Government adopts sustainable strategy for refugees, offers national treatment

Podgorica, Montenegro (28 July 2011) – The Government of Montenegro adopted the strategy offering lasting solution to the issue of displaced persons and refugees and the adjacent action plan, with special reference to the refugee camp Konik, mentioned in the European Commission Opinion as the most pressing refugee-related issue, said Labour and Welfare Minister Suad Numanović following the Cabinet meeting earlier today.

In his words, the aim of the Strategy is to “solve the issues of displaced persons and refugees in a sustainable and lasting manner.” He added that “we are assisted in this strategy by the international community” and underlined that it is “in accordance with international standards.”

The minister went on to elaborate that the strategy entails two possible solutions for these persons, which are full integration into the society and consensual return to their countries of origin.

Minister said that the strategy provides for a national treatment of those who choose to stay by way of enabling their access to rights, including social protection and healthcare, in the same fashion as Montenegrin citizens. Minister Numanović noted that the special attention will be placed on Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian population, who are the groups most in need of preferential treatment. The strategy is aimed at providing jobs and housing, especially for the inhabitants of the Konik camps.

The consensual repatriation of the refugees and displaced persons will be assisted by Montenegro, and it is expected that soon bilateral agreements will be signed to enable this, firstly with Kosovo.



Minister Numanović concluded by underlining that the time frame for the Strategy implementation is 2012-2015 and explained that the implementation plans will be adopted yearly.