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Roma and Sinti

Roma and Sinti continue to face discrimination and exclusion across the OSCE region. Through training, dialogue and advocacy, ODIHR helps build societies in which Roma and Sinti can live free from discrimination and participate fully in public and political life.

Our work

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.

Roma Leadership Academy

Roma leaders train to become better decision-makers, communicators and negotiators

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.

Activities, news and other highlights

Speaking out for yourself is key to achieving justice and equality, Roma women say

Empowering women from under-represented groups to find their voices and advocate for their rights and the rights of other women is key to achieving more just and equal societies. In this video, Roma women and activists from Poland explain how self-advocacy and leadership skills can help increase their opportunities for equal participation in public life.

Learning, training and education

Strengthening competence

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights offers courses and learning resources to support practitioners and other interested audiences in the OSCE participating States.