Roma and Sinti

Roma and Sinti communities have long faced discrimination, and remain under-represented in public life. Many still struggle to access education, housing, health care and equal opportunities. Roma women and youth are particularly at risk of exclusion.

ODIHR’s Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues (CPRSI) helps states put OSCE commitments on Roma and Sinti inclusion into practice by monitoring progress, providing policy advice and sharing good practices.

ODIHR’s work focuses on combating anti-Roma racism and hate crime, promoting equality and social inclusion and increasing Roma participation in politics and decision-making. Special initiatives support Roma women and young people, while in times of crisis and conflict, ODIHR monitors their human rights and assists displaced communities.

Published every five years, each status report assesses progress in implementing the commitments of the OSCE Action Plan on Enhancing the Situation of Roma and Sinti within the OSCE Area.

ODIHR’s Roma Leadership Academy “Nicolae Gheorghe” is designed to strengthen democratic institutions and governance by building the capacity of Roma and Sinti in elected and appointed office, potential Roma and Sinti candidates for public office, as well as experienced Roma and Sinti civil society advocates.