OSCE human rights office, Hungarian authorities to co-operate in combating hate crimes against Roma

BUDAPEST, 23 November 2010 - Ambassador Janez Lenarcic, the Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), today said his Office would work with Hungary's authorities to combat hate crimes against Roma.

Speaking at a meeting on the recommendations included in an ODIHR report on the situation of Hungarian Roma published earlier this year, Lenarcic noted that Hungary has done much to promote the integration of Roma.

But he also stressed that a series of killings of Roma in 2008 and 2009, which prompted the ODIHR report, showed the importance of intensifying efforts to counter any incitement to violence and to unequivocally condemn all forms of violence against Roma at the highest political level.

"Hungary is by no means the only country in Europe that faces the challenge of integrating Roma into mainstream society. But with its experience in addressing this challenge, Hungary is uniquely placed to redouble its efforts and lead the way by example," Lenarcic said.

He added that Hungary's upcoming EU presidency offered an opportunity to prioritize the integration of Roma a priority also at the European level.

In the meeting with top Hungarian officials, Lenarcic offered ODIHR support to the Hungarian authorities in the field of combating violence against Roma, including by developing a training programme on identifying and investigating hate crimes.

Other areas of co-operation could include activities to strengthen trust between Roma and the police force.

All OSCE participating States committed themselves to improving the situation of Roma and Sinti minorities in an Action Plan adopted in 2003, including by combating violence and discrimination.

The ODIHR report on the situation of Roma in Hungary is based on the findings of a field visit conducted following the killings of 2008 and 2009. It includes a list of recommendations on how to move ahead with fighting violence and improve integration.