International Roma Contact Group (IRCG)

The International Roma Contact Group (IRCG) provides a forum for discussion among Roma civil society representatives and elected officials on the key issues and challenges currently affecting Roma in Europe. 

The three main topics for discussion during the IRCG meeting on 15 May will be:

• combating racism and discrimination
• enhancing participation in public and political life
• the impact of COVID-19 on Roma communities

Sessions will focus on assessing how participants and their organisations work to address these issues. Participants will also share their suggestions on the best ways of improving and adapting good practices and experiences for their own use.

Participants

The event will bring together a range of participants working at the national and international level. They are representatives of Roma civil society organisations, national and regional experts, and public authorities and governments. 

Output

The output of the meeting will include a summary of current challenges and a set of recommendations with priority areas for follow-up. The latter will be addressed to the OSCE institutions and other inter-governmental organisations working on Roma inclusion, as well as to participating States.

The event is part of ODIHR’s work on implementing the OSCE Action Plan on Improving the Situation of Roma and Sinti within the OSCE Area. This includes a focus on consolidating the activities of the International Roma Contact Group established in October 2000 at the initiative of the ODIHR’s Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues.