Roma and Sinti

ODIHR's Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues (CPRSI) leads the OSCE’s work on Roma and Sinti issues.

Guided by the 2003 Action Plan on Improving the Situation of Roma and Sinti within the OSCE Area and subsequent OSCE Ministerial Council decisions, CPRSI supports participating States in implementing their commitments through policy advice, monitoring, dialogue and the exchange of good practices.

Working with participating States, Roma and Sinti communities, civil society, independent institutions and international partners, ODIHR strengthens institutions, builds capacity, supports inclusive policymaking and promotes the full, equal and meaningful participation of Roma and Sinti in public life.

Published every five years, ODIHR’s Status Reports provide the most comprehensive assessment of implementation of the 2003 Action Plan on Improving the Situation of Roma and Sinti within the OSCE Area. 

They combine information from participating States with extensive desk research and contributions from Roma and Sinti civil society, OSCE field operations and international organizations to identify progress, challenges and recommendations.

ODIHR supports participating States in preventing and combating anti-Roma racism and discrimination by strengthening institutions, improving responses to hate crime, building trust between Roma and Sinti communities and law enforcement, supporting national human rights institutions and equality bodies, empowering Roma human rights defenders and promoting fair and responsible media reporting.

ODIHR supports participating States in promoting equal access to housing, health care and other essential services by advancing human rights-based approaches, providing practical guidance and sharing good practices to address persistent socio-economic barriers. ODIHR’s work addresses housing and living conditions, employment and economic participation, and health as key dimensions of inclusion and equal opportunities.

ODIHR supports participating States in advancing equal, inclusive and quality education for Roma and Sinti. Its work promotes the inclusion of Roma and Sinti history and culture in educational materials and strengthens education, remembrance and recognition of the genocide of Roma and Sinti during the Second World War.

ODIHR promotes the meaningful participation of Roma and Sinti in public and political life by supporting leadership development, strengthening skills and networks, and developing practical guidance and resources that foster inclusive decision-making. Particular attention is given to empowering women and young people, while supporting community leaders, public officials and aspiring political candidates.

ODIHR supports participating States in addressing the needs and protecting the human rights of Roma and Sinti in crisis and post-crisis situations by monitoring human rights, strengthening the capacity of Roma civil society, facilitating dialogue and co-operation with public authorities and international organizations, and promoting inclusive and rights-based responses.

ODIHR promotes the equal participation and empowerment of Roma and Sinti women by supporting leadership, self-advocacy and participation in public life, while addressing the multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination they may face. Through dialogue, capacity-building, practical resources and partnerships, ODIHR works with participating States, Roma and Sinti women and civil society to advance gender equality and strengthen women’s voices in decision-making.