BELGRADE, 8 April 2010 – The Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, Ambassador Dimitrios Kypreos, in recognition of the International Day of Roma, today expressed his hope that the Roma community will be fully included in Serbian society.

The International Day of Roma is marked throughout the world as a day to celebrate the cultural achievements and positive contributions of Roma and raise awareness of their continued plight and efforts to achieve full equality.

The Head of the OSCE Mission highlighted the significance of the role played by the Roma National Minority Council in Serbia and expects a positive impact in advocating for education, official use of language, culture and media. He also noted the work of Roma health mediators, teaching assistants and non-governmental organizations, all of whom are working toward advancing the position of Roma.  

“I applaud the efforts of those working on behalf of Roma rights and would particularly like to highlight the contributions made by Roma women in advocating for inclusion and gender equality,” he said. 

“The OSCE Mission remains committed to supporting the efforts of state institutions and Roma organizations in their efforts to promote Roma integration in Serbian society on the road towards the European Union.”