On International Roma Day, OSCE Mission to Serbia reaffirms its committment to greater social inclusion and tolerance | WPN World People News

On the occasion of International Roma Day, 8 April 2017, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, Ambassador Andrea Orizio today reaffirmed the Mission’s strong commitment to the greater social inclusion of Roma and other minorities, and their equality and non-discrimination in Serbia.

Representatives of Serbia-based companies interested in hiring hold speed interviews with Roma job seekers at Roma employment conference and fair, organized within the European Support to Roma Inclusion project “We Are Here Together", Belgrade, 31 May 2016.

“A history of discrimination and persecution has pushed the Roma to the margins of society, making them one of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged minorities in Europe, including in Serbia,” said Orizio. “In particular, Roma women and girls are often subject to multiple forms of discrimination.”

“The OSCE Mission to Serbia works closely with the Government, national and local authorities, civil society and other international organizations to promote equal opportunities for Roma, improve their access to basic rights and services, as well as to improve their representation in public and political life.”

“Examples of results based upon our joint work with state institutions and civil society include 20 Joint Mobile Teams for Roma Inclusion that are active throughout Serbia. We have supported 17 enterprises so that they can provide 60 new jobs to Roma men and women, and developed technical documentation and urban plans with municipalities in order to improve the infrastructure of mostly-Roma settlements. All of this work has proved the efficacy of strong partnerships and a dedication to improving citizens’ lives.”

“The OSCE Mission to Serbia is honoured and proud to be a partner in both advancing the progress being made to ensure the rights of the Roma population, as well as in highlighting the achievements of Roma community members that contribute to the overall prosperity of Serbian society,” Orizio concluded.

The OSCE Mission to Serbia through its programmes remains dedicated to supporting the efforts of both state institutions and Roma civil society organizations towards improving the socio-economic status and the full inclusion of Roma in Serbian society.

source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe