Advisor to Prime Minister Kojičić presents in Berlin Montenegro's activities on implementing protection against discrimination

Berlin, Germany (30 October 2013) -- Advisor to Montenegro’s Prime Minister for Human Rights and Protection against Discrimination Jovan Kojičić attended the Unicorn conference on LGBT diversity in the workplace and Sticks & Stones career fair, which took place in Berlin on 24 - 27 October 2013.

During his stay in Berlin, Advisor Kojičić spoke to Klaus Meyer-Cabri, Head of Office for EU Affairs and International Cooperation in the Federal Justice Ministry, Marcus Löning, Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights, and Christoph Retzlaff, Director of EU-Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Department in the Federal Foreign Office.

Advisor Kojičić informed the German officials about the Montenegrin Government’s activities concerning the adoption and implementation of policies for promotion of human rights and protection from discrimination, highlighting their national as well as regional aspects. In that regard, he particularly stressed the significance of the adopted Strategy for Improving the quality of life of LGBT population for the period 2013-2018, as well as the recently signed Joint Statement on combating homophobia and transphobia.

German officials pledged full support for Montenegro and voiced willingness to further boost mutual partnership and cooperation. They emphasised the importance the Government of Montenegro attaches to the issue of human rights and protection from discrimination, acknowledging the results achieved to date in that field.

In that context, they stressed the importance of opening the negotiating chapters 23 and 24, which is expected by the end of 2013, and the effective implementation of the adopted legislation. The German Justice officials concluded that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Montenegro and the German Ministry of Justice will further contribute to strengthening cooperation in that area. They also welcomed Montenegro’s cooperation with the German Foundation for International Legal Cooperation.

German officials voiced readiness to share their opinions and provide expertise in line with Montenegro’s needs, adding that Germany will continue providing constructive and concrete support for Montenegro’s EU bid.

Advisor Kojičić also visited the office the international humanitarian organisation “Human Rights Watch" in Berlin, where he met with Boris Dittrich, wh leads Human Rights Watch’s advocacy efforts on LGBT rights around the world.