Minister Bošković meets UNHCR representatives in Geneva: Montenegro to enjoy full support in tackling refugee issue

Geneva, Switzerland (2 October 2014) – On the sidelines of the 65th Session of the Executive Committee of the UN High Commissioner’s Programme, Montenegro’s Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Predrag Bošković met in Geneva with UNHCR’s Director of Bureau for Europe Vincent Cochetel and Director of the Division for International Protection Volker Turk.

The meetings discussed the issues of integration of displaced persons in the Montenegrin society and their voluntary return, the regional housing programme, the opening of the Centre for Asylum Seekers in Podgorica and current status of displaced persons and refugees in Montenegro.

"Good cooperation with the Government of Kosovo has enabled the voluntary return of 13 displaced families with 67 members to the municipality of Klina. Respecting the will of displaced persons, we will continue, together with Kosovo’s Ministry for Communities and Return, the UNHCR, the EU institutions and other partners, to work for their right to return," Labour Minister Bošković underscored.

He stressed that Montenegro supports the EU's position on resolving the issue of displaced persons and it will continue its activities in order to permanently resolve this issue, adding that the construction of buildings in the municipalities of Nikšić, Podgorica, Berane, Herceg Novi, as well as the Home for the Elderly in Pljevlja, will eliminate the need for the existence of collective centres.

Mr Volker TurkTurk, who expressed his gratitude for Montenegro’s achievement in dealing with this issue, noted the efforts Montenegro's Government has invested in integrating displaced persons in the society should set an example to other countries.

Opening of the Centre for Asylum Seekers in Podgorica testifies to the good policy Montenegro has pursued in the field of asylum and migration, Vincent Cochetel of UNHCR, who visited the Centre last monthm, stated. He pointed out that Montenegro will enjoy full support for the policy it has been implementing towards finding permanent solution to the issues of refugees and asylum seekers.