Adviser to Prime Minister Jovan Kojičić participates in 15th round table of European Governmental LGBT Focal Point Network of Representatives

Geneva, Switzerland (18 November 2015) -- At the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, Advisor to Prime Minister for Human Rights and Protection from Discrimination, and National Coordinator for LGBT Policy, Jovan Kojićić is paying an official visit to Geneva, where he is taking part in the 15th round table of the European Governmental LGBT Focal Point Network of Representatives.

Adviser Kojičić had a series of separate meetings with Ambassador Roderick van Schreven, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Nations and other International Organisations; Daniel Pi, Deputy Permanent Representative of Uruguay to the UN in Geneva; Michael van Gelderen, Human Rights Officer at Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; Marie-Louise Wegter, Deputy Permanent Representative at Danish Mission to the UN in Geneva and other International Organisations; André du Plessis, ILGA's UN Programme and Advocacy Manager; and Martin Oelze, Specialist on Equality and Non-Discrimination in the International Labour Organisation.

The meetings discussed the leadership role of the Government of Montenegro in the post-IDAHO initiative for the Western Balkans and the affirmation of the OutLeadership concept as a support mechanism for respecting diversity in the workplace and inclusion of LGBTI people. The initiative demonstrates the Montenegrin Government’s support for global human rights and freedoms. The importance of mutual cooperation and joint actions in planning and promoting policies in this area was emphasised. The meetings also discussed opportunities for joint performance and affirmation of the Outleadership concept in Montenegro and the Western Balkans.

The recognition of of the Government’s efforts will contribute to establishing the best mechanisms for mutual support and exchange of best practices. In line with the ongoing global efforts and initiatives, such efforts provide a strong support for greater visibility, security, acceptance and inclusion of LGBTI people. In cooperation with the partner organisations, namely the New-York based OutLeadership (Out On The Street), UCLA School of Law of the Williams Institute, ILGA World, and regional governments, the Government of Montenegro aims to establish a common platform on diversity and inclusion of LGBTI people in the Western Balkans, which was initiated under the auspices of the Third Ministerial IDAHO Forum this May in Budva.

The officials recognised the strong commitment, dedication and visible results of the Montenegrin Government in improving LGBTI rights, both at national and international levels, which  was assessed as a significant incentive in this area in relation to a number of global initiatives and the entire region of the Western Balkans. Montenegro will continue to enjoy support of relevant international stakeholders, including various forms of cooperation within the initiatives launched by the Government of Montenegro, the meetings concluded.