Regional systems 129 Access to higher education in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia In the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the issue of access to (and funding of) Albanian language education has long been a source of concern for ethnic Albanians and a source of division within society. In response, the High Commissioner on National Minorities has been instrumental in setting up the private South East European University in Tetovo, which provides a curriculum not only in Albanian but also in Macedonian, English and other European languages. The University has proved to be a model of interethnic cooperation, attracting large numbers of students from the Albanian and other communities. The High Commissioner has also set up a transition year programme, which seeks to increase the number of ethnic Albanians admitted to State universities. It provides intensive courses in Macedonian for Albanian-speaking, fourth-year secondary school students preparing for the university entrance examination. A supplementary programme focuses on Albanian and Macedonian professional terminology; through Saturday classes in seven different subjects in seven cities, students are taught in pairs by an ethnic Macedonian and an ethnic Albanian teacher. The long-term aim of the project is to contribute to the integration of the Albanian national minority within Macedonian society. On average, more than 90 per cent of the 1,000 or so participants in each academic year succeed in enrolling at university. Involvement in Roma issues Roma, the largest minority in Europe, are present throughout the OSCE region (see chap. XII). While the main competence for Roma and Sinti issues within OSCE rests with the ODIHR (discussed below), the 2003 Action Plan directs the High Commissioner on National Minorities to work on Roma and Sinti issues, in particular on combating racism and discrimination and reviewing legislation and law enforcement. It also encourages the High Commissioner to continue to work, within the conflict prevention mandate, on issues related to policing, education, media, and participation in public and political life. In cooperation with the ODIHR Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues, the High Commissioner has conducted field visits to several OSCE States to assess the human rights situation of Roma. During normal bilateral visits, the High Commissioner raises Roma-related issues where it is considered necessary and offers expertise to combat the segregation and social exclusion of Roma and discrimination against Roma communities. Tension-reducing projects Although the High Commissioner on National Minorities is not primarily a project-implementing agency, its preventive diplomacy mandate is frequently backed up by targeted projects in support of education, language, participation in public life and media access and development, sometimes in cooperation with other agencies (e.g., OHCHR, UNHCR, other United Nations agencies, the Council of Europe and the European Union). The emphasis of these projects is always on early action and conflict prevention, and they aim to close gaps that otherwise would not necessarily be filled. The High Commissioner has also been trying to act as a catalyst by stimulating others, particularly relevant domestic authorities, to follow up on projects the office has completed or to develop their own. Projects are often implemented through local human rights NGOs, minority groups and other civil society actors, and these organizations are welcome to submit proposals for relevant projects to the High Commissioner.