A congress of European Gypsy groups has

decided to campaign for official recognition as a

national minority in every European country where

Gypsies live.

The congress in the Polish city of Lodz also

discussed international action to stop

discrimination.

A delegate from Germany Rutko Kawczynski said

Gypsies suffer from violence and social

segregation and have fewer rights in employment,

housing and education.

He said Gypsies needed to emulate the success

of Europe's Jews in overcoming negative

stereotypes and winning worldwide recognition for

their language.

19 NOV 1998 02H26 GMT

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service