ANNUAL REPORT 2004 Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues The ODIHR's activities on Roma and Sinti issues aim to In addition, the ODIHR: strengthen national and international efforts to promote tolerance and non-discrimination. As a mecha-
Provides policy advice to OSCE governments; nism for early warning, the ODIHR has proven to be ef-
Acts as a clearing house for the exchange of infor- fective in indicating increasing tensions and situations mation on Roma and Sinti issues, including information calling for crisis management in cases where tensions on the implementation of Roma-related commitments between Roma and the majority population have by OSCE participating States; evolved into open conflict. The key overall objective of the ODIHR’s work in this field is to promote enduring
Enhances interaction between OSCE structures, gov- security and stability in the OSCE region by assisting in ernments, international organizations, and Roma or the development of truly inclusive societies in which all Roma-related NGOs to develop synergies and common citizens enjoy equal rights. approaches; and
With a view to realizing this goal, the ODIHR is imple- Collects information from OSCE countries on leg- islative and other measures related to the situation of menting a work programme that focuses on the ad- Roma and Sinti and makes it available to the OSCE vancement of the political rights of Roma and Sinti in community and other international organizations. 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 The ODIHR assists in the development of truly inclusive societies development among Roma communities in the Balkans. Main issues
Political participation: A strong ethnic and cul- tural Roma identity that often prevails over a national identification with countries of residence has resulted in a pervasive lack of awareness among Roma about how to influence their own circumstances through political participation. In addition, anti-Roma discrimina- 71