The Assembly,
Considering that European society is based upon the respect for the dignity of man, and has as its aim the betterment of his conditions,
Considering that the unification of the social legislation of the Member States represents an essential step in the progressive unification of Europe,
Recommends to the Committee of Ministers that a common policy in social matters should be adopted by Member States of the Council of Europe.
The efforts of the Council of Europe towards the creation of a European Code of Social Security, based. on Assembly Recommendation 28 adopted on the 24th August, 1950, should be continued, in close collaboration with the International Labour Organisation.
In accordance with the need which gave rise to Assembly Recommendation 3, adopted on the 14th May, 1951, the Council of Europe should participate effectively in the solution of the European manpower problem.
The Assembly Recommendation 31, adopted on the 26th August, 1950, calling for a Committee of Experts to draw up a programme of collaboration relating to housing, and the creation of a Technical Building Centre, should be put into effect.
Joint action should be undertaken within the framework of the Council of Europe for the purpose of furthering the general ratification of international conventions adopted by the International Labour Organisation, With this in view a Committee of Experts on labour conditions should be appointed to study the obstacles which exist in the Member States to the ratification of these conventions, as well as the means to hasten ratification.
The Council of Europe should follow closely the social aspects of the action undertaken by European States within the framework of the O. E. E. C, and particularly the measures relating to migration within Europe.
The Council of Europe should follow closely the social effects of the establishment and activities of the Specialised Authorities, particularly of the Coal and Steel Pool. The purpose would be primarily to detect any risks threatening the social conditions in the Member States of the Council of Europe as a result of the activities of the specialised authorities, and to endeavour to ensure common action by its Member States to counteract such risks. Secondly, and on a long-term basis, the Council of Europe should study common arrangements in the social field which might be developed by the States participating in the specialised authorities.
The Council of Europe should study methods of ensuring regular contacts between the social administrations of the Member States, taking into account the experiences of the Brussels Treaty Powers and the Scandinavian countries in the establishment of such contacts.
The Council of Europe should seek to avoid any duplication of effort in the social field with the work being carried on by other organisations. It should therefore endeavour to ensure the essential co-ordination of these various activities, in collaboration with the organisations in question.