14. 10. 2005
The OSCE will be holding a joint international conference on the implementation of policies and action plans for Roma, Sinti and Travellers, and measures against the anti-Gypsyism phenomenon in Europe.
This conference will take place in Warsaw, Poland on the 20th and 21st of October, 2005. The conference will focus on the implementation of the Action Plan for Improvement of the Situation of the Roma and Sinti within the OSCE Area; the Council of Europe's relevant recommendations on Roma and Travellers; and European Union standards.
Almost two years ago the Action Plan for Improvement of the Situation of the Roma and Sinti was institued by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE). However, the Dzeno Association feels that little seems to have been done towards implementing this plan, and worse, government officials seem to have no idea that the document even exsists. The action plan sets forth guidelines for eliminating discrimination and providing policies for police to follow concerning the proper treatment of the Roma and Sinti people, and for ensuring that Roma and Sinti people are included in decisions concerning health care, education, and public life.
Part of the problem may be that the public itself has not been included in the discussion of the problems or possible solutions. In the Czech Republic the OSCE distributes the Action Plan in English only, thus denying the opportunity for society at large to even read the document. Because of this oversight, there is little possibility for public pressure on governmental officials to begin enforcing a document that all 55 members states have signed and thereby promised to enforce.
To read the full-text document (in English) visit:
Link
(Written for Dzeno Association by Kim Kasey)
EDITORIAL COMMENT:
Oh, how nice! Yet another gabfest that will achieve yet again nothing.
