On International Roma Day, the OSCE Mission to Serbia calls for greater inclusion and tolerance
BELGRADE, 8 April 2013 – On the occasion of International Roma Day, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, Ambassador Peter Burkhard called for further efforts to ensure the inclusion of Roma and greater tolerance towards all members of Serbia’s society.
“An inclusive and tolerant society is fundamental for the enjoyment of rights by everyone,” stated Ambassador Burkhard. “It is essential that all Serbian citizens jointly stand up and reject, through words and peaceful actions, any form of discrimination and hate speech.”
Since the adoption of the National Strategy for Roma Inclusion in 2009, Serbia’s state institutions have taken important steps to encourage Roma inclusion, but more needs to be done, Burkhard said.
“The government and civil society should prioritize the empowerment and active involvement of the Roma community, particularly Roma women, in policy development and implementation of the National Strategy for Roma inclusion.”
“Improved co-ordination between social service providers, such as the ministries, local governments and civil society would lead to fuller inclusion of all ethnic minorities, not only Roma, and ensure greater equality in public and political life, ” said Burkhard.
“The remaining issues are complex and demanding. It is very important that all parties involved do their utmost to address the vast disparities between the general population and the Roma that still remain, and to make sure that Serbian society recognizes the value that diversity brings.”
Education is vital in this regard, Burkhard explained: “Open discussion and interaction between children is a strong argument against segregated classrooms. Schools and textbooks should encourage tolerance and dialogue from the youngest grades.”
The OSCE Mission to Serbia through its programmes remains dedicated to supporting the efforts of both state institutions and Roma organizations in working towards improvement of the socio-economic status and full Roma inclusion in Serbian society.