UN CERD's meeting in Geneva: Montenegro sets example for other countries regarding respects for human rights

Geneva, Switzerland (6 February 2014) – At its today’s session in Geneva, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) commended Montenegro’s Report on the Implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, its realistic view of the situation and serious progress in implementing the Convention. It also praised Montenegro’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law, the legal system and the system of non-discrimination and protection of the rights and freedoms of its citizens.

The committee members emphasised that Montenegro can set an example for other countries in the region regarding the respect and promotion of human rights and freedoms, based on information from the national reports, but also the information from the so-called “Shadow Reports," which were submitted by Montenegro’s NGOs “CEDEM” and “Action for Human Rights”.

The meeting addressed the issues related to the protection from all forms of discrimination in Montenegro, particularly the Roma and Egyptian population, minority representation in the public administration, gender equality, status of refugees and displaced persons, asylum issues, strengthening the judiciary, as well as data availability and the Ombudsman’s activities. Particular attention was paid to 2011 census data, which were not covered by the report.