Strasbourg, 20/12/2001 (Agence Europe) - The Ministerial Committee of the Council of Europe have just adopted a recommendation in which it will ask Member States to provide subsidiary protection to people requesting asylum on their territory but who do not satisfy the criteria for refugee status defined in the 1951 Convention. A press release indicated that this protection ought to be provided by decisions reached on a case by case and long term basis. The recommendation sets out the guidelines for granting protection and the minimum standards of treatment, including the handing in of documents certifying their legal status and a travel warrant, access to the courts and administrative authorities, free circulation and fundamental social and economic rights. Family Regroupment provisions for refugees and other persons needing international protection should also apply to persons benefiting from subsidiary protection. The Recommendation also calls on Member States to establish long term residence permits to these beneficiaries, especially after their stay has exceeded five years
The Committee of Ministers also adopted a recommendation on improving the economic situation for Roma/Gypsies and travellers in Europe.