Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues Women filling up jugs of water in the Roma settlement MILAN OBRADOVIC of Deponija, Belgrade. victims of racially motivated crimes and have suffered abuse at the hands of the police. k Security of residence: For many Roma, obtaining a legal residence with secure living conditions is a prerequisite to the recognition and fulfilment of other rights. Without an address, it is often impossible to register for public services or engage in lawful income-generating activities. Problems that have resulted from insecure residence include: forced evictions, lack of secure land tenure, inadequate alternative housing, lack of civil registration, and the inability of Roma and Sinti children to attend school. k Trafficking in human beings: A reported increase in trafficking in Roma and Sinti communities, particularly of children, can be linked to four factors: endemic poverty, social marginalization, the collapse of institutional support structures, and widespread discrimination. k Exclusion from public and political life: The discrimination faced by Roma and Sinti populations has prevented them from playing a significant role in the public and political life of the 74 communities in which they live. This is often compounded by a lack of awareness among Roma and Sinti of their ability to influence their own circumstances through political participation. Particularly affected are the most vulnerable groups within Roma and Sinti communities, including internally displaced persons, refugees, young people, and women. Activities The ODIHR conducted activities in the following areas in 2005: k Combating racism and discrimination; k Addressing social issues; k Enhancing participation in public and political life; and k Ensuring that the fundamental rights of Roma and Sinti are respected in crisis and post-crisis situations. In addition to conducting specific programmes, the ODIHR is also a clearing house for information on Roma and Sinti issues, including on the implementation of Romarelated commitments by participating States. ANNUAL REPORT 2005