122 PROMOTING AND PROTECTING MINORITY RIGHTS International Task Force for the Education of Roma The International Task Force for the Education of Roma (ITFER) is composed of representatives of the Council of Europe, UNICEF, the European Commission, UNESCO, ODIHR, the Fundamental Rights Agency, Open Society and the International Step by Step Association. It aims at developing and ensuring the close coordination of European and international initiatives on all levels of education for Roma, Sinti and Travellers and reinforcing cooperation among its representatives’ member States. Route of Roma Culture and Heritage The objective of the Route of Roma Culture and Heritage is to increase the knowledge of Europeans about Roma history, culture, values and lifestyle; encourage the contribution of Roma to Europe’s cultural life and diversity; and contribute to reversing negative stereotypes of Roma. The first phase of the project is the development of a network of organizations (including associations, museums, documentation and cultural centres, art and education institutions, festivals) which work to develop activities in common. The second phase will develop a series of tourist itineraries across Europe which will promote better understanding of Roma culture.146 Cooperation with international partners The Council of Europe cooperates with both intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and with Romani NGOs. It has a partnership agreement with the European Roma and Travellers Forum. The Informal Contact Group of International Organisations and Institutions dealing with Roma issues is an informal mechanism of consultation and cooperation among representatives of the European Union, the Council of Europe, ODIHR, the World Bank, United Nations agencies (OHCHR, UNDP and UNHCR) and others. Contacts and further information The Council of Europe Avenue de l’Europe F-67075 Strasbourg Cedex Tel: 33 3 88 41 20 00 Website: www.coe.int Support Team of the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Roma issues Council of Europe Agora Building 1, Quai Jacoutot F–67075 Strasbourg Cedex France Tel: 33 3 88 41 20 00 Fax: 33 3 90 21 40 53 Website: www.coe.int/roma The Council publishes a great deal of material relevant to minority issues (see http://book.coe. int/EN). See www.coe.int/t/dg4/cultureheritage/culture/routes/roma_en.asp (accessed 4 December 2012). 146