More than half of Montenegrin citizens, or 54 percent, believe that discrimination is very or fairly present, according to a Damar agency survey conducted for the needs of the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights.
By comparing the data with those from 2013, a certain decrease in the degree of discrimination in Montenegro can be observed. Compared to the survey from two years ago, the order of those discriminated against has not changed. The most discriminated against are Roma, then homosexuals, and then persons with disabilities.
"Comparison of the obtained data with those from 2013 shows that there has been a certain reduction in discrimination in Montenegro. The assessment that discrimination is very or to a fair extent present in Montenegro dropped from 60% in 2013 to 54.4%", said Nataša Krivokapić from the Damar agency.
Compared to the survey from two years ago, the order of those discriminated against has not changed.
"Roma are the most discriminated against, followed by homosexuals, and then people with disabilities," says Krivokapić.
Moderately discriminated groups include AIDS patients, drug addicts and national minorities, while the least discriminated groups are women and the elderly. Montenegrin citizens showed the strongest prejudice against homosexuals, with the view that homosexuality is a disease. 76 percent of citizens have disrespect for that group.
The Damar agency says that the citizens of Montenegro believe that it is the most difficult to be a person with a disability, then a Roma, then a homosexual.
One of the biggest problems is the change of consciousness, especially of those who provide protection against discrimination.
"Any form of discrimination can be suppressed or solved with quality if we have faith in the institutions," said Suad Numanović, Minister for Human and Minority Rights.
And there is still no trust in institutions when it comes to protection against discrimination.
"23.6% of the respondents think that they would not turn to anyone, while 17.4% think that they do not know who they could turn to," said the Damar agency.
In case of exposure to discrimination, even 80 percent of respondents would not turn to the institutions, half do not know who to turn to, and 28 percent because they do not trust the institutions.
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