Adviser Kojičić, Nils Muižnieks of CoE: Montenegro makes progress in protecting human rights of LGBTI persons

Strasbourg, France (18 September 2016) – When it comes to policies concerning anti-discrimination, protection and promotion of human rights of LGBTI persons, Montenegro has been successfully implementing modern standards at legislative and programme levels, including many projects, initiatives and examples of good practice, which make Montenegro recognisible on a global scale, Advisor to the Prime Minister of Montenegro for Human Rights and Protection from Discrimination and National Coordinator for LGBT Policy Jovan Kojičić underlined at a meeting with Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe Nils Muižnieks in Strasbourg.

Advisor Kojičić informed Commissioner Muižnieks about the activities and programmes regarding the implementation of the entire range of activities within the LGBT Strategy and LGBTI Package for the Western Balkans that offer precise and based on data support for governments and civil society in establishing best practices in terms of the way in which we can oppose myths and stereotypes about LGBTI people in order to encourage all the stakeholders to promote equal rights and opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and strengthen democratic development and society capacity. Advisor Kojičić also referred to the training programmes for police officers, prosecutors, judges, social workers and administration, focusing on full cooperation with the civil society, as well as relevant international organisations and institutions in this field.

Commissioner Muižnieks congratulated Montenegro on the progress achieved in the field of human rights of LGBTI people, and especially praised the activities that have a regional dimension, voicing appreciation for Montenegro's efforts in expanding partnerships in this matter.

It was jointly stated that strong political will, the expertise of the participants of the process and raising awareness campaigns are prerequisites of progress in protecting and promoting human rights of LGBTI persons, thus overcoming cultural, local and other antagonisms in the long run.

During his stay in Strasbourg, Advisor Kojičić took part in the 17th European Governmental LGBTI Focal Points Network Roundtable. Montenegro joined the initiative in 2011. Representatives of European governments and international experts discussed the topic of ensuring the respect for human rights of children and youth members of the LGBTI population, namely how to make schools safe place and fight against homophobia, transphobia and bullying, as well as the children in same-sex families. The meeting brought together eminent experts from the UN, EU and USA.

Prime Minister's Adviser Kojičić also met in Strasbourg with CoE Director of the Directorate of Human Dignity and Equality Marja Ruotanen, with whom he discussed joint activities within the PREDIM project the Council of Europe is implementing in Montenegro.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO