25 January 2001

Bonn, Germany: Parliamentarians from the Council of Europe's 41 member states late Wednesday adopted a recommendation on the International Year of Volunteers 2001 (IYV 2001) which urges governments to promote pro-volunteer policies and remove legal obstacles hindering people from engaging in voluntary action.

The recommendation report by the Council of Europe's Social, Health and Family Affairs Committee entitled "Improving the status and role of volunteers as a contribution by the Parliamentary Assembly to the International Year of Volunteers", highlights steps to promote "dynamic" policies favouring voluntary action. It also calls on European countries to declare a European Day of Volunteerism and raise awareness of volunteers throughout IYV 2001.

According to Sharon Capeling-Alakija, Executive Coordinator of the Bonn-based United Nations Volunteers programme (UNV), the recommendation is an important reference point for member states of the Council of Europe. "It is an overarching framework for IYV National Committees across Europe to use in their own work to promote volunteerism," she said. "There is a large constituency that will be able to take advantage of this legislation."

The recommendation urges member states to: grant legal status and adequate social protection to volunteers; encourage involvement in voluntary service by everyone, including disadvantaged minorities in traditionally excluded groups: unemployed persons, migrants and the disabled or elderly and assist in supporting; and developing voluntary action initiatives, particularly by allocating financial resources.

During the council debate, a member of parliament from the United Kingdom said British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his entire cabinet had agreed to contribute a full day to volunteering activity during the course of IYV 2001.

At this week's Parliamentary Assembly deliberations, Ms. Capeling-Alakija held talks with the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, Walter Schwimmer, President of the Parliamentary Assembly, Lord Russell-Johnston and Finnish President Tarja Halonen. The UN General Assembly designated UNV as focal point for IYV 2001.