Bečić, Santander: Child rights a priority for Montenegro's sustainable development

The meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić and UNICEF Representative to Montenegro Juan Santander focused on a constructive dialogue about the significance of collaboration in the field of advocating for children's rights and protection.

To achieve Montenegro's sustainable development goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda and become an EU member, it is crucial to reduce child poverty and violence, providing every child with a secure family environment and quality inclusive education, health, and social care, stated Santander, emphasising UNICEF's commitment to supporting Montenegro in achieving these objectives.

UNICEF will offer technical support to the government in developing the European Child Guarantee initiative in Montenegro, expediting reforms for the well-being of all children and families, especially the most vulnerable.

It is essential to invest in ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all children in their early years. This can prevent many problems that arise later due to missed opportunities during children's early development. As an EU candidate, Montenegro can leverage the support provided during the EU accession process, collaborating with UNICEF to implement international best practice models and services for the most vulnerable children and families, highlighted Santander, citing the European Child Guarantee as an excellent example of a support programme Montenegro can use to accelerate reforms for improving the lives of the most vulnerable children, youth, and families.

Deputy Prime Minister Bečić expressed gratitude for UNICEF's support, acknowledging their continuous efforts to promote and protect children's rights, deserving respect from every individual. He stressed the responsibility we share in creating a safe environment for every child.

Our collaboration with UNICEF symbolizes a shared commitment to building a society where every child has the right to quality education, health care, protection from violence and poverty. These are crucial steps toward constructing a healthy society based on respecting the rights of every individual, especially the youngest members of our community. One of the achievements I am most proud of in my political career is being the initiator and author of laws that introduced free textbooks for all elementary school students, child benefits for every child, and significantly increased allowances for newborns, highlighted Bečić.

One of the key topics discussed was the importance of a safe environment for all children in Montenegro. The government will continue implementing policies focused on preserving children's safety in both physical and digital spaces, which present numerous challenges.

We believe that caring for the needs of children is the cornerstone of social progress. Therefore, we are committed to improving access to education and healthcare through the development of national social policies, timely education, and the institutional protection of children from all forms of violence and abuse. These are issues that must transcend political and other differences, added Bečić.

Working on the economic empowerment of youth, education, and restoring value systems protects them from becoming easy prey for organised criminal groups and drug cartels. Through our actions, regardless of the public office we hold, we must set an example of morality for young people seeking role models and a value system to follow. Therefore, we continue the determined fight against organised crime and corruption because without honor, professionalism, and freedom, there is no secure and healthy future for those who will succeed us, concluded Deputy Prime Minister Bečić.