Numanović: Cooperation with minority communities at high level [Vijesti]
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- Tuesday, 24 March 2015 15:14
Cooperation with all minority communities in Montenegro is at the high level of mutual respect and cooperation, said Minister Suad Numanović, stating that the most marginalized community is that of Roma and Egyptian population. The minister said that Montenegrin minority nations are considered an integral part of society at the round table "Minority people in the process of the EU integration" for students of high school "Slobodan Škerović".
"As such they enjoy the full protection both in terms of legislation and institutions which advocate for their rights", said Numanović.
He added that Montenegro, although a young country and only in the restoration of independence, has successfully done a lot of things.
"When it comes to minorities, I want to emphasize that cooperation with all minority communities is at a high level of mutual respect", said Numanović.
He said that the government's role is crucial in improving position of minorities in society as a whole.
Improving the protection of and respect for human rights is a test that each of us is obliged to pass with the highest grade", said Numanović.
He said that the preservation of the cultural heritage of the peoples is a just one segment of preserving national identity.
"Multi-ethnicity and multiculturalism, which is a very important characteristic of our living space, can be developed and promoted only if the internal integration is achieved with respect to specificity, differences and values of all who live in our country", said Numanović.
He warned that the Roma and Egyptian community is the most marginalized group in the Montenegrin.
"Montenegro gave its full contribution to the integration of this population, which is recognized by many international institutions and bodies. This country continues to work, provide dedication and support to full involvement of all members of Roma and Egyptian population into the society", said Numanović.
He concluded that the fight against discrimination of any form is not slowing down, but it's continuous and consistent.
Advisor to the President of Montenegro Human and Minority Rights, Sonja Tomovic-Šundić pointed that minority nations and their culture, religion and national identity, make Montenegro the country it is.
"Montenegro is trying to resolve the question of minority rights on dual way. This is done in a systematic and organized manner", said Tomovic-Šundić.
She recalled that the legal system is complying with the laws and European standards respecting minority rights and minority policy.
Tomović-Šundić added that in there are many institutions Montenegro that provide protection of minority rights.
She argued that the guiding principle of Montenegrin legislators is the integration without asimilation. "Homogeneity is contrary to democracy. Democracy implies rationality, freedom of choice and difference."
Advisor for European Integration and Human Rights of the EU Delegation, Barbara Rotovnik, reminded of the Report of the EU Commission on Montenegro's progress on the way to fulfilling the obligations for the EU membership.
"In the chapter 23, the Commission mentions that institutional framework of Montenegro related to human rights and protection of minorities is built. However, discrepancy between the political, legal,institutional framework and practices and implementation is emphasized number of times", said Rotovnik.
She added that the implementation is something that needs to be jointly done and pointed to laws for the protection of minority peoples in Montenegro, which have already been adopted.
