Andrews says Amsterdam Treaty boosts protection of fundamental rights
Department of Foreign Affairs Press Release
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Andrews says Amsterdam Treaty boosts protection of fundamental rights
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, David Andrews TD has highlighted the fact that the Amsterdam Treaty adds significantly to the protection of fundamental rights within the European Union.
"The new Treaty makes clear that the European Union is founded on principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. It makes respect for these principles a condition of EU membership. It is important that the human rights principles cherished by EU member States are now enshrined in the EU Treaty. Far from diminishing human rights protection, as some have suggested, this move will ensure that our national commitment to human rights in reinforced by appropriate action at EU level. Through the Amsterdam Treaty, the EU will be sending a strong, clear signal to the world community that fundamental rights are at the heart of the European project, as they always have been," Mr Andrews said.
The Minister pointed out that "the Treaty establishes, for the first time, a sanctions procedure for use against any Member State seriously and persistently breaching human rights principles. This is indicative of the Union's determination to ensure that respect for human rights is a concrete reality and not just a pious aspiration".
Mr Andrews explained that the Treaty expands the role of the European Court of Justice to cover the activities of the Union in the field of justice and home affairs. "This will ensure that the increased effectiveness of the Union in the fight against crime is matched with increased protection for the rights of individuals".
Turning to non-discrimination and equality, Mr Andrews said that the Treaty makes it one of the purposes of the Union to promote equality between men and women. "If the Treaty is ratified, all Union policies will be required to contribute to this objective. The Treaty strengthens existing provisions on equal pay and Member States are allowed to take positive action to remedy past discrimination."
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Mr Andrews stressed that the social provisions of the Treaty have been strengthened and now apply to all Member States. "Of particular note are the provisions aimed at ending social exclusion which were initiated by Ireland and of which we can justly be proud".
The Treaty also contains a provision allowing for action against discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age and sexual orientation. Mr Andrews said it was important to ensure the single market is developed in a way consistent with the needs of persons with a disability.
"Taken together, these provisions represent a qualitative step forward for the Union in its protections of fundamental rights. A vote in favour of the Amsterdam Treaty will ensure the Union's future as a political entity with the rights of individuals at its the core." Mr Andrews said.
