Several non-governmental organizations initiated proceedings against the Ministry of Finance and Social Welfare (MFSS) before the Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution due to non-fulfillment of contractual obligations of this Ministry to support activities in the field of protection against violence against women and domestic violence for 2021, the PR Center announced.
"The decision on the distribution of funds based on the competition for financing projects of non-governmental organizations in the field of protection against violence against women and domestic violence No. 16-109-128/21-3491-51 was published on 28.12.2021 December 29.12.2021. This decision determined the funding funds projects for eight non-governmental organizations. Contracts with non-governmental organizations were signed within the deadline, and on 45 December XNUMX they were sent to the financial service of the Ministry of Finance and Social Affairs, which makes the payment of the funds. However, the ministry did not pay the funds within XNUMX days from the date of signing the contract, and the conditions were met for the initiation of proceedings before the Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution, which is part of the non-governmental organizations and did. Before the initiation of the proceedings, the representatives of the non-governmental organizations tried to solve the problem in direct communication with the ministry, and addressed Minister Milojko several times in writing I will contact you with an inquiry about the reasons for the delay in the payment of the funds, but the minister never answered," states the statement signed by Danijel Kalezić, Queer Montenegro, Maja Raičević, Center for Women's Rights, Jovan Ulićević, Spektra Association and Anđela Radovanović, Youth Association with handicap of Montenegro.
The PR center added that "NGOs that have initiated proceedings express their concern over such illegal actions by the Ministry of Finance and Social Welfare and the absence of communication and adequate explanation".
"It is alarming that this kind of action is being taken by the ministry, which has social welfare under its jurisdiction, as well as protection against violence against women and domestic violence in a country where femicide and misogyny are widespread. Taking into account that we are continuously witnessing the lack of adequate reactions from the authorities institutions on violence against women, but also proactive action aimed at preventing violence against women, and that non-governmental organizations bear the greatest burden of protecting victims of gender-based violence, including the protection of marginalized groups of women and children, including women and children with disabilities and their family members who are victims and witnesses of violence and for whose empowerment and protection additional efforts are needed, the said action of the competent ministry is of additional concern," the statement reads.
It is stated that this practice prevents the functioning of both licensed and those social and child protection services, which are in the process of raising the capacity for licensing, and significantly calls into question the sustainability of key services and support activities for women victims of gender-based violence.
"Therefore, we are asking for a statement from the relevant minister in relation to our initiative for alternative dispute resolution. If it fails this time as well, we will turn to the competent court," the announcement concludes.
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