NCJ Number
169832
Date Published
1995
Length
242 pages
Annotation
This general and comparative study of current problems in human rights and civil liberties in the countries of the European Union also addresses how laws are made at the European level, the defects of the system, and what might be done to improve human rights conditions.
Abstract
The first chapter explains the decisionmaking structure of the Union, as amended by the Maastricht treaty, followed by a chapter on the protection of human rights in Europe. The latter chapter distinguishes between the European Union and the older Council of Europe. Other chapters examine particular areas of concern, including measures flowing from the abolition of internal frontiers, the treatment of refugees, immigration policy, racism and discrimination, police cooperation, and data protection. These chapters explain which individual rights are covered by European Community law and are capable of improvement and which are currently left to the decisions of national governments. Attention is given to the "gray area" of matters coming under Title VI of the Maastricht treaty. This covers the field of justice and home affairs, including sensitive areas of policy that remain the least accessible to democratic control by European or national parliaments. Judicial control is also crucial. Discussion of these topics is illustrated by profiles of seven Member States: France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The responses of these governments are discussed in the context of the differing mechanisms for the national monitoring of respect for human rights. Key issues for reform are identified, and suggestions for improvement are offered. Appended sources of information and a subject index