Human rights regional office to be set up in Podgorica

Podgorica, Montenegro (6 December 2011) -- Deputy Prime Minister Duško Marković and Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland signed in Strasbourg on Monday the Memorandum of understanding about setting up the office of the regional project entitled “Promotion of Human Rights and Protection of Minorities in South Eastern Europe”, which is to be opened in Podgorica.

The office will be entrusted with the responsibility for implementing a three-year project worth €3.6 million, aimed at advancing minority human rights in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Macedonia and Kosovo.

DPM Marković thanked the Secretary General for the continued support the Council of Europe provides to Montenegro’s further development of democracy and rule of law, in particular referring to boosting administrative capacities and fighting against discrimination.

Having noted that he hopes for good news for Montenegro from the European Council’s meeting on 9 December, Mr Jagland stressed that judiciary reform, promotion of human rights and freedoms and fight against corruption should remain the country’s key priorities and that it can always count on CoE's assistance and support.

During his visit to Strasbourg, the Deputy Prime Minister also met with Human Rights Commissioner Thomas Hammarberg and head of the Venice Commission Gianni Buquicchio to acquaint them with Montenegro’s efforts regarding judiciary reform, including the initiatives for amending the Constitution and new provisions in systemic laws, as well as the promotion of human rights of vulnerable groups such as RAE population, LGBT persons and people with disabilities.