Newsroom
OSCE support to World Roma Congress in Poland
SARAJEVO 30 April 2002
SARAJEVO, 30 April 2002 - The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) wishes the participants of the 2nd Roma World Congress, which opens tomorrow, May 1, success in drafting and adopting constructive conclusions and recommendations, that will benefit Roma in BiH as well as elsewhere. The agenda of the 2nd World Roma Congress in Lodz, Poland, addresses important issues facing the Romani population all around the world.
The OSCE is aware of the general lack of political participation of Roma in BiH and widespread discrimination in the fields of employment, education, housing, and health. The international community in Bosnia and Herzegovina has highlighted Roma issues as a human rights priority for the coming year and emphasized the following goals:
Together with representatives of the government of BiH, 22 Romani NGOs adopted a Roma Platform in November 2001. 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 addresses specific difficulties of Roma refugees and displaced persons aimed at giving them a perspective for sustainable return.
Another significant development was the establishment of the Council of Roma, the first Roma representative body ever established in BiH. It is composed of nine members, elected by all Roma NGOs in BiH.
The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue to support and facilitate activities of Roma, with the aim of improving their situation and realize their rights in the country.
The OSCE is aware of the general lack of political participation of Roma in BiH and widespread discrimination in the fields of employment, education, housing, and health. The international community in Bosnia and Herzegovina has highlighted Roma issues as a human rights priority for the coming year and emphasized the following goals:
- To promote the representation of Roma in the governmental structures of BiH,
- To ensure local authorities provide utilities, healthcare and education facilities for Roma refugees in camps and provide for increased freedom of movement in and out of the camps,
- To ensure that Roma communities are able to participate in defining and addressing the concerns and needs of their members.
Together with representatives of the government of BiH, 22 Romani NGOs adopted a Roma Platform in November 2001. 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 addresses specific difficulties of Roma refugees and displaced persons aimed at giving them a perspective for sustainable return.
Another significant development was the establishment of the Council of Roma, the first Roma representative body ever established in BiH. It is composed of nine members, elected by all Roma NGOs in BiH.
The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue to support and facilitate activities of Roma, with the aim of improving their situation and realize their rights in the country.