OSCE/ODIHR training in Prishtinë/Priština builds capacity of police officers working with Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities

Strengthening the capacity of law enforcement personnel working with Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights in the course of policing was the focus of a training course organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), from 17 to 19 April 2018 in Prishtinë/Priština.

The course, offered in co-operation with the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, was held as part of ODIHR’s training programme for law enforcement officers on effective and human rights-compliant policing in Roma and Sinti communities. Nineteen police officers (12 men and 7 women) took part.

“The police play a vital role in ensuring the protection and promotion of human rights of all persons, particularly those who are excluded and targeted by discrimination, such as members of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities,” said Dan Pavel Doghi, Chief of the ODIHR Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues. “With this training we are strengthening the capacity of police officers by providing them with effective policing strategies that are human rights-compliant and responsive to the needs of the people they serve, including the needs of women and youth.”

Barbara Rohmann, the Director of the Department of Human Rights and Communities in the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, said: “Many security incidents affecting members of the Kosovo Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities go unreported. When incidents are not reported, the police cannot effectively respond and protect the communities. This is why establishing effective communication and building trust with community members is of the utmost importance.”

ODIHR and the OSCE Mission in Kosovo are committed to implementing the Action Plan on Improving the Situation of Roma and Sinti within the OSCE Area, which includes developing programmes and confidence-building measures – such as community policing – to improve the relations between Roma and Sinti and the police, particularly at the local level.