Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2001-12-13-Speech-4-171"
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"en.20011213.12.4-171"2
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"Mr President, the Commission too is deeply concerned by the repetition of such a dramatic event. Everyone has in mind the tragic deaths of 58 Chinese stowaways in Dover last year, but unfortunate people die almost every week trying to reach what they consider to be a unique area of peace and prosperity. Smuggling and trafficking of human beings are nowadays increasingly carried out by criminal organisations which profit from the distress of women, men and children in search of a better life or in need of international protection.
Although many measures have already been taken at national level and under Schengen cooperation to tackle this horrendous form of crime, the Commission can understand the frustration expressed by Parliament when confronted with the apparent failure of existing instruments. There is definitely a need for enhanced action and cooperation at national, European and international level. This is why the Commission put forward in November a communication on a common policy on illegal immigration, aiming at creating synergy of national efforts by adding a European dimension.
One of the main messages flowing from this communication is that preventing and fighting illegal immigration is part and parcel of a comprehensive migration policy. It is crucial in building up support for a common asylum regime based on the highest humanitarian standards, as well as genuine immigration policy in line with our tradition of hospitality and solidarity.
More efficient controls at the external borders, improved consular cooperation and reinforced police and judicial cooperation, are key elements. Nevertheless, there is more to it than that: partnership with countries of origin and transit, a policy of sustainable return for illegal immigrants and the fight against undeclared work are all essential in this regard. All this must be achieved in full compliance with international obligations and human rights.
The framework decision on combating trafficking in human beings, the directive on carriers' liability and the directive and the framework decision on the liability of smugglers, already approved by the Council, are only first steps. In a broader framework, it is crucial to ensure a swift ratification and a coordinated implementation of the UN Palermo Convention against transnational organised crime and its two protocols on trafficking and smuggling, which now form the basis for a global recognition of the problem and a stronger approach to tackle it.
The Laeken Summit is now only a couple of days away. This will be the occasion for a mid-term review of the implementation of the Tampere conclusions. This should provide a unique opportunity to give a new impetus to a much needed common immigration and asylum policy. The Union is indeed behind schedule in these areas. A major political effort to fill these gaps as soon as possible would be our best tribute to the memory of the victims of Wexford.
But rather than looking at the global perspective, the rich world has some soul-searching and wallet-searching to do. The general level of development assistance flowing from north to south is an unsatisfactory 0.22% of the GNP of the rich countries. There is a link between this and what we are discussing here and this also defines the challenge we have to face."@en1
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