On the way to the European Union (EU), Montenegro must provide appropriate legal instruments that will guarantee every person to fully enjoy their rights, said the head of the Delegation of the European Union in Montenegro, Mitja Drobnič, at a round table in Podgorica.
The theme of the gathering, which was organized by the Government Council for Protection against Discrimination, was Human Rights and Protection against Discrimination in the Report of the European Commission (EC) on the progress of Montenegro for 2013.
Drobnič said that inter-institutional cooperation is necessary, so that the implementation of the law is firmly rooted.
In the EC, as he stated, they expect that with the adoption of amendments to the law on the prohibition of discrimination and the protection of human rights and freedoms, there will be a significant alignment with the legal acquis of the EU.
"The EC expects Montenegro to enable the deputies and advisors of the ombudsman to enjoy functional immunity, given that this is an obligation arising from the Action Plan for Chapter 23," said Drobnič.
He said that the independence of the ombudsman must also be ensured, with a solid legal basis that will enable him to be accredited by the International Coordinating Committee of National Human Rights Institutions.
"As far as gender equality is concerned, amendments to the electoral legislation are underway, and this opportunity should be used to resolve the issue of insufficient representation of women in the parliament", Drobnič believes.
He emphasized that the issue of domestic violence is still a serious cause for concern and that the institutional cooperation of various social services and law enforcement authorities should be improved.
"The media also represent an important factor in uncovering cases of human rights violations, and as such they must have the conditions to work without pressure," said Drobnič.
He recalled that the EC stated in the Progress Report that the involvement of public officials, especially police officers, in cases of intimidation and attacks on journalists, is still a cause for concern, as well as the increase in violence against journalists.
"All old and new cases of threats and violence must be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted. "Unfortunately, we have recently witnessed new attacks on media property, as well as physical attacks on Montenegrin journalists," Drobnič emphasized.
He said that the EC expects state authorities to protect journalists and provide them with conditions for safe and unhindered work. "This area will be under the special attention of the EU and member states," added Drobnič.
According to him, the situation has not improved even from the point of view of the rights of persons with disabilities.
"Access to facilities, including educational and medical institutions, is still not possible, and I appeal to the competent authorities to enable people with disabilities to fully enjoy their rights," said Drobnič.
He assessed that the Law on the Prohibition of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities has many shortcomings, and that it will have to be changed.
According to Drobnič, Montenegro will have to strengthen the mechanisms for monitoring the way of use and sanctioning the potential misuse of money intended for the professional rehabilitation of persons with disabilities.
"Perhaps the final disappearance of prejudice and discrimination is an unattainable goal, but they say that unattainable goals are the only ones worth striving for," Viting said.
"The state strongly supported the organization of the two prides, and I must emphasize that the police did an enviable job regarding the safety of the parade participants. These events, unfortunately, showed a worryingly high level of homophobia in Montenegro," said Drobnič.
He emphasized that the EU does not allow people to be treated as second-class citizens because of their sexual orientation.
"In this regard, we expect that all homophobic threats are investigated, prosecuted and that the perpetrators are prosecuted and punished, in accordance with Montenegrin laws," emphasized Drobnič.
He reminded that there is one more year left to resolve the issue of all displaced and internally displaced persons.
"Together we must continue to work to find lasting solutions to integrate these people and resolve their status." Montenegro still faces significant challenges when it comes to integrating the Roma population," said Drobnič.
The Minister for Human and Minority Rights, Suad Numanović, said that Montenegro takes its role in creating a more tolerant environment for all people living within its borders very seriously.
He emphasized that respect for human rights is the duty and obligation of every human being.
The Minister for Human and Minority Rights, Suad Numanović, said that Montenegro takes its role in creating a more tolerant environment for all people living within its borders very seriously.
He assessed that with the adoption of the amendments to the law on the protection of discrimination and the protection of human rights and freedoms, which are in the parliamentary procedure, a significant shift will be made towards harmonizing the Montenegrin legal framework with the acquis of the EU.
"The fight for humane values, equal human rights for all and a better world to which we belong, never ends. We have to try again and again to ensure equal rights for all people," said Numasnović.
The Ambassador of the United Kingdom, Ian Robert Witting, assessed that the Montenegrin government, the international community and non-governmental organizations have invested a lot of effort in the better protection of human rights and the fight against discrimination in Montenegro.
He said that Great Britain will continue to support the work of its partners who are committed to achieving these goals.
"Perhaps the final disappearance of prejudice and discrimination is an unattainable goal, but they say that unattainable goals are the only ones worth striving for," Viting said.
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