UNHCR Representative: Montenegro successfully addresses displaced persons issue

Podgorica, Montenegro (28 March 2013) – Montenegrin Government has been successfully addressing the issue of displaced and internally displaced persons at the national level and within the regional initiatives such as the Sarajevo process and the Regional Housing Programme, Indumati Mohandas, the newly appointed UNHCR Representative in Montenegro, said at the meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Duško Marković earlier today.

She welcomed the legal initiatives regarding the extension of the deadline for displaced and internally displaced persons in Montenegro to apply for status of foreigners with permanent residence, which is another step towards obtaining Montenegro's citizenship. The UNHCR representative also praised the adoption of the Law on Social Housing and the Government's commitment to, in cooperation with other countries of the region, find the best solution for the refugees who are willing to return to their country of origin.

Displaced and internally displaced persons have been identified in all Montenegro’s policies, in particular with regard to employment, health care and education, DPM Marković emphasised.

He informed Ms Mohandas about Montenegro's efforts to improve the standard of living of the population in the refugee camp Konik through coordinated actions aimed at making the new American donation of 12 container homes operable as quickly as possible. He also voiced expectation that the legislation relating the improvement of refugee status in Montenegro will be adopted at very next Parliament’s session.