Round table "Roma in Montenegro, Montenegro in Europe"

Ministry for Human and Minority Rights organized earlier today, in the Municipality of Bijelo Polje, round table: "Roma in Montenegro Montenegro in Europe". The aim of this round table was to inform young population and members of vulnerable social categories in the society on the human rights of the most marginalized group, the Roma.

Minister Numanovic spoke at the round table and emphasized that situation of Roma, although being the most vulnerable social categories of the European Union, has been significaly improved in comparison with many other more developed countries in the world.

Special attention must be devoted to education, manifesting the possibilities they may achieve if gain certain knowledge. Without good educational base, it is not possible to think about better employment conditions, or about better economic situation which is already bad in Roma and Egyptian communities.

Montenegro and the relevant Ministry undertake legislative activities in accordance with the needs and changes in the society, taking into account the recommendations of the European Commission. Respect for the fundamental human rights, as well as improvement and protection, stand for the test that each of us is obliged to pass with the highest grade. It is essential to respect the rights of other people as we respect ours, said Minister Numanović, addressing pupils from primary and secondary schools who attended the event. He pointed out that diversity should not be an obstacle, but rather the essence of the matter should be learning about each other with the effect of understanding the magnitude and the importance of respecting the human rights. He advised representatives of Roma population not to give up on their education but to endure in their efforts to insure themselves with better life and work conditions in the future.

Leon Gjokaj, Director General in the Directorate for promotion and protection of human rights and freedoms, Andrija Djukanović, Programme coordinator in the Roma Education Fund, Fatima Naza, Program assistant, Centre for Roma initiatives and Elvis Beriša student at the Faculty of Law University of Montenegro also spoke at the round table.

During the event, first Montenegrin-Roma and Roma-Montenegrin dictionary has been presented by the author Ljatif Demir and editor Lida Vukmanovic-Tabas.  

Mr Demir spoke about the significance of the 25 centuries old Romani language, which today has 38 voices out of 48 that the original one used to have.

With the ancient adage: ''White Roma book has never been sown with black letters“, alluding to a very small number of titles written in Romani language, professor thanked everyone for participation and for the opportunity to present this book in Municipality of Bijelo Polje, a city which name symbolically bears the mentioned adjective.

Advancing towards the standards expected by the European Union, it is unavoidable that more and more attention is paid to human rights, culture, as well as dialogue culture. Conversation about life’s most important topics is the best ways to inform public about all the things that are of crucial importance for the general welfare of the entire community.

Ministry for Human and Minority Rights