OSCE Mission to Skopje marks Roma Day

SKOPJE, 5 April 2007 - The Head of the OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje, Ambassador Giorgio Radicati, marked International Roma Day, celebrated on 8 April, by hosting a meeting with ethnic Roma leaders from central and local governments, representing different political parties.

"This is an opportunity to highlight the need for more ambitious participation from Roma communities in political life and consensus among Roma leaders in order to positively impact public policies pertinent to Roma affairs in the country," said Ambassador Radicati.

"The country is currently implementing its own National Strategy on Roma, which is based on the OSCE Action Plan on Roma and Sinti, so it is important that Roma people closely follow the process and participate in decision-making at the national and local level."

The OSCE Mission continues to support the country's efforts to implement the Action Plan.

Several projects are underway and will continue throughout the year including: on promoting co-operation between citizens and police in Roma communities, on training ethnic Roma municipal councillors in decentralization issues and strategic planning, on developing the capacity of ethnic Roma advocacy groups and non-governmental organizations.

On 10 April, the Mission will also support a local initiative to celebrate Roma Day with elementary schools in Kumanovo.