A final report on the state of human rights in Montenegro within the UPR mechanism has been adopted in Geneva

Minister for Human and Minority Rights Mehmed Zenka participated in the 38th session of the Human Rights Council, where a final report on the state of human rights in Montenegro has been adopted today in Geneva under the mechanism of the General Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council.

The report, which was successfully presented in January this year, gave an overview of Montenegro's progress, challenges and commitments in terms of further strengthening the system of protection and respect for human rights and freedoms. After an interactive discussion within the mentioned presentation, Montenegro received a total of 169 recommendations from UN member states, out of which it accepted implementation 159.

Giving comments on the accepted recommendations and giving a brief summary of the results in the thematic areas in which the recommendations were grouped, Minister Zenka reiterated Montenegro's unambiguous commitment to the highest values ​​of democracy and the principles and principles enshrined in the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international legal documents in human rights.

He noted that Montenegro sees the accepted recommendations as an additional impetus for the improvement of the human rights situation in the country. He said that Montenegro will continue to implement measures and activities that will ensure the efficiency of the institutional framework for human rights and the full implementation of ratified international and domestic instruments. Zenka pointed out that efforts in areas of interest will be intensified in the forthcoming period in line with the recommendations received.

The final adoption of the Report was attended by representatives of member states and non-governmental organizations. The participants commended the constructive approach to the UPR mechanism.Montenegro was invited to continue efforts in strengthening protection, respect and enjoyment of human right as well as to fulfill international obligations in the field of human rights. Also, the representatives of the Member States welcomed the high number of accepted recommendations that were received during the presentation of the Report in January. In addition, efforts that Montenegro has made in the field of gender equality, economic and political strengthening of women, combating domestic violence, social protection of vulnerable groups, then in the area of ​​protection of children, persons with disabilities, fight against human trafficking and work on strengthening the independence of the judiciary were commended. In general, the most positive comments concerned the change of the anti-discrimination set of international documents.

Minister Zenka thanked all countries for their participation in the discussion, as well as the civil society organizations for the given contribution and encouragement to the interest of membership in the situation in Montenegro. He once again thanked all state institutions, the Protector for Human Rights and Freedoms of Montenegro and non-governmental organizations, for continuous engagement and commitment to the process of drafting and presenting the report. According to the Minister, the presented effect is the result of the joint efforts.

Ministry for Human and Minority Rights