Montenegro has solid legislation for the protection of human rights, complemented by various strategies to ensure its implementation, said the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, stating that he is concerned about hate speech and divisive narratives.
In a statement to the media at the end of his official visit to Montenegro, he said that he was impressed by the progress the country has made since regaining independence.
"Montenegro today has solid legislation for the protection of human rights, complemented by various strategies for ensuring its implementation, which is always a challenge. The Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms enjoys wide respect among citizens and authorities," Turk stated.
As he pointed out, open and inclusive dialogue is crucial everywhere in the world, especially in a country like Montenegro, which is characterized by rich ethnic, religious and linguistic diversity.
“I am therefore concerned about hate speech and divisive narratives – on television, the internet, sporting events and even in schools,” Turk said.
He assessed that some politicians also resort to divisive rhetoric, and sometimes even outright hate speech, in order to achieve perceived political gain.
Turk said that hate speech is often directed against women and marginalized groups, including Roma, Egyptians, the LGBTIQ+ community, and people with disabilities, noting that women in public or political positions are often disproportionately affected by violent misogynistic discourse.
He emphasized that politicians and public figures have a special responsibility and role in this regard.
"Their actions must be in accordance with international human rights standards, guided by a spirit of unity and equality for all," Turk said.
According to him, it is important for Montenegro to increase responsibility for hate speech.
"I encourage the Government to accelerate efforts to integrate human rights into education reform. My office stands ready to support Montenegro in this area," Turk said.
He said that Montenegro has a strong and active civil society that not only provides support and services to those who need it most, but also plays an important role in the protection and promotion of universal human rights.
"It is therefore crucial to guarantee them a free, open and safe space to continue their important work," Turk stressed.
Turk said they have seen positive measures to strengthen the legal and strategic framework in the area of media freedom and the protection of journalists, stating that his office continues to monitor cases of attacks on journalists, both online and offline.
As he stated, last year's order by the Supreme State Prosecutor to intensify investigations into violence against journalists was a very important step.
"Recently, as a positive development, convictions have been handed down in four such cases. However, full accountability has not yet been achieved in some older cases, including the murder of journalist Duško Jovanović more than 20 years ago," Turk pointed out.
Recalling that Montenegro legalized same-sex partnerships in 2020, Turk said that in order to further advance this positive step, he encouraged the authorities to submit to the Parliament a Draft Law on Legal Recognition of Gender Based on Self-Determination and to abolish the current practice of sterilization.
"To protect children, especially girls, it is essential to adopt laws prohibiting marriage before the age of 18," Turk added.
He said that in meetings with government representatives he stressed the importance of achieving greater progress in the area of transitional justice.
"After years of stagnation, Montenegro has adopted a new War Crimes Investigation Strategy, reopened old war crimes cases, and adopted a law that has already paved the way for compensation for victims and their families. These are all positive steps, which will also help counter revisionist tendencies," Turk said.
During his first visit to Montenegro since the restoration of independence, Turk spoke with the President of the country, Jakov Milatović, ministers in the Government, the Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms, representatives of parliament and civil society.
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