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helsinki commission
Podcast: The Roma
Concentrated in post-communist Central and Southern Europe, Roma are the largest ethnic minority in Europe. Roma have historically faced persecution and were the victims of genocide during World War II. In post-communist countries, Roma have suffered disproportionately in the transition to market economies, in part due to endemic racism and discrimination. Ahead of International Roma Day on April 8, Margareta (Magda) Matache, Director of the Roma Program at Harvard University’s François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, joins Helsinki Commission Counsel for International Law Erika Schlager to discuss the state of Roma rights in Europe, as well as resolutions introduced by Helsinki Commission leaders to celebrate Romani American heritage. "Helsinki on the Hill" is series of conversations hosted by the U.S. Helsinki Commission on human rights and comprehensive security in Europe and beyond. The Helsinki Commission, formally known as the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, promotes human rights, military security, and economic cooperation in 57 countries in Europe, Eurasia, and North America. Transcript | Episode 10 | The Roma
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helsinki commission
Podcast: Communities at Risk
Reports from nearly every corner of the OSCE region suggest that minority groups and vulnerable populations have been hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and sometimes by the policies enacted by governments to address it. This extended episode of "Helsinki on the Hill" takes an in-depth look at the pandemic’s impact on minority groups and vulnerable populations, and the role of governments in addressing that impact. Margaret Huang, president and chief executive officer of the Southern Poverty Law Center, and Karen Taylor, chair of the European Network Against Racism, share insight about the reality on the ground for minority communities, including African Americans, who are suffering disproportionately from both the pandemic and systemic discrimination. Lamberto Zannier, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, joins the discussion to offer recommendations on meeting the needs of national minorities and marginalized communities in the new world of the COVID-19 pandemic. "Helsinki on the Hill" is series of conversations hosted by the U.S. Helsinki Commission on human rights and comprehensive security in Europe and beyond. The Helsinki Commission, formally known as the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, promotes human rights, military security, and economic cooperation in 57 countries in Europe, Eurasia, and North America. Transcript | Episode 11 | Communities at Risk: The Impact of COVID-19 on the OSCE’s Most Vulnerable Populations
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Twitter
On December 8, @HelsinkiComm welcomes @StateDept Acting Assistant ...On December 8, @HelsinkiComm welcomes @StateDept Acting Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Phil… t.co/JiJAWCI91N
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United States of America
The United States of America is a Federal Republic in North America. With a population of 300 million, it is a leading economic and political power, both regionally and globally. The United States’ unique geographical position enables close ties to both Europe and Asia. As a result of its historical ties to Europe, the United States’ relationship with this region has guided and shaped many of its governmental policies and activities.
The United States has been an active participant in the OSCE’s governance and activities since the organization’s conception. As one of the 35 original signatory states to The Helsinki Final Act in 1975, the United States welcomed the opportunity for multi-lateral cooperation on issues of great importance, such as arms control and human rights. The OSCE’s aims align with the United States’ broader foreign policy goals in the region of promoting a stable and free Europe. The United States’ Mission to the OSCE in Vienna, Austria is composed of over 30 personnel from several different government agencies. As well as representing the United States at the OSCE’s Permanent Council and the Forum for Security Cooperation, the Mission monitors the implementation of Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty and supports the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. Collaboration with the OSCE also enables the United States’ engagement in political negotiations aimed at resolving conflicts in the region. The United States Congress is actively involved in policy towards the OSCE and the Washington-based Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe facilitates this relationship.
Staff Contact: Erika Schlager, counsel for international law