About 1,500 inhabitants of Osijek-Baranja County have declared themselves Roma but the eastern county's actual Roma population is around 4,000, said association president Nada Balog.
She underlined that the association's most important task, as well as of every Roma family, was to help in the education of children. She said society's role was also important because Roma children are in an unfavourable position given that they live in difficult social conditions, in settlements which often have no infrastructure.
The relationship towards the Roma has improved considerably in recent years and the media, which can help in creating a positive image of the Roma community, have played an important part, said Balog.
Also in attendance were women representatives of several nongovernmental organisations. It was agreed to launch a programme which would help Roma women assume a more responsible role in society and family.