The conference "Ombudsman Institutions in a Time of Crisis" was organized on the occasion of marking 20 years of work of the Ombudsman of Montenegro.
This, the OSCE said at today's media press conference, will be a reason to consider the position of this institution, as well as the ombudsman institutions of the region, in the legal system, as well as their relationship with public authorities.
The protector of human rights and freedoms, Siniša Bjeković, said that "these moments should be used to remember all those who actively participated in the protection of human rights".
He thanked many people, Minister Đeka, Jelena Borovinić Bojović, associates, and pigs who came to today's conference.
"The ombudsman and the institutions are the correctors of the government. They are not a punitive expedition. It is a model based on trust," said Bjeković, adding that without resources and a normative foundation, the path to correcting injustice "would be an illusion."
He pointed out that all ideas and suggestions are welcome in solving crisis situations.
"Are we at a turning point or are we waiting again for the train that has passed," he asked.
Dervišagić: It is important to point out the institutions that will protect human rights
Head of the program office of the Council of Europe in Montenegro, Lejla Dervišagić, congratulated the 20th anniversary of the OSCE.
"Cooperation between the Ombudsman institution and the Council of Europe is more than natural. They have the same goal - the protection of freedom of human rights," said Dervišagić.
Dervišagić said that the documents of the European Summit and the OSCE, as well as many others, indicate the importance of an institution that will protect human rights.
Popa: The institution of the Ombudsman has become an inseparable part of the administration
The head of the European Union (EU) delegation in Montenegro, Oana Kristina Popa, said that the Institution of the Ombudsman has become an inseparable part of the administration, and over time it has become connected to human rights.
"Its necessity has become more and more important lately," Popa emphasized.
He believes that the efforts of the ombudsman in Montenegro have paid off.
"Montenegrin citizens have a perception of the Ombudsman as an institution they can trust... We look forward to the revised legislation. All efforts where the work is ongoing must be brought to an end," she assessed.
Milatović: The rule of law is the foundation of every society, in achieving that goal the citizens will have an ally in me
The President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, said that being a protector of the rights and freedoms that belong to each of us does not belong to everyone, and they are often limited, they belong to all of us.
"The data indicate the need to strengthen institutional mechanisms that protect the rights and freedoms of citizens. The cooperation with Bjeković so far is at a satisfactory level and I expect it to be better in the future. The rule of law is the foundation of every society, even Montenegrin," said Milatović, adding that in achieving that goal, the citizens of Montenegro will have an ally in him.
Libra: Pay more attention to the fight against hate speech and discrimination in public discourse
The head of the OSCE mission in Montenegro, Dominik Vag, said at the very beginning that we must pay more attention to the fight against hate speech and discrimination in public discourse.
"Today's gathering of human rights advocates is testimony to how important human rights are for citizens, in a democratic system where institutions must be transparent and accountable," Vag said.
Vag said that the OSCE Mission is working to suppress hate speech in the media.
"We supported five TV shows to raise awareness of the necessity of countering hate speech and its gender dimension, with an emphasis on complementary legal mechanisms..." she said.
She emphasized that the OSCE Mission will continue to encourage pluralistic debate.
"I would also like to encourage all of you to pay special attention to women who speak in public, because they, as politicians, civil society activists or journalists, face a continuous barrage of hate speech. From your offices of the ombudsman, women who speak in public, especially female journalists will need greater protection and support," Vag said.
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