This article focuses on current problems of discrimination against Gypsies (Roma) in Poland. Members of this minority have experienced many infringements of their fundamental social and economic rights, e.g. restricted access to public institutions, education, employment, medical service, and social welfare.The first part of the article discuses the most important international documents which are intended to help fight discrimination and xenophobia within various world organizations (e.g. the United Nations, Council of Europe, OSCE, and European Union) as well as internal legislation in this field. The second part examines the activities of some specialized institutions which deal with different phenomena connected with discriminatory treatment of people on the basis of origin, race, religion, etc. Major projects directed towards improving the quality of life of the Gypsies in Poland are also discussed, e.g. efforts undertaken to end discrimination in access to employment, health care, and education. The Appendix lists individual cases of acts of violence against the Gypsy population committed in Poland between June 1991 and August 2001.
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