In Montenegro, thanks to the partnership with UNICEF, significant reforms in the area of protection of children's rights have been successfully implemented, it was reported from the meeting of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović with the newly elected head of the UNICEF representative office in Montenegro, Mikel Servadei.
In the conversation, the importance of improving education, children's, social and health care, as well as the Government's commitment to reforms in these areas, was particularly highlighted. In this regard, Minister Ibrahimović pointed out the importance of the current Cooperation Program of the Government and UNICEF for the period 2023-2027, which represents an ambitious but realistic plan in the direction of reaching international standards in terms of deinstitutionalization, inclusive and quality education, as well as prevention and fight against all forms of violence against children, according to the announcement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"By obtaining a positive IBAR, an important message was sent that Montenegro is ready to take a step forward and is committed to progress in the area of the rule of law, which includes human rights and children's rights. We will continue at the same pace, convinced that with the support of our partners and the complementarity of development process, we can fulfill the goal of becoming the first next member of the European Union", said Ibrahimović.
"In the coming period, UNICEF will continue to cooperate with the Government of Montenegro on the implementation of key reforms for children, with a special focus on the most vulnerable children such as those at risk of poverty, children with developmental disabilities, children from Roma and other minorities, as well as children in the institutions", said Servadei, handing over the letters of accreditation on the occasion of taking office in Montenegro.
He also pointed out that progress in these areas will bring significant progress to Montenegro in the EU accession process, especially in chapters 19, 23, 26 and 28. Servadei also said that the mentioned reforms will contribute to the improvement of human capital, which is of essential importance. for the socio-economic development of Montenegro and the use of the New Growth Plan for the Western Balkans so that it has the best possible benefits for children, according to the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
UNICEF is also ready to support the Government to use the EU Child Guarantee, which can provide resources to accelerate reforms in all sectors and achieve positive changes in the lives of all children faster.
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