Initiative for Social Cohesion (ISC) for South Eastern Europe

We, the participants of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe, building on the objectives identified at the Sarajevo summit and at the subsequent Regional Tables in Brussels in September 1999 and Thessaloniki in June 2000.

Acknowledge that :

• there can be no lasting peace and stability in South Eastern Europe without social justice and social cohesion within stable democracies;

• that differential access to resources on the basis of ethnic, religious or linguistic affiliations can increase the risk of conflict;

• the countries of South Eastern Europe are the owners of this initiative and their full efforts in and commitments to this undertaking are critical to its success.

Consider that:

• the promotion of social justice and social cohesion will contribute to the integration of the countries of South Eastern Europe into the political and economic mainstream of Europe;

• close collaboration between countries, international organizations, donors and the different initiatives of the Stability Pact is essential for the achievement of the objectives of the Initiative for Social Cohesion.

Reaffirm our commitment to :

• the principles embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in the European Convention on Human Rights;

• the International Labour Organization's (ILO) Declaration On Fundamental Principals and Rights at Work and its follow-up;

• the principles of the relevant legal instruments of the Council of Europe in the social field (the European Social Charter, the Revised Social Charter, the European Code of Social Security and the Revised Code);

• and other relevant international conventions, agreements and recommendations including those of the Council of Europe, the European Union and the ILO.

Emphasize that :

• sound economic development and growth go hand in hand with social development and social protection;

• the creation of employment and promotion of decent work for men and women are fundamental for achieving lasting stability and social cohesion;

• the promotion of good governance through legal, structural and management reforms to improve effectiveness of transparent and democratic public administration as well as through enhancement of institutional capacities at national, local and community level is a pre-condition for social and economic development;

• the improved integration of ethnic minorities, vulnerable groups and groups affected by war as well as the reduction of social tensions at country and regional level are essential for lasting stability;

• close co-operation between government authorities and representatives of the civil society, in particular social partners is essential to increase social cohesion and reduce social exclusion and poverty.

Agree that priority measures to further social cohesion include:

• taking effective measures on the basis of existing relevant international instruments, in particular those of the Council of Europe, European Union, International Labour Organization and United Nations, notably with the aim of familiarizing these countries with the social dimension of the European Union and bringing their employment and social systems closer to the standards of the European Social Model;

• strengthening tripartism and social dialogue between governments and representatives of employers and workers;

• supporting civil society organizations and strengthening their important role in social policy development

• taking measures to ensure equal access to social protection, public utilities, health care, housing, employment opportunities, educational and training facilities for all members of society through the promotion of socially inclusive institutions;

• improving the prospects for youth and women through multi-sectoral interventions, enhancing their social and economic opportunities, particularly through employment creation and trauma relief;

• Combatting the trafficking of human beings, particularly women and children, in close collaboration with other initiatives in this field.

Ask the Chair of the Working Table on Economic Reconstruction, Development and Cooperation to:

• invite representatives from Stability Pact beneficiary countries, interested international organizations and donors, the office of the Special Coordinator, the social partners and relevant non-governmental organizations to form a Social Cohesion Initiative Consultative Group, which will give overall guidance to the Initiative, recommend strategies and projects for implementing the priorities and monitor overall progress of the Initiative for Social Cohesion;

• invite the office of the Special Coordinator of the Stability Pact to act as the Secretariat of the Consultative Group in collaboration with members of the group to be designated;

• present an Action Plan for the Stability Pact’s Initiative for Social Cohesion to the next meeting of the Working Table on Economic Reconstruction, Development and Cooperation.

Istanbul, 17 October 2000