Part of the act4europe campaign initiated by the Civil Society Contact Group

Development Co-operation and humanitarian assistance subordinated to the military power and the fight against terrorism

The praesidium of the Convention on the future of Europe presented on the 27^th of May the second draft of future European Constitutionnal Treaty. While welcoming the improvements made to the last draft of the constitutional treaty in the field of development, Eurostep would like to call attention to the fact that several amendments tabled to improve the section on humanitarian aid have been rejected, and further steps must still be taken in the area of development co-operation.

Eurostep, together with Solidar, Voice and the International Federation of Terres des Hommes, is calling on members of the Convention to safeguard key areas of development and humanitarian policy in the text of the proposed European Convention.

The subordination of development policy to the European military defence is still present in the draft presented by the Praesidium whereas according to Simon Stocker, Director of Eurostep “An independent and comprehensive EU development policy is vital for tackling the root causes of poverty – which is ultimately the only way to gain the global security that we seek.”

Furthermore the article on development co-operation still does not legally apply to all developing countries, which could lead to problems in the implementation of development policy, and the principle of partnership with governments and participation of civil society is totally absent of those proposed articles.

Moreover an amendment introducing humanitarian aid as a tool for fight against terrorism as been incorporated in the draft. This would change the nature of humanitarian assistance as Simon Stocker said that “The only fight to which humanitarian aid should be called is the fight against poverty and human suffering”.

Finally the principle of neutrality which is another fundamental principle of humanitarian assistance is still missing in the humanitarian assistance article. Neutrality contributes to greater access to intended beneficiaries and is often a vital element in relation to the security of aid workers. It can help to ensure non-discriminatory and needs-based humanitarian aid delivery.

Eurostep is actively following the work of the Convention and has made many proposals on the future role of development policy in the Union.

Friday, 30 May 2003

Press Contact:

Simon Stocker: Tel: +32 2 231 1659; E-mail: [email protected]

Florent Sebban:Tel: +32 2 234 6231; E-mail: [email protected]