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OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina congratulates Roma on their International Day
SARAJEVO 8 April 2002
SARAJEVO, 8 April 2002 - On the occasion of 8 April, the international day of Roma, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina extends congratulations and good wishes to the Roma community in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina is determined to continue in its efforts to help improve the social situation of the Roma in Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as its political representation in the country. In this respect the Mission counts on the continued support of the political authorities.
In November last year 22 Roma NGOs, together with government representatives, adopted the Roma Platform. The platform contains concrete recommendations for political participation of Roma in the country, broader integration of Roma children in the educational system, and better access to social and health care. It also aims to give Roma refugees and displaced persons a perspective for sustainable return. Another significant development was the formation of the Council of Roma, the first Roma representative body ever in the country. It has nine members elected from all Roma NGOs in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
"Discrimination and disadvantaging of Roma unfortunately has a long tradition in the whole of Europe. I am very satisfied that in Bosnia and Herzegovina concrete steps have been undertaken to overcome the difficulties of the Roma Community. OSCE is proud to have played a significant role in these efforts. It will not slacken in its support for Roma and other minorities", said Ambassador Dieter Woltmann, Acting Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The OSCE established its present Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina on 18 December 1995. In accordance with the General Framework Agreement for Peace (GFAP), the OSCE Mission activities are to: promote Democratization and the building of a vibrant civil society, foster the development of professional journalism and monitor the rights of journalists, monitor and advance the Human Rights situation, supervise the conduct of Elections, and encourage Regional Stabilization through arms control and confidence and security-building measures. The OSCE Mission continues to work closely with other international organizations and local institutions to implement the Dayton Peace Accords.
The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina is determined to continue in its efforts to help improve the social situation of the Roma in Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as its political representation in the country. In this respect the Mission counts on the continued support of the political authorities.
In November last year 22 Roma NGOs, together with government representatives, adopted the Roma Platform. The platform contains concrete recommendations for political participation of Roma in the country, broader integration of Roma children in the educational system, and better access to social and health care. It also aims to give Roma refugees and displaced persons a perspective for sustainable return. Another significant development was the formation of the Council of Roma, the first Roma representative body ever in the country. It has nine members elected from all Roma NGOs in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
"Discrimination and disadvantaging of Roma unfortunately has a long tradition in the whole of Europe. I am very satisfied that in Bosnia and Herzegovina concrete steps have been undertaken to overcome the difficulties of the Roma Community. OSCE is proud to have played a significant role in these efforts. It will not slacken in its support for Roma and other minorities", said Ambassador Dieter Woltmann, Acting Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The OSCE established its present Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina on 18 December 1995. In accordance with the General Framework Agreement for Peace (GFAP), the OSCE Mission activities are to: promote Democratization and the building of a vibrant civil society, foster the development of professional journalism and monitor the rights of journalists, monitor and advance the Human Rights situation, supervise the conduct of Elections, and encourage Regional Stabilization through arms control and confidence and security-building measures. The OSCE Mission continues to work closely with other international organizations and local institutions to implement the Dayton Peace Accords.