The Ministry of Human and Minority Rights is actively working to promote and protect human and minority rights and freedoms, Minister Fatmir Đeka emphasized in a conversation with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, who is in Montenegro as part of his working visit to the Western Balkan countries, according to a statement from his ministry.
The Minister said that the department he heads is actively working to promote equality and strengthen the implementation of equal opportunity policies, improving the quality of life of particularly vulnerable categories in Montenegrin society.
As the statement adds, Đeka informed the High Commissioner about the activities carried out by the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights within the normative and strategic framework.
"The Law on the Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms of Montenegro will be significantly improved in order to provide this institution with A status in accordance with the Paris Principles and recommendations received after the presentation of the last General Periodic Report on the state of human rights in the country. Also, in 2026, we plan to innovate the Law on Gender Equality and the Law on Minority Rights and Freedoms," he said.
As announced, during a working lunch between Đjeka and Justice Minister Bojan Božović, hosted by the UN System in the country, the establishment of a national mechanism for preparation, monitoring and reporting to UN treaty bodies was discussed, among other things.
Đeka explained that the model of the mechanism in question is under preparation, and that its establishment is planned for 2026.
"By establishing this national mechanism, efforts will be made to eliminate delays in reporting to treaty bodies (Montenegro is currently two reports late), improve and facilitate the method of reporting, and monitor the implementation of recommendations," the statement said.
Đeka highlighted the long-standing successful cooperation with UN agencies, and especially with the Human Rights Advisor, and stated that they are a significant support for our reform processes.
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