The Council for Children's Rights recommended that the Ministry of Social Welfare, Family Care and Demography include the development of a Strategy for the Realization of Children's Rights in the Government's work plan for this year.
At today's meeting, the Council considered three key topics: the development of a new Strategy for the Implementation of Children's Rights in Montenegro 2025-2029, the organization of a joint conference, and the Council's work plan for 2025.
"The session was opened by the President of the Council, Dragoslav Šćekić, welcoming the members and guests, including Mikel Servadei, Head of UNICEF Representative Office in Montenegro. The session stated that it is of key importance to accelerate the process of developing a new Strategy for the Implementation of Children's Rights in Montenegro 2025-2029, given that the previous strategic document expired in 2023, and that the evaluation of the existing document has already been presented to the members of the Council. The discussion focused on accelerating the process of developing a new Strategy. The members of the Council agreed that it is of key importance that the Ministry of Social Welfare, Family Care and Demography submit a proposal to the General Secretariat of the Government as soon as possible for the inclusion of the development of a new Strategy in the Government's work plan for 2025. The members of the Council recognized the importance of this Strategy, given that it is an umbrella comprehensive strategic document in terms of protecting the rights of the child guaranteed by the Convention. The Council expressed its readiness to provide active support to the activities of the relevant Ministry in developing this important strategic document," the Ministry of Sports and Youth announced.
An initiative was considered to organize a joint conference that would "enable the presentation of the Council's work to the public and the collection of feedback."
"At the previous meeting, the opinion was expressed that organizing a conference would be an excellent opportunity to present the work of the Council to the public and collect feedback on its functioning. The members of the Council unanimously supported this initiative, emphasizing that the conference should be organized at a high level, with the involvement of all relevant stakeholders. Potential proposals and suggestions for the realization of this event were also considered," it added.
The Council's Work Program for 2025 has been proposed, which includes activities related to the development of a new Strategy for the Implementation of Children's Rights in Montenegro 2025-2029.
"However, given that the Council's activities cannot be implemented if they are not included in the Government's work plan, the Council decided to adopt this activity on the condition that the development of the Strategy is included in the Government's annual work plan. The Council adopted the conclusion that proposed amendments, suggestions and comments regarding the Council's work plan should be submitted via email within 15 days so that it can be adopted at the next session. Also, the Council members agreed that the secretariat should record all changes agreed at today's session, and the Council secretary is responsible for updating the Work Program in accordance with the conclusions reached," the statement reads.
"At the end of the session, the President of the Council, Dragoslav Šćekić, thanked all those present for the productive discussion and constructive suggestions, emphasizing the importance of further engagement in order to improve the rights of children and youth in Montenegro. The Council for the Rights of the Child will continue its work and actively monitor the implementation of all measures and activities that have been adopted, in continuous cooperation with all relevant institutions and organizations. The session was concluded with the belief that all conclusions will be implemented in the coming period, and that the Council will remain a strong support in promoting and protecting children's rights at the national level," it concludes.
Bonus video:
