The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (CoE) unanimously elected Montenegrin human rights defender Siniša Bjeković as a member-expert of the Advisory Committee for the Monitoring of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities on Wednesday.
This, as announced by the Ombudsman's office, is also a recognition and confirmation of many years of expert work and experience gained in numerous projects and initiatives for the protection of human and minority rights.
"And also confirmation of the institutional and personal contribution of the protector to these processes, both nationally and internationally," the statement added.
It is stated that in accordance with the rules contained in the Council of Europe Resolution CM/Res (2019)49, the start of Bjeković's mandate in that body is expected in the middle of next year.
The Ombudsman's office said that the Advisory Committee is an independent body of the Council of Europe responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Framework Convention on Minority Rights.
They stated that this process consists of detailed reports for each country, which are adopted after a monitoring process.
“The process includes examining state reports and other sources of information, as well as on-site meetings with government and national minority representatives and other relevant social actors,” the statement said.
The Advisory Committee consists of 18 independent experts elected and appointed for a four-year term.
It is stated that, in accordance with Resolution (2019)49 of the Committee of Ministers, members of the Advisory Committee must have recognized expertise in the field of protection of national minorities.
Members, it is added, must serve in their personal capacity, must be independent and impartial, and must be available for effective action and work on the Committee.
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