Guidelines Launch Event: Integrating Roma and Sinti Issues in the Work of NHRIs and NEBs

About

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), in co-operation with the OSCE Mission to Kosovo, is organizing the Kosovo* launching event of the publication Integrating Roma and Sinti Issues in the Work of National Human Rights Institutions and National Equality Bodies – Guidelines.

The event will bring together representatives of human rights and equality institutions, relevant government bodies, Kosovo Roma, Kosovo Ashkali and Kosovo Egyptian civil society organizations, and international partners to discuss the role of institutions in promoting equality and addressing discrimination affecting Kosovo Roma, Kosovo Ashkali and Kosovo Egyptian communities.

Across the OSCE region, Roma and Sinti communities continue to face persistent discrimination, exclusion, and unequal access to rights and services. National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and National Equality Bodies (NEBs) play a critical role in monitoring human rights, addressing discrimination, supporting accountability, and promoting inclusive public policies. ODIHR’s Guidelines aim to support these institutions in strengthening their engagement with Roma and Sinti issues and enhancing institutional responses through practical recommendations and examples of promising practices.

*There is no consensus among OSCE participating States on the status of Kosovo and, as such, the Organization does not have a position on this issue. All references to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, in this text should be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244.

What the event will cover

The launching event will provide an overview of the publication’s key recommendations and explore their practical relevance in Kosovo. Discussions will focus on institutional strategies and policies, monitoring and complaint mechanisms, engagement with civil society, and interinstitutional co-operation in addressing discrimination and promoting equality for Kosovo Roma, Kosovo Ashkali and Kosovo Egyptian communities.

Through presentations, moderated discussions, and institutional reflections, participants will exchange experiences, identify implementation challenges and opportunities, and discuss possible follow-up actions to support the integration of Roma and Sinti issues into the work of relevant institutions.

Background

In 2021, ODIHR conducted a needs assessment examining the capacity-building needs of National Human Rights Institutions and National Equality Bodies in addressing Roma and Sinti issues within their work. The assessment identified both valuable existing practices and persistent gaps related to institutional strategies, personnel policies, stakeholder engagement, and legal protection mechanisms.

In response, ODIHR developed the publication Integrating Roma and Sinti Issues in the Work of National Human Rights Institutions and National Equality Bodies – Guidelines. The publication provides practical guidance and examples aimed at strengthening institutional capacities to promote equality, combat discrimination, and enhance the protection of the rights of Roma and Sinti communities across the OSCE region.

Who can take part

Participation is by invitation only.

Contact

If you have any questions, please contact Jashar.Jasharov@odihr.pl, ODIHR Associate Programme Officer, Roma and Sinti Issues.