Montenegro to make efforts to maintain reputation of Council of Europe's credible and constructive partner

Podgorica, Montenegro (20 March 2014) – Minister of Human and Minority Rights of Montenegro Suad Numanović met yesterday with Nils Muiznieks, Commissioner for Human Rights at Council of Europe to discuss the situation of human and minority rights protection in Montenegro.

Minister Numanović presented Montenegro as a multicultural, multiethnic and multireligious society, adding that our country is very committed to protecting human rights. Noting that members of minority groups unconditionally supported the independence of Montenegro, he informed Commissioner Muiznieks that Montenegro has a Law on Minority Rights and Freedoms, adding that amendments to this Law were initiated this year in order to improve minority rights and guarantees.

“Respect for the international law, the rule of law and protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms are the main priorities and principles of the overall Montenegrin policy. Our country has proved its commitment and active role in creating and implementing new standards within the promotion and protection of human rights. In that regard it became full-fledged member of the UN Council for Human rights in November 2012”, Minister Numanović highlighted.

Minister Numanović told Commissioner Muiznieks that the Law against Discrimination and the Law on the Ombudsman were amended, and they are currently in the parliamentary procedure. “Through educating representatives of relevant state authorities dealing with protection against discrimination, we are trying to reduce the level of discrimination by indentifying people who suffer from discrinination”, Minister Numanović explained.

The Government of Montenegro is committed to the protection of the LGBT people and in that regards it has adopted the Strategy for improvement the quality of life of LGBT people, supported two pride parades and continuously works on reducing homophobia in the Montenegrin society, Minister Numanović underlined.

The status of Roma population in Montenegrin society and efforts that Montenegro is undertaking to find the suitable solution for its integration into the society were particularly discussed during the meeting. Montenegro, within its presidency over the Decade of Roma  Inclusion, is tackling issues related to education, health care and employment, and also offers scholarships for students, high school graduates and provides required textbooks. In cooperation with the Government of Hungary, the Government of Montenegro will provide scholarships for students willing to become interpreters of the Roma language, he stressed.

The two officials also discussed issues related to gender equality, particularly the overcoming of violence against women, fostering of women entrepreneurship and participation in public and political life. These priorities are defined within the Action Plan for achievement of gender equality and Montenegro is committed to improving gender equality and the status of women in all aspects of the society, Minister Numanović pointed out.

Commissioner Muiznieks thanked Minister Numanović for the comprehensive report on human and minority rights in Montenegro, adding that the list of topics for discussion was very extensive since he was the Latvian Minister for social integration, anti – discrimination, minority rights and development of civil society.

Montenegro will make every effort to maintain the reputation of a credible and constructive partner of the Council of Europe, involved in promoting its values and standards, Suad Numanović, Montenegro's Human and Minority Rights concluded.