THE 'RIGHT STUFF' - DEFINING YOUR RIGHTS AS A CITIZEN OF EUROPE: HAVE YOUR SAY

Call for Evidence by the European Committee

On behalf of the Scottish Parliament's European Committee, Dennis Canavan MSP has launched an inquiry into the proposed European Charter for Fundamental Rights.

This Charter is currently being discussed across Europe and will be established by the member states. It should address three key questions:

1. What are, or should be, your rights (human, political, social economic etc) as a citizen of the European Union?

2. How can these be exercised and/or enforced?

3. To whom can complaints be made and how does the Charter protect your rights as a result of decisions taken by the European institutions (Commission, Parliament, Council etc)?

Dennis wants to hear from a wide spectrum of organisations and individuals from across Scotland to pull together a uniquely Scottish perspective on the proposed Charter, what it should consist of and how it can, or should be, enforced. This inquiry aims also at encouraging informed debate on such an important development in the European Union. The call for evidence is open to all, from the specialist organisation to interested members of the public as a whole.

Further Background to the Charter

For more details on the background and history of the proposed Charter, including its current state of development, Dennis has produced a Background Paper to help set out the key issues. This can be down loaded by clicking on the hyperlink above.

A "Charter" of Fundamental Rights in Scotland: Have your say.

Evidence is invited from interested parties on the following issues: what should be in the Charter; do we need such a thing; what status should it have; which institutions ought to be bound by the Charter and; how citizens will be able to enforce their rights.

Submitting evidence

If you are interesting in submitting evidence and material to us, the please send this to:

Dennis Canavan MSP
Room 1.17
Scottish Parliament Headquarters
George IV Bridge
Edinburgh EH99 1SP

Or by email to dennis.canavan.msp@scottish.parliament.uk

Notes

1. Please mark your submission, "Evidence for Fundamental Rights Inquiry"

2. Please send material in electronic format (MS Word) if possible (witnesses should note that their evidence may be published in the final report)

3. The deadline for replies is the 31st August 2000

BACKGROUND NOTES

The committee's membership is as follows: Dennis Canavan, Bruce Crawford, Winnie Ewing, Hugh Henry (Convener), Sylvia Jackson, Cathy Jamieson (Deputy Convener), Margo MacDonald, Maureen Macmillan, David Mundell, Irene Oldfather, Tavish Scott, Ben Wallace and Allan Wilson.