OSCE Mission to Skopje staff member awarded for contribution in advancing Roma issues

SKOPJE, 11 April 2008 - Ramadan Berat of the OSCE Mission to Skopje received today an award for his work in improving the situation of the Roma community in the society.

The award was given by a network of nine Roma non-governmental organizations that work on developing public policies targeting the ethnic Roma community.

"I believe this award recognizes the support of the OSCE Mission to Skopje for the integration of the Roma community in mainstream society," said Ramadan Berat, the OSCE Mission's Senior Assistant on Roma issues.

In 2007 the OSCE Mission funded, in co-operation with government and non-governmental organizations, 14 projects based on the Action Plan on Improving the Situation of Roma and Sinti within the OSCE region and on the country's National Strategy for Roma.

The OSCE Mission is also working on projects to promote co-operation between citizens and police in Roma communities, provide training for ethnic Roma municipal councilors, and develop the capacity of ethnic Roma advocacy groups and NGOs.