11 December 2018 - Montenegro has made significant efforts to improve both the legislative and institutional framework for human rights and freedoms, said Deputy Prime Minister Zoran Pažin, adding that in the coming period there will be challenges in implementing the adopted regulations.
In his speech at the opening of the conference, which marked the International Human Rights Day in Podgorica, Deputy Prime Minister Pažin emphasised the importance of accepting diversity and suppressing all forms of discrimination in Montenegrin society.
"This extremely negative phenomenon of discrimination needs to be suppressed because it destroys the very foundations of civil society. By the nature of things, those who are most vulnerable in society, vulnerable groups in society, are always affected. That is why we need to fight persistently and thoroughly against discrimination," he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that another type of challenge stems from growing violence in society, from verbal violence to physical violence. "With this negative phenomenon, we also have to fight as a society that is civically committed. From violence against women, domestic violence in general, violence against children, including sexual violence, to an extremely dangerous and harmful violence against members of the journalistic profession and media assets."
He pointed out that, as a civil society, Montenegro should build a special sensibility towards those who are most exposed to violence, rejection, and discrimination, such as persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTI population and members of minorities, regardless of the personal characteristics that determine their minority's commitment.
"I am convinced that we are all vigorously committed to these noble goals, as I am convinced that every 10 December we will be able to ascertain the progress made in this area because that is what is the measure of our civic identity," the Deputy Prime Minister concluded.
The conference on the topic "Protection of human rights and freedoms in Montenegro", within the celebration of the Human Rights Day, aims at assessing the level of respect and protection of human rights and freedoms in Montenegro, with an overview of areas identified as challenging and requiring more intense efforts by all actors in the society to reach the highest standards.
