Caring for the vulnerable categories of society is not only the responsibility of the state, it should also include the empathy of every member of society. Unfortunately, there is still not enough awareness and knowledge of the problems faced by people with disabilities.
This is one of the messages from the visit of the protector of human rights and freedoms of Montenegro, Siniša Bjeković, and his associates to the Small Group Community (MGZ) in Bijelo Polje and the Day Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities "Tis".
The visit was carried out to meet the International Human Rights Day and within the framework of activities marking the Day of Persons with Disabilities, during which a symbolic donation was handed over in the form of necessary technical devices that will facilitate the daily life of users, the institution of the Protector announced.
"After the recent visit of the protector's children's rights sector, during which the representatives of the institution were convinced of the good conditions of mixing and working in MGZ and 'Tisa', as well as the dedication of the employees, we decided to launch an action to collect certain missing funds in the form of technical devices, which will improve the condition and ease the needs of users. Bearing in mind the fact that users spend most of their time indoors, air purifiers, nutribullets and cosmetic/hygiene products are provided," the announcement reads.
The donation campaign was realized thanks to the socially responsible business of several companies and institutions.
"Children with disabilities, especially those without parental care, are the most vulnerable social group before which we must not fail the test of responsibility. Neither as a state of social justice and equality, nor as those who implement decisions on behalf of the state, but neither citizens and neighbors of these children," said the ombudsman.
It is reminded that the Small Group Community is the only service of its kind in Montenegro, intended for children with the most severe developmental disabilities, who are without parental care or children whose parents have been deprived of their parental rights.
"Tisa" is the first day care center in Montenegro and represents a complement to the social protection service for children with developmental disabilities.
The director of "Tisa" Ensad Omerović said that even after two decades of work, the institution faces the same problems, when it comes to prejudice and stigma of the wider community, neighbors, but also the families of children with disabilities.
"He presented a significant number of activities that try to present the work of the Day Care Center, the potential and achievements of the users to the public and thus improve the inclusion of people with disabilities and strengthen the public's awareness of their rights and the real situation in which they grow up and live," the announcement reads.
MGZ coordinator Aldin Pilavac pointed out that despite the fact that they have good conditions for working with the most sensitive social group, such as children with severe disabilities and without parental care, it means to employees when their work is recognized and when they expand cooperation with the institutions of the system, but and the community in general.
Bjeković and the deputy for the rights of children, youth and social protection, Snežana Mijušković, expressed positive impressions about the work of those institutions in their conversation with the president of the Municipality of Bijelo Polje, Peter Smolović.
"Information was also exchanged on other important topics in the field of human rights and freedoms, which also concern other vulnerable groups, such as domiciled Roma and victims of domestic violence".
The Protector stated that the majority of complaints from the citizens of Bijelo Polje relate to the work of state bodies, and Smolović emphasized a proactive approach to solving problems and improving the situation for human rights issues that are the responsibility of local self-government.
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