The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe calls recent violence against Europe's Roma population deeply disturbing.

OSCE national minorities chief Knut Vollebaek said Monday that violence and terror by extremists threaten the overall stability and credibility of a democratic Europe based on the rule of law.

Vollebaek said the anti-Roma violence appears to be the work of extreme nationalists who are exploiting insecurity caused by the economic crisis. He said their simplistic messages appeal to those looking for scapegoats for their problems.

Vollebaek is calling on European authorities to denounce hatred and ensure the basic rights for all citizens, especially minorities.

There have been recent anti-Roma activities in Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania. The minority group faces discrimination across much of Europe, keeping millions of Roma stuck in poverty, unemployment, and with few educational opportunities.