Delegation of the Committee on Human Rights and Freedoms, composed of Mr Momčilo Martinović, Head of Delegation, and members Mr Mihailo Anđušić and Mr Mirsad Murić, took part in the Interparliamentary meeting on “Fundamental rights aspects of Roma inclusion and fighting anti-Gypsyism”, held in Brussels on 18 October 2018.
The Interparliamentary meeting organised by the EP’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs was attended by representative of the European Parliament, national parliaments and representatives of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, UN Human Rights Council and NGOs, enabling fruitful debate on the inclusion of Roma, the challenges faced by the states and the possibilities of their overcoming.
MP Momčilo Martinović noted that Montenegro’s experiences in the protection of human rights of Roma people were considerable, particularly highlighting measures regarding the integration of displaced and internally displaced persons from former Yugoslavia. Twenty years ago, the largest number of Roma population was illiterate and in poor economic condition. A significant progress was achieved due to systemic and overall approach to their problems, particularly in the education fields, witnessed by the fact that presently 24 Roma students attend faculties in Montenegro. Also, a certain number is employed in the state bodies and public institutions, while measures for their employment in other sectors are continuously being taken. They have an access to free health care, as other Montenegrin nationals. He also thinks that in the period to come, measures should be taken for their greater involvement in public and political life, which would empower them even more, given that they make up about 1% of the total population. So far, members of Roma people were represented in candidates’ lists of certain political subjects, however, even greater involvement of Roma in this field is expected in the upcoming period. MP Martinović is convinced that experiences form this Interparliamentary meeting will be very useful for the activities in the field of Roma inclusion planned at national level in Montenegro.
MP Mirsad Murić stressed that the Committee on Human Rights and Freedoms of the Parliament of Montenegro implemented its activities through a multi-sectoral approach and in cooperation with relevant state authorities, international organisations based in Montenegro and non-governmental organisations. He noted that the Committee was guided by the assessments contained in the EC Report on Montenegro when drafting its work plans, and that, in line with those guidelines, it continuously undertook specific activities aimed at improving the position of vulnerable groups. The achieved progress was recognised by the international organisations, therefore the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, by the 2015 Resolution, closed a monitoring procedure over Montenegro. He also informed that the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights financed the first Romani Spelling Book and Romani-Montenegrin dictionary.
