Fields of work

Roma and Sinti

Helping improve the situation of Roma and Sinti—historically one of the most discriminated national minorities in the OSCE region—is a central human rights activity of the Organization.

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ODIHR and Roma and Sinti issues: Factsheet

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Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

Our challenge

Many factors can affect security and stability, often across borders, population segments or the OSCE’s three dimensions.

Centuries of discrimination and persecution have pushed the Roma and Sinti to the margins of society, making them one of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged minorities in Europe and the OSCE region. Many continue to face widespread racism and discrimination and have limited access to basic rights and services. Roma women and girls in particular are often subject to multiple forms of discrimination.

We will reinforce our efforts to ensure that Roma and Sinti are able to play a full and equal part in our societies, and to eradicate discrimination against them.

Our action

Building on our comprehensive and co-operative approach to security, we work on strategies to tackle the issue head-on.

Based on a key document, the Action Plan on Improving the Situation of Roma and Sinti within the OSCE Area, we work on a range of issues to ensure that the rights of Roma and Sinti are respected. This includes ensuring equal access and opportunities in education, employment, housing and health services, as well as the protection of their fundamental rights in crisis and post-crisis situations. Special attention is given to combating discrimination and intolerance against Roma and Sinti, and improving the situation of the women, youth and children among them.

Mandate

Our teams

Our institutions, field operations and offices bring to the task expert skills and knowledge to develop tailor-made solutions for each challenge.

Our institutions and offices

Our lead institution dealing with Roma and Sinti issues is the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. The Office appoints the OSCE Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues, working with national and local governments, civil society and international organizations to promote equal opportunities for, and the protection of the human rights of, all Roma and Sinti. 

Our operations on the ground

All field operations implement activities that focus on strengthening the rule of law. Their work ranges from legislative and judicial reform to strengthening the independence of the judiciary, reporting on hate crimes, trial monitoring and helping to ensure proper referral of complaints of human rights violations.

Projects

Initiatives funded by individual states and organizations

Projects

Events

Upcoming conferences, meetings and training events

Conference

Roma and Sinti Women in the Public Sphere: Advancing Collective and Transnational Action for Meaningful Participation

This conference brings together Roma and Sinti women from across the region to strengthen their voices and actions. Over a day and a half, participants will share experiences, set common goals, and build connections that help shape…
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Warsaw, Poland
Training

Call for Applications: Advocacy Training for Ukrainian Roma and pro-Roma Human Rights Defenders

ODIHR is seeking up to 15 Ukrainian Roma and pro-Roma human rights defenders, activists, and advocates to participate in its two-and-a-half-day training course on advocating for human rights in wartime. Participants will gain a deeper…
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Hybrid (in person in Warsaw and…
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Studies and reports

Reports, studies and analyses for policymakers, researchers and all those interested in this field of our work

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Manuals and guides

Practice-oriented manuals, guides, handbooks and recommendations for policymakers and practitioners working in this field

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OSCE stories

Read up on the OSCE, our people on the ground and our work

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