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.
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.
Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina
Established on 8 December 1995, the Mission works on human rights, education, the rule of law, gender equality, governance and security co-operation.
Mission to Serbia
Mission to Serbia
The Mission, set up on 11 January 2001, is based in Belgrade and assists Serbia in building accountable democratic institutions.
Mission to Skopje
Mission to Skopje
Established on 18 September 1992, the Mission’s key priorities are constructive inter-ethnic relations and the 2001 Ohrid Framework Agreement.
Projects
Initiatives funded by individual states and organizations
Events
Upcoming conferences, meetings and training events
Studies and reports
Reports, studies and analyses for policymakers, researchers and all those interested in this field of our work
Manuals and guides
Practice-oriented manuals, guides, handbooks and recommendations for policymakers and practitioners working in this field
OSCE stories
Read up on the OSCE, our people on the ground and our work
