ROMACTED - Program for good governance and empowerment of Roma and Egyptians at the local level

At the presentation of ROMACTED Good Governance and Empowerment Program for Roma and Egyptians on a Local Level, a joint program of the European Union and the Council of Europe, the Director of the Directorate for the Advancement and Protection of Minority Populations and Other Minority National Communities Leon Gjokaj spoke address on behalf of the Ministry for Human nad Minority Rights.

Herman Spitz, Head of Co-operation, EU Delegation in Montenegro and Marcos Andrade, ROMACTED Program Manager of the Council of Europe, Roma and Travelers Team, also had an introductory presentation. Gjokaj said that Montenegro as a civic, multiethnic, multiconfessional and multicultural state devotes special attention to the integration of the minority of peoples into society, while preserving their specialties. Therefore, today, gathered here at this important  meeting  Montenegro confirms one more time the fact that it is very much interested in the well-being of all its citizens, especially Roma and Egyptians.

He said that the attitude toward this population changes every day in a positive sense. "The results indicate that the work is continuous regarding issues and needs of Roma and Egyptians in Montenegro with the aim of their full inclusion with all the rights and obligations," Gjokaj said.

According to him, the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights will be fully support the ROMACTED program "Promote Good Governance and Empowerment of the Community at the Local Level" .It is expected that its realization will bring tangible moves on the ground and changes that will feel the population in all this local self-governments.

The task of local governments in which the Roma and Egyptian community live and which are involved in this program is to demonstrate to other Municipalities that Roma and Egyptians should create equal starting points as well as others. This implies equal chances in education, employment, housing, employment, cultural and other rights, but also equal obligations as with other citizens, said Gjokaj. He stated that the actors involved in the realization of this program would succeed in building the capacities of local authorities which will in the forthcoming period lead to more efficient participation of Roma and Egyptian citizens in local plans and projects.

The Memorandum of Understanding with the Municipalities, Bar, Berane, Bijelo Polje, Niksic, Podgorica, Herceg Novi, Tivat and Ulcinj was also signed within the framework of the conference.

Ministry for Human and Minority Rights