Juventas: We express concern about the attacks and the rise of Islamophobic and anti-immigrant narratives

In light of the recent incidents in Podgorica, which were presented in part of the public and media through the prism of national and religious affiliation, we express deep concern about the attack in which a young man was injured in Podgorica, as well as deep concern about the increase in Islamophobic and anti-immigrant narratives and the outbursts of violence motivated by them in our society, the non-governmental organization (NGO) Juventas announced today.

"We wish the young man who was the victim of the attack that he and his family will fully recover from the psychological and physical trauma they suffered as soon as possible. Regardless of individual unacceptable cases of violence, no incident should be used to label, stigmatize or collectively blame entire communities. The use of national labels in reporting, public statements and political reactions with the aim of creating collective guilt creates a dangerous climate of distrust, division and intolerance, which is contrary to the basic values ​​of civil society, the constitutional principles of Montenegro and international human rights standards," reads a statement from the NGO Juventas submitted by the PR Center.

Juventus said they are concerned about statements and announcements of measures that suggest an ad hoc, more restrictive approach towards foreigners and migrants.

"Montenegro does need a better demographic strategy and an improved legal framework relating to foreigners, but certainly not decisions made under the pressure of emotions and public pressure, which have not been clearly thought out beforehand. Such decisions do not contribute to security or stability, but rather send a message of rejection and closure. Montenegro is a society that is proud of its multiethnic, multiconfessional and open tradition," the statement emphasizes.

They added that at this moment, there are about 100.000 foreigners officially residing in Montenegro, meaning that every seventh inhabitant of our country is a foreigner and, according to them, they contribute to its development, economically and in many other ways.

"Montenegro is facing significant demographic trends: the depopulation of parts of the country, the departure of young people and the arrival of foreigners. These trends should be responded to maturely and strategically, for the sake of general well-being, and by no means in a populist way. The policy of hatred and violence against foreigners, present these days in both virtual and physical space, must not have a foothold and must be prevented. At the same time, we call on the institutions of the system to ensure a full and impartial investigation of all circumstances of recent incidents, provide support to the victims, but also to strengthen the overall security situation in the country through professional police work, prevention of lynching and hate speech, and consistent protection of all Montenegrin citizens and all foreigners living in Montenegro," it states.

They add that the increasingly visible presence of extreme right-wing, nationalist and clerical narratives in public space is also worrying, as they further fuel intolerance and threaten a peaceful and democratic society.

"Montenegro needs solidarity, empathy and institutional responsibility, not political populism and incitement. We call on the media, public figures and government representatives to show responsibility, calmness and respect for the facts in their statements, because every word in these circumstances carries weight and can either extinguish or inflame the conflict," the NGO Juventas concluded in a statement.