ANNUAL REPORT 2003 Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues In addition, the Contact Point The ODIHR's activities on Roma and Sinti issues aim to strengthen national and international efforts to promote tolerance and non-discrimination. As a mechanism for early
Provides policy advice to OSCE governments; warning, the ODIHR has proven to be effective in indicating
Acts as a clearing house for the exchange of information increasing tensions and situations calling for crisis manage- on Roma and Sinti issues, including information on the im- ment, in particular at the grass-roots level, in cases where plementation of Roma-related commitments by OSCE par- tensions between Roma and the majority population have ticipating States; evolved into open conflict. The key overall objective of the ODIHR’s work in this field is to promote enduring security
and stability in the OSCE region by assisting in the develop- ments, international organizations, and Roma or Roma-re- ment of truly inclusive societies in which all citizens, includ- lated NGOs to develop synergies and common approaches; ing those of Roma origin, enjoy equal rights. and
With a view to realizing this goal, the Contact Point for Enhances interaction between OSCE structures, govern- Collects information from OSCE countries on legislative and other measures related to the situation of Roma and Roma and Sinti Issues is implementing a work programme Sinti and makes it available to the OSCE community and that focuses on the advancement of the political rights of other international organizations. Roma and Sinti in the OSCE area, on acute crisis prevention and crisis management in post-conflict areas of South-Eastern Europe, and on fostering and supporting civil society de- The ODIHR focuses on advancing the political participation of Roma and Sinti velopment among Roma communities in the Balkans. The main issues
Political participation: A strong ethnic and cultural Roma identity that often prevails over a national identification with countries of residence has resulted in a pervasive lack of awareness about how to influence their own circumstances through political participation. In addition, anti- 61