policy paper will guide future- lobbying work of ENAR in this regard.
4.1.5. Information and media work
This topic will be covered as a lead article in one of the ENAR newsletters. To reach the wider public ENAR will proactively approach the EU and national media to cover this topic.
The Secretariat will propose or initiate
appropriate work in this area towards in relation to the media, based on the media strategy established produced in 2003 to make the positions of ENAR
known to the broader wider public.
4.1.6. Lobbying
Goal: Work for appropriate tools on the EU level to achieve equal access to
political rights for third- country nationals in the European Union
Based on the work ENAR has carried out through its citizenship campaign, we have seen the limitations of our arguments to carry out successful lobbying on a European citizenship of residence.
Concretise Devising clearer, more concrete demands in the context of
equal access to political rights will constitute a next step. These demands
will be presented to the relevant DG’s of the European Commission to propose, in the long run, the establishment of instruments to
harmonise the legal basis for third- country nationals concerning voting rights.
This work will be started in 2005 and needs to be continued in the following
work programme to enable results in athe long- term perspective.
In most EU Member States any political rights, whether to such as the right to stand or vote in
elections and at whatever political level, are intrinsically linked to the
concept of nationality of the country of residence. This means that one has people mustto acquire the nationality of the Member
State before being able to stand or vote in any elections. But nationality laws
are often very complex and differ widely between the different Member States, leading to unequal treatment between among third- country nationals residing legally in an EU Member State for the same duration.
There is a need for a harmonisation of access to nationality and citizenship
within the EU mMember sStates, bearing in mind that this is solely under
the authority of the national state.
The European Commission acknowledges this
and therefore launched the concept of ‘civic citizenship’. Up to now it seems to
be an empty concept, as besides launching the idea, the Commission has not
produced any information on its content. Given the position of the Commission, that naturalisation can help to foster
integration, there might be a possibility to approach
the Commission with progressive ideas. A small number of experts amongst the
network should work together on debating and developing proposals to feed into
the concept of civic citizenship. The Ppolicy Mmanager will support and co-ordinate this
action.
Actors
Secretariat:
-
Carry out research on political rights for third- country nationals and on national procedures
and laws on naturalisation
- Monitor the results of the projects on citizenship and integration under the 6th Framework Programme for Research of the European Commission
-
Develop proposal for event and take care ofn preparation
- Produce Ffact sheet
- Place relevant material on the ENAR website
- Formulate clearer policy demands (policy paper)
- Lead article in newsletter
- Press work as appropriate
- Lobbying as appropriate
Board/Bureau:
- Discuss the issue at 21st Board meeting
- Final adoption of new policy demands
- Form working group on civic citizenship
National co-ordinations:
- Give input into debate
-
Gather material on political rights for third- country nationals in their respective mMember sState and communicate it to the Secretariat
- Gather material on national procedures and laws for naturalisation
Timeline
PermanentContinuous Monitor
outputs of 6th Research Framework Programme on citizenship
Summer 2004 Receive input from NCs
September 2004 Form working group on civic citizenship
December Present outcome of working group to Board
November 2004 - February 2005 Prepare conference
March 2005 Fact sheet
March 2005 Place material on legal regime on voting rights on the ENAR website
March 2005 Debate at 21st Board meeting
April 2005 Draft general policy paper
April 2005 Formal adoption of policy paper
April 2005 Lead article in newsletter
A.5. Mainstreaming anti-racism into other EU policies
Introduction
Unfortunately, racism is reaching outextends in to all areas of policies and life. The
Commission has already committed itself to mainstreaming anti-racism in its other policies. ENAR
developed a general policy paper on mainstreaming in 2003, which sets the basis
for our further lobbying strategy in that area.
Depending on the adoption of the new European Constitution, we might furthermore get a specific legal basis that imposes the mainstreaming of anti-discrimination issues into all policies of the Union. This will strengthen the demands we can make to the Commission and we will lobby the Commission accordingly to obtain a clear Commission policy strategy on mainstreaming anti-discrimination and, more widely, anti-racism.
Activities
5.1.1. Keep the network updated
Goal: Increase awareness of areas where anti-racism is mainstreamed
Based on the general policy paper on mainstreaming, which ENAR finalised in the previous work programme period, the Secretariat will continue to monitor EU developments and update its knowledge on the anti-racism mainstreaming activities of the EC.
The Secretariat will furthermore lobby the
Commission accordingly to this policy paper and develop its
policy recommendations and demands on mainstreaming anti-racism, if new possibilities are given inarise through the EU Constitution.
Actors
Secretariat:
- Gather information on EU policies where anti-racism is mainstreamed
- Lobby the Commission according to the general policy paper produced in the previous work programme period and adapt this approach to the new EU Constitution
Board members:
- Support monitoring of EU policies and give input as appropriate
Timeline
PermanentlyContinuous Monitor
EU policy developments
As appropriate Lobbying the Commission
A.6.1. Key dates for ENAR
The 9th November (Commemoration of the Reichskristallnacht), 18th December (International day of migrants) and 21st March (international day against racism) are key dates for ENAR.
Actors
The Secretariat will develop activities as appropriate (event, press release, media attention, participation in official events, etc) to mark these days for ENAR.
A.6.2. National action plans as
follow- up of WCAR[3]
B. Unforeseen policy activities of ENAR
Activities not specified
On the basis of past experience, approximately one third of ENAR’s work cannot be planned or specifically scheduled, since the policy agenda may change or new issues may be introduced which were not foreseen. ENAR, and the Secretariat in particular, must be able and entitled to respond on such occasions in an appropriate manner. Should such an occasion occur, the Secretariat would communicate with the Bureau to receive an ad hoc mandate to act in an appropriate and timely manner.
C. Statutory/structural activities of ENAR
Introduction
ENAR has external tasks. Thoese are activities on policy developments in
the EU and asensuring that NGO views are presented and
appropriately reflected in decision-making. The activities envisaged to be targeted to at external stakeholders are sufficiently introduced detailed in Chapter Section A of the work programme.
ENAR as a membership organisation also has also a central task to look internally
towards its members and its internal structure. Only
with smoothly working decision- making procedures and the full support and
co-operation of its members can the network can develop its full capacity.
As Thus one of the tasks in front of before us is to enhance the ownership of
ENAR’s members. Through the ENAR database we are now able to identify ENAR’s
members. The database also gives the Secretariat the opportunity to directly
communicate with the members if need be.
C.1. Ownership of and representativenessity in the network
First Initial thoughts are being developed to possibly introduce a
membership fee system in the future, which will make sure that members feel a
responsibility towards ENAR as a structure and support the activities with a
small amountsum. Furthermore it will be crucial to
proactively involve the member organisations in the developments of ENAR
policies. This will guarantee representativenessity of the organisation towards EU
institutions. A basis for such representativenessity is a democratic and transparent structure
, may be it be in elections of national bBoard members or in a regular communication
about activities on the national level.
ENAR has established rules in the past and
will have adopted its oOperating mManual at the 2nd GA in March
2004. On this basis it will be crucial during this work programme period to
broadly implement those rules and to request transparency and documentation as
outlined in the oOperating mManual.
Activities
- Collect a complete set of documents (minutes, signed list of
participants at meeting of for elections, statement of representing the
NGO in the NC) on the election process in each NC. Non-compliance with this
rule will lead to the fact that representatives of the NC will havinge no voting rights during statutory meetings.
- Implement a comprehensive consultation mechanism on policy papers
- Develop a proposal on a membership fee system (see also fund raising)
Actors
The Secretariat, under the guidance of the Bureau, will make sure that the above -listed activities are implemented. Should
the NC not give the required support, the Bureau will deal with such matters and
will take appropriate decisionsaction.
Timeline
May - August 2004 Develop proposal on policy consultations in network
October - December 2004 Collect election documents
C.2. Enlarging the ENAR structure
Introduction
As mentioned before, the EU is facing a challenging phase. 10
new countries will join the EU in May 2004 with all its the associated financial, linguistic,
administrativeonal and political implications. One central
implication for ENAR is to establish national co-ordinations in those the accession countries during an interim
period, which will be defined by the EC. Based on the contact visits held in
2003/2004, ENAR needs to make an additional effort to
support the establishment of such NCs. Given the limited growth of the ENAR
budget, a certain amount of money needs to be dedicated to the staff,
communication, support and establishment of new co-ordinations.
Activities
-
Include NGOs of from accession countries in ENAR database and
mailing list
- Establish a direct and lively communication with accession country NGOs
- Revisit a limited number of countries to support formal the establishment of new NCs (up to 6 countries) with the involvement of Board members as appropriate.
-
Make statutory documents (oOperating mManual, statutes, etc) accessible to NGOs in
accession countries via the ENAR website
C.2.1. Induction conference in candidate countries
Goal: Attract new members in candidate countries
Given the very limited capacities in the
Secretariat to focus on the issue of building up the ENAR network in candidate
countries, an event in a central place in the
accession region to invite potential members of ENAR to a conference will be
held. for The conference will involve debatesing on topics relevant for NGOs in this region as
well as sessions on how ENAR works and how such
issues could be tackled in doingthrough networking and lobbying.
Ř Format
The conference will have an ENAR internal
character, with the aim of leading to attracting new members and possibly identifying interim co-ordinations in the countries concerned. The number of participants should
be max. 60 persons people over two days, 40 persons people from accession countries and 20 key persons people in the network from the ‘old’ EU
countries, including the relevant ENAR staff to
support the induction. It should be tThought should be given of to includinge a certain amount of time dedicated to
policy aspects in the accession countries in relation to racism and equal
treatment.
Ř Costs
The budget for this conference should not
exceed 65.00.0 Euro.
Ř Date and venue
This conference will be held in February
2005 in a central locationly located place such as Prague.
A detailed proposal on for this conference will be elaborated drawn up by the Secretariat in at a later stage and presented at a Bureau
meeting well in advance before the conference needs to be prepared.
Actors
The above-mentioned activities will be
carried out by the Secretariat. When it is felt appropriate to involve persons people with a political mandate (Bureau or
Board) the Secretariat will suggest this to the appropriate person/sindividual/s.
Timeline
Regularly Update membership database and mailing list
Throughout the year Communication with NGOs in accession countries
As appropriate Visits to accession countries
May 2004 Provide access to documents for accession members
Given the fare -reaching changes through the EU enlargement, ENAR is currently revising its statutes.
The number and task of statutory meetings might therefore change. A final
confirmation of the statutes will be done at ENAR’s 2nd GA in March
2004 in Lisbon. However, the ENAR bBoard needs to adopt its work programme and application to the EC in late 2003.
Decisions made during the 5th AEA in Palermo might need to be
revised, in case the new statutes might do not harmonise with the decisions made on
the budget 2004/2005.
Depending on the decisions made by the 2nd GA, the tasks of the Board and AEA might change.
It is suggested that the bBoard meetings solely focus solely on policy issues. The AEA should
combine the powers of the AEA and GA and should be held on an annual basis in
the format of what is currently called the AEA. The GA (former AEA) would continue
to follow the EU presidencies if the Presidency system iswill be kept by the EU.
Proposed meetings and dates for Board meetings and GA during the work programme period are:
20th Board meeting Saturday and Sunday, 16 - 17 October 2004, UK (to discuss: hatred and violence)
21st Board meeting Saturday
and Sunday, 25 - 278 March 2005, Brussels (to discuss: access to
rights, hatred and violence)
3rd GA (replacing AEA) Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 26 – 28 November 2004, Netherlands
Bureau meetings take place four times a year (max.) and last for a full day. These meetings exist to focus solely on management issues related to the implementation of the work programme and to take decisions between Board meetings. The Chair, two Vice Chairs, the Treasurer, three regional Bureau members and the Director participate.
The proposed dates are:
10th Bureau meeting 14 May 2004 in Brussels
11th Bureau meeting 13 September 2004 in Brussels in conjunction with ENAR event
12th Bureau meeting 11 December 2004 in Brussels
13th Bureau meeting 27 February 2005 in conjunction with ENAR event in France
Introduction
ENAR has in the past always done media work
to present statements and press releases to the public. It is felt that this
work needs to be further structured and systematised. A comprehensive media
strategy will need to be developed for the network on the EU level. Furthermore, ENAR should develop material improving the
visibility of ENAR, such as T-shirts, and other freebiesfree materials. A certain budget is. specifically dedicated to PR work.
Activities
- Develop proposal on comprehensive media strategy if not yet done so
- Monitor media output of ENAR
- Produce PR material and disseminate widely
- Produce PR brochure in FR
Actors
The Information Officer will be in charge in of carrying out the above-mentioned
activities
Timeline
May - July 2004 Develop media strategy if not yet done so
June Produce PR brochure in FR
As appropriate Implement media strategy
August - October 2004 Produce PR material
rRegularly Monitor
media impact
Introduction
During the ENAR’s 2003/2004 working period of ENAR a comprehensive fund raising strategy was developed and partially
implemented. In order to benefit from this work it would be crucial to continue
the efforts defined there. A budget of € 18..000 € will be needed to continue a contract with
an external fundraiser.
Activities
- Prepare and present applications to foundations as opportunities arise
-
Establish and/or maintain contacts to with the business community
- Develop a membership fee system
In order to diversify the sources of income of ENAR and to stabilise the own resources, which will increase over the time to come it is proposed to develop a membership fees system. This will be developed and debated over the year 2004 in order to receive widest input possible and to establish a system acceptable for most of the ENAR members.
- Explore further opportunities for third-party [??] funding sources
Actors
The fundraiser will implement its the defined fund raising strategy under the supervision of
the Director.
Timeline
May – August 2004 Develop membership fee system
The other activities will be carried out throughout the work programme period as stated in the fundraising plan, which is available upon request in the Secretariat.
Introduction
ENAR has currently 5 full -time staff members. Two of them are working
on administrativeonal issues. Only one person is focusing on
policy work and another one works on information and communication.
Furthermore it will be necessary to dedicate time and attention to new NCs in
accession countries. The current staff is fare from being sufficient. An effective network
in under the circumstances situation of ENAR, given the fact that the voluntary involvement of Board members is
very limited, needs a team that is able to implement the extensive work programme and to be able to react quickly on to issuespopping , which arise up at EU level. This is currently not
possible. It is therefore suggested to slightly increase the number of staff
members with two part- time posts with the option to further increase
staff in the future as need be. ENAR does not wish to follow the approach of
other EU networks and hire specific officers working specifically with the
accession countries. ENAR feels it is crucial to integrate the new NCs and the
relevant policy areas into the overall network structure and not to give them a
different status than ‘old’ NCs.
It is therefore intended to hire:
Policy Assistant, half time
With the responsibility to:
-
Research for material for policy papers and policy
measures on at EU level
- Support the Policy Manager in her tasks
- Monitor agenda of EU institutions
- Attend meetings in the EU institutions
Website and Reports Officer, half time
With the responsibility to:
- Maintain and update the ENAR website
-
Take care onn the production of the ENAR publications
- Co-ordinate the production of the Shadow reports
- Co-ordinate the production of any printed PR material
Activities
When all involved
decision-makers have agreed the following works needs to be done:
- Draft and agree job description for the new posts
-
Announce Advertise the posts and go through
recruitment process
-
Introduce Induct new staff members into their jobs
Actors
Negotiations on the funding will need to be done by the Director, with the support of the Treasurer if need be. Job descriptions need to be drafted by the Director and crosschecked by the Staffing group. The Staffing group, with the support of the Director, will go through the recruitment process as usual.
Timeline
Jan – April 2004 Negotiations
January 2004 Prepare JDs
February – March 2004 Recruitment procedure
May 2004 Start of new staff
D. ENAR services
Aim and activities
We have often experienced that official or
governmental reports on racism whitewash the real situation. We cannot continue
to hide reality behind the intention to describe the problem in a manner,, which underestimates it. Therefore, the
situation of victims and the views of NGOs must be presented in publicly
accessible reports. This will give ENAR the opportunity to draw the attention
of decision-makers to the serious situation of victims of racism and of ethnic and religious communities.
The national shadow reports aim to be used
in communications with government representatives, ministries, public administration
and bodies, as well as the media, to draw the attention of decision-makers and
the public to the severe problems existing in society with regard to racism. Furthermore, they will form and to build a starting point for
constructive action and visible improvement in the long term.
The ENAR co-ordinations will be requested
to produce national shadow reports (15) on the situation concerning racism situation in each EU member country and one
EU report on a specific theme for the calendar year 2004. This report should
clearly make a difference to governmental reports and aims to present the NGO
perspective on this matter.
Building on the national reports, ENAR will
publish a EU-wide report on the situation concerning racism. This is an
ambitious project and will only work if the vast majority of ENAR
co-ordinations provide with a well-drafted report along the
established guidelines, as outlined in the contract to be signed
with the author of the report. An external editor will be charged with the task
of structuring the information available from the national reports and editing
the EU-wide report.
Actors
For national/EU shadow reports:
- The NC will propose an author for the shadow report
-
The Secretariat will provide for the contract text to be signed by the
authors of the reports. The contract text includes detailed information
concerning the content and format of the report.
-
The editing, proof-reading and translation if
required will be within the responsibility of the author
- The Secretariat will harmonise the layout of the reports
ENAR European shadow report:
- The Secretariat will co-ordinate the production of the EU-wide report with the support of an external person
Timeline
October 2004 Identify authors in the 16 co-ordinations for shadow report
February 2005 Deliver national shadow reports to the Secretariat
April 2005 Publish EU-wide report
Nature of service
Information dissemination is an increasingly important service from
the Secretariat to the ENAR membership. Since the past work programme period, the website has experienced undergonean enormous improvement.
The website forms the public’s window on ENAR and should fully present all activities (whether of a political nature or otherwise). Various services described above and below will also be posted on the ENAR website. If not yet done so the website will be accessible for three audiences:
- The wider public
- Membership
- Board
Relevant documents will be placed on the various parts as appropriate.
Actors
The Website Officer, with support from national co-ordinations, concerning national activities, and the
external webmaster.
Timeline
As and when required
D.2.2. Monthly ENAR newsletter
Nature of service
Aim of newsletter and target group
In order to structure the information
flow from the EU level to the national level and horizontally between mMember sStates the regular monthly newsletter, ‘ENARgy’, will be continued to be published.
The newsletter will be targeted at ENAR members and the wider public with the aim of deepening their knowledge of EU issues. There is also the national dimension, which reflects a central perspective of the network. This newsletter aims also to support the flow of information horizontally between national co-ordinations to ensure that member organisations are aware of what happens in other co-ordinations.
‘ENARgy’ covers policy aspects, legal initiatives, meetings, dates, network internal debates and developments, publications and activities in the sector, etc. Each issue will have a lead article covering a certain policy aspect relevant for the network. The NCs are invited to contribute with relevant information from the national level to the newsletter. The newsletter will be posted on the website, thereby making it available to the wider public.
Format and content
It will include information about the
ongoing work and activities of ENAR. Another central aspect will be the policy
agenda of the EU in the areas in which ENAR is active, to allow the national
co-ordinations to react appropriately to legal measures and to become involved
in lobbying on the EU and national levels. Various policy areas will be covered
in the form of lead articles. In order to have
full capacity to react on to the latest policy aspects, it is recommended to leave it to the
Secretariat to decide on the chronology of the topics for lead articles.
Developments concerning the ENAR work programme, as well as policy developments in the EU, should form the core of the ENAR newsletter. A timetable of NGO-relevant dates, meetings and conferences, as well as the official EU meetings and partnerships for projects will be included. The newsletter should comprise about five to ten pages per month, depending on the relevant news available.
The newsletter will be made available in
electronic format (pdf. format), to be disseminated by the Board members or
co-ordinators to the national/EU constituency. This will guarantee a regular
information flow and will encourage member organisations to contribute to the
information dissemination with reports concerning their activities. It would
also enable individuals or organisations,, which are not members of ENAR to receive
information on a regular basis.
‘ENARgy’ will be published in English. If funding allows a FR version will follow during the work programme period.
Actors
Information Officer
Timeline
Regularly on a monthly basis
Aim and target group
Board Info Sheets aim to inform Board
members exclusively about issues they need to be aware of in their function as board membersBM’s. These sheets are for internal use only.
Nature of the service
The Secretariat will continue to prepare Board Info Sheets on relevant issues concerning financial and management issues, etc. relevant to the ENAR Board.
Actors
Director
Timeline
As and when required
Aim and target group
Fact sheets aim to inform ENAR members about relevant policy issues.
Nature of the service
Fact sheets will be prepared on issues as
outlined in the work programme, such as the Employment Strategy, Tthe EQUAL programme, Ssocial Eexclusion, and voting rights of third- country nationals.
Actors
Policy Manager
Timeline
As and when required
D.3. Training for network members
ENAR is able to offer two training seminars
on issues,, which are central for to the profile and performance of the
network. The aim of the seminars is to enhance the skills, knowledge and
capacity of central individuals in the network in relation to specific issues
during the work programme period.
The programmes of the training seminars are tailor- made and require detailed preparation by the
Secretariat and trainers to specifically address the ENAR target group.
The seminars are free of charge for one person from each co-ordination. The people who have responsibility for the particular theme/area covered in the seminar in their co-ordinations are requested to attend. Participants are required to report to the national membership about the training and use the knowledge gained to add value to the performance of their co-ordination.
The seminars are held over one full day or two half-days depending on the available options and are always adjacent to a weekend.
The participants will be supported with
hard copy material during the seminar for beingto en able them to intensify consolidate the lessonsissues learned.
External experts with a high level of
expertise in training are required to support the preparation and conduct of
the seminars. A reasonable remuneration will be dedicated paid to such experts.
Topics selected:
1. Instruments of the EU to promote equal treatment
As outlined in the work programme, there are a number of instruments available to promote equal treatment in employment. These instruments, such as the Employment Strategy or EQUAL, are not widely known and not used by NGOs to promote equal treatment actively. The seminar aims to introduce such tools in depth to allow proactive usage.
2. Governance
Around October 2004 all NCs will have to
hold elections for Board members. A number of bBoard members might be re-elected, while others might change and might not
have experience in of European NGO work. In order to allow all
Board members to have a common basis to work from and to be fully empowered for their task
in on the ENAR bBoard, it is suggested to run a training seminars of two days to look into governance issues
for ENAR bBoard members. This would be a continuation
of the ENAR review and its findings. The seminar will allow to use the experience made since then to be used and to reflect on governance needs of a European
NGO structure such as ENAR to be reflected on.
Actor
Secretariat with the support of external seminar assistants
Timeline
1st seminar 11 – 12 June 2004, Ireland
2nd seminar 28 – 29 January 2005, Austria
D.4. Information on funding opportunities on the website
Nature of service
The ENAR network has improved its the services it providesd to member organisations. As funding for
national anti-racism work is more and more insecure, NGOs need to keep their
eyes open for EU funding and funding from foundations.
It is suggested to continue that the regular update be continued of available EC budget lines
under the terms agreed for the past work programme period (monitoring relevant
EC budget lines, summarise the information on open calls, provide with text in
e-format for website). The service is remunerated with €250€ per month and a new annual contract would
be signed from for May 2004 to April 2005.
Actors
External information provider
Timeline
On a regular basis
D.5. ENAR annual report in printed edition
ENAR is required to present activity reports on various occasions (instalments from Commission, AEAs, GAs, etc.). If funding allows we could consider producing an edition of an annual report at the end of this budget period for PR purposes. This means laying out and printing the annual report, including the activity report, financial report, descriptions of events, photos, etc.). Such a publication aims to support professional PR work and can be used as appropriate to present ENAR to a wider public.
However, it the idea ofshould be considered to do producing such an activity report on an
annual basis should be considered in future.
Format
About 28 pages
Full-colour cover, body text in two colours
A4 or A5
Up to eight photos and graphics
It needs to be decided if whether such a report will be published in EN
and FR or only in EN according to the available budget.
Actor
Secretariat
Timeline
January 2005 Prepare texts and photos
February 2005 Translation into French
April 2005 Layout and printing
E. Assessment of work programme 2004/2005
ENAR is a learning organisation.
The work programme presented is
comprehensive, far-reaching and ambitious. It will not be sufficient simply to
define the work to be carried out. As already agreed in the past work programme period, a Pperformance Mmanagement system was brought put in place. This system will be adjusted to
the new work programme and experience from last year will be
evaluated to improve it. ENAR intends to continue to work with the external
evaluator and needs to dedicate an appropriate amount of money for this service.
Activities and actors
-
External evaluator supports the definition of Pperformance Iindicators for this work programme
- The Secretariat will monitor the implementation of the overall work programme on a monthly basis.
- The Secretariat will regularly provide the Board with update reports on the implementation of the work programme at Board meetings
- The external evaluator will provide for a final assessment report after the finalisation of the work programme
Timeline
May 2004 Definition
of Pperformance indicators
May 2005 Final external assessment of work performance by evaluator
Overview of concrete activities
- Events
ENAR will hold 2 conferences within this WP. The topics are:
1. Racism and criminal law
2. Induction conference in accession countries
- Publication
1. Political and legal impact of the EU constitution on anti racism work
- Training seminars
The budget allows for two training seminars during the work programme period.
1. Governance for new board members
2. EU tools to promote equal treatment
- Fact sheets
1. Employment Strategy
2. EQUAL programme
3. Social exclusion
4. Voting rights
- Policy papers
1. Racism and xenophobia, hatred and violence
2. Access to political rights
- Working groups to be established
1. Civic Citizenship (up to 5 persons from amongst the ENAR membership)
- Reports
1. 16 national/EU shadow reports
2. European Shadow report
3. Annual activity report
Timetable of meetings *
|
Month |
Date |
Day |
Event |
|
April 2004 |
|
|
New budget period |
|
May |
14 |
Friday |
10th Bureau meeting, Brussels |
|
June |
11 -12 |
Friday/Saturday |
1st Training seminar, Ireland |
|
July |
|
|
|
|
August |
|
|
|
|
September |
11 - 12 |
Saturday/Sunday |
1st event, Brussels |
|
|
13 |
Monday |
11th Bureau meeting, Brussels |
|
October |
16 - 17 |
Saturday/Sunday |
20th Board meeting, UK |
|
November |
26 - 28 |
Friday to Sunday |
3rd GA (replacing 6th AEA), Netherlands |
|
December |
11 |
Saturday |
12th Bureau meeting, Brussels |
|
January 2005 |
28 - 29 |
Friday/Saturday |
2nd Training seminar, Austria |
|
|
late |
|
Publication if choice is ‘EU measure
employment’ |
|
February |
25 - 26 |
Friday/Saturday |
2nd event, France |
|
|
27 |
Sunday |
13th Bureau meeting, France |
|
March |
25 - 27 |
Friday to Sunday |
21st Board meeting, Brussels |
|
April |
end |
|
Close budget |
*The dates are carefully selected to avoiding religious holidays. No objections were
raised during the 5th AEA. Herewith the dates are adopted.BM