The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Prepares to Act Against Anti-Gypsy Violence

Abstract

The Organization (Conference) on Security and Co-operation in Europe has just held a meeting in Budapest which was widely touted as a flop for its failure to achieve agreement on Bosnia. Its only reported action was to change its own name to “Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.” But, tucked away in the small print of the final document (paragraphs 25-6), is a resolution to appoint within the Office for Development of International Human Rights (OCJIHR) “a contact point for Roma and Sinti (Gypsy) issues.” This will act as a clearing-house for information, facilitate contacts between state and international and non-governmental organizations, working closely with Gypsy organizations. What this will mean in practice is not yet clear; but those who have pushed for this development have a clear agenda.