OSCE Mission highlights achievements of Roma in Bosnia and Herzegovina
On 8 April 2013, on the occasion of the International Roma Day, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina joined efforts with the European Union Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina/ EU Special Representative and the international humanitarian organization World Vision BiH in hosting a conference and debate in Sarajevo highlighting importance of preserving Roma culture and identity, but also severe economic, social and political challenges they face.
The Head of the OSCE Mission, Fletcher M. Burton, said that Roma in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region are unfortunately often discriminated against in education, employment, access to social protection, health services, housing and property rights, as well as in openly practicing their culture and language.
“Roma are often excluded from decision-making processes, even in matters that directly affect them such as the allocation of budgets, appropriate inclusion in the education system or relevant measures to support expression of their identity,” said Burton.
Under the Best Practices for Roma Integration (BPRI) regional project for the Western Balkans, eight young Roma professionals are currently employed with the OSCE Mission. The project has four main areas of focus which include political participation of Roma (specifically Roma women), anti-discrimination policies and practices, housing and legalization, as well as regional exchange of best practices for Roma integration. The project is funded by the EU and OSCE participating States and implemented by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), in co-operation with OSCE field operations.
Today’s event was attended by Nazif Mujić, winner of the Silver Bear Award for best actor at the Berlin Film Festival, Dragana Seferović, Roma ballet dancer, Hedina Sijerčić, Roma writer. An exhibition featuring works by young Roma was part of the event.
The Mission to BiH produced a short film featuring the work of young Roma professionals. You can view the film at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRbG9LU8GCA