United Nations in Montenegro

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Montenegro:

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29 June 2021

After 35 years, the nightmare of a legal limbo ends for a mother of 9 in Montenegro

The Radosavljevic-Dobrani are a Roma family of 11, who live in a dilapidated settlement in the northern town of Berane in Montenegro. Like many other Roma families in Montenegro, the family has no identity documents, which deprives them of basic human rights that all of us take for granted. After 35 years of life without any identity documents, Valentina Radosavljevic, finally received ID documents that will allow her to apply for a legal status in Montenegro. She will now be able to confer legal identity to her 9 children, find decent employment, go see a doctor or even open a bank account. Until today, I felt lost all my life. You have to understand that statelessness is like a family virus – you pass it down to your children and wearing a mask and washing hands does not help. I am very happy that this nightmare is over. Valentina Radosavljević Without sufficient proof of their identities, the family was trapped in a legal limbo. The situation was especially critical for the 9 children born in Montenegro, as they only had birth certificates and no citizenship. In the short time that children get to be children, statelessness can set in stone grave problems that will sentence them to a life of limited opportunities and discrimination. Stateless children live in a world in which their status profoundly affects their ability to learn, grow and fulfill their ambitions and dreams for the future. It is heart-warming for us to see that with UNHCR’s assistance the Radosavljevic family, and especially the children, will now be able to achieve a stable legal status. If our hopes for the future generation are to be achieved, then children of this generation must be a meaningful part of the present. Jean Yves Bouchardy, UNHCR Representative to Montenegro. “Not being recognized as a national of any country can create insurmountable barriers to healthcare, social care, jobs and stifles overall life prospects. Statelessness can often have devastating psychological toll not only for young people, but can also rip apart entire families, as it creates legal schism. The ID documents made a huge difference in their lives,“ Valentina says. “We are now one step closer to finally making our family official. My children will not have to beg anymore, and we will be able to receive social assistance. It may seem little to others, but to us this is life-changing”. UNHCR and its legal aid partner, the Civic Alliance, identified Valentina as a beneficiary of a novel form of support provided in cooperation with the Serbian Embassy in Montenegro since 2019. Without any identity documents, Valentina was unable to travel back home to Serbia and apply for ID card and passport. The Serbian Embassy issued an emergency travel certificate that allowed her to go back home, and with the logistical and administrative assistance from UNHCR, receive the identity documents from the Ministry of Interior of Serbia branch office. UNHCR’s work on ending statelessness in the country is one of the major pillars of the joint UN Montenegro programme on integrated social protection and employment - called Activate!, which is funded by the UN’s Joint SDG Fund. So far, 703 people, both formerly displaced and internally displaced and those at risk of statelessness, were provided support by UNHCR for legal status regularization under this programme, which aims to enhance the capacities of the social welfare system in Montenegro and support vulnerable people in accessing social protection and employment.

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18 August 2020

WHO partners with influential artistic group to fight COVID-19 in Montenegro

"Save others, stay healthy!" is the core message of the promotional video jointly produced by the WHO and The Books of Books - an influential artistic four-member group. The authentic, localized video aims to draw attention to the importance of wearing masks, regular hand hygiene and physical distance. “Coronavirus is possible to defeat only through change of habits and behavior. That’s why we partnered with The Books of Knjige who did an exceptional work in reminding people in their authentic and recognizable style about the importance of respecting the measures” Mina Brajović, Head of the WHO Office in Montenegro Brajović added that the broad partnership has been established with web and electronic media to publicize the video During almost three decades of work, the TBOK group has built a unique, authentic style in addressing social issues and dynamics. Member of the group Zoran Zonjo Marković, who directed the video, said that the group gladly joins initiatives aimed at bringing social change. “This is not our first time to partner with the United Nations System. This time it was even more challenging because, apparently, behavior is the key to defeating COVID-19. At the same time, the behavior is probably the hardest thing to change, and I believe that together with WHO we made one important step in tackling that challenge” Zonjo The latest effort of the World Health Organization is part of its continuous support for the national response to the COVID-19 epidemic in Montenegro.

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15 June 2021

Balkan bytes: How digital agri-entrepreneurship is changing a country

In March of 2021, a Montenegrin cow became the first known exemplar of the species – indeed, the first farm asset of any kind – to be bought with a virtual currency in the western Balkans. Comically but appropriately enough, she was named Bitkoinka. The animal went for 0.013 bitcoin, the equivalent of USD 1 600 at the time. In doing so, she achieved the kind of fame more commonly associated with the reality show stars that populate Montenegro’s TV screens. In her own country and across the western Balkans, conversations swirled about digital farming markets. That this happened – in an environment where a few short years ago, buying an animal was a matter of hear-it-on-the grapevine, pay-it-cash-in-hand – is largely down to one young man. A young man who had some stuff stolen and decided to transform his homeland. Cattle, country and video tape Marko Maraš is thirty-one. Gangly and loquacious, his blond hair gathered in a ponytail, he does not, by his own admission, conjure the average Montenegrin farmer. Nor is he, not really, though he has worked as a farm hand. To listen to him, a rural affinity was always there – but only latently till the mid-2010s. Marko was running a video equipment rental business in the Montenegrin capital, Podgorica, when his life changed. “I had USD 20 000 worth of equipment stolen,” he says. And that was that. In a heartbeat, things shifted; a calling stirred. Marko packed up and moved to South America. He volunteered on rural development projects in Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru, until he felt what he calls “the pull”. “Of patriotism,” he explains. He means the thoughtful, unshowy kind of patriotism: the kind that spots a national vulnerability and sets out to mend it. Independent only since 2006, Montenegro is historically old but politically new. It is one of the world’s smallest nations, both by expanse and population, with just over 600 000 people. Tall ranges plunge into the Adriatic coastline; alpine pastures look down on beaches and olive groves. Agriculture brings in only a few points of GDP. COVID-19 pandemic aside, tourism does the heavy lifting. Still: socially and emotionally, it resonates. Farmers number no more than 50 000. But one way or another, nearly a third of the workforce depends on rural jobs. As elsewhere in the region, part of Montenegro’s farmland was collectivised in the socialist era. Its return to private hands has dotted the nation with small family holdings: four of five cows is a good average for stockbreeding households. A rugged ethos runs through farming folk. Voluntary association is rare. The business of chickens On returning to his native land, Marko helped out on farms, either for free or in exchange for dinner. He also thought he might want to raise chickens. He had no rosy-eyed view of the life: with farming vocations rare, young people like himself were almost an extinct species in the countryside. Still, “the pull” was there: “I had this idea that I wanted to keep Montenegro’s mountains alive.” Where to buy chickens to start the business? There was scarce information on who might be selling any and little marketing support services. Poultry farming presented you with two options: you were either born into it, or you could forget about it. And those born into it in the last 30 years were far more likely to be working abroad. Plans changed once more. Chicken-rearing was out. Systemic intervention was in – albeit with a makeshift, bottom-up vibe. In 2017, Marko magicked up a classified ads site – what he calls a “Craigslist for the agri-crowd” – and called it seljak.me. Then he set about signing up suppliers. “I went about it in the most analogue way imaginable, driving the mountain roads, stopping over when I saw a couple of goats grazing, jumping out of the car and tackling the herdsman about digital entrepreneurship,” he chuckles. “I could see them checking me out with that look that said, who the heck is this guy and where did he spring from?" Seljak is Montenegrin for peasant. A derogatory label in principle, it has been fondly re-appropriated. Over time, the website grew into Montenegro’s first peer-to-peer agricultural market, allowing farmers to buy and sell inputs from seed potatoes to electric sprayers – or indeed, animals like Bitkoinka the cow. In late May 2021, seljak.me relaunched as a full-blown e-commerce and knowledge- sharing platform: it continues to offer near real-time customer service. Marko has only just begun paying himself, and not much at that. Making money was not the idea – but rather, birthing a form of social entrepreneurship that strengthens the countryside and consolidates a national community in the process. “Patriotism to me is about solidarity. Stitching a place together.” FAO and EBRD gets on side “Montenegro has the sea and the mountains, and such a diversity of traditional agri-food products,” says FAO agricultural economist Nina Coates. FAO, in conjunction with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), is scaling up seljak.me as part of the two organizations’ COVID-19 response package. The partnership is strengthening short food supply chains and providing marketing and IT support. It is also signing up small producers and aggregating their offer to sell to hotels and retailers. Finally, as Montenegro negotiates to join the European Union, FAO is offering technical assistance to register informal farm operations and increase food safety compliance. From eccentric to celebrity Growing media coverage and grassroots plaudits have begun to open doors for Marko, in an atmosphere where, he says, scepticism is common. “I’m no longer in the box that says, ‘funny guy with crazy ideas’.” “He has a lot of those,” laughs FAO’s Coates. “Something like twelve a minute. Fires them off like a volcano. But I call them brilliant rather than crazy. Marko is changing the narrative for young farmers – and consumers.” One of the ideas would involve how to introduce blockchain to benefit farmers. Another would see farmers strike deals with mobile operators to fit cattle with affordable GPS trackers, a way to make herding less onerous and thus more attractive to young workers. The general buzz surrounding Marko and his partners excites Coates all the more as the pandemic has wiped out income from the tourism sector, adding pressure on Montenegro’s Seljak community to generate revenue domestically “So, you know,” Coates says with a grin, “let’s turn this lemon into digital lemonade. In Montenegro for now, but – who knows – wherever farming needs that touch of re-invention.” Learn more Website: FAO Investment Centre Website: FAO Country Profile: Montenegro Website: World Food Forum Innovation Lab Story: Keeping Montenegro’s flavours alive

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28 July 2021

Lundberg: Private sector plays important role in shaping a sustainable future

Chamber of Economy: Interview with Peter Lundberg, UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro Chamber of Economy: The Sustainable Development Goals are both an obligation, but also an opportunity for the countries that inherit the principles of the UN. Our perception of the obligations arising from the UN membership is certainly responsible and dedicated, but the analysis of the situation in this area conducted by the Permanent EU Mission to Montenegro, represents actually a close look at us, and our systemic challenges, opportunities and even weaknesses. What else could you clarify to us in this context? Lundberg: First of all, I would like to commend Montenegro for being a responsible and committed member of the United Nations, having had a very active role in the process of building the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, six years ago. The Agenda 2030 is a collective 15-year development plan aiming to create a better future for all, while leaving no one behind. This vision of a better world, articulated through 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), was the first development plan developed jointly by the world leaders and people of the world, and Montenegro’s ability to mobilize over 2% of its population in this process which was exemplary. Moreover, Montenegro was one of the first countries to nationalize SDGs into its strategic framework, as an additional move to “walk the talk” and confirm its strategic orientation towards sustainable future. But this was just a beginning. Setting the stage to fulfil the vision was only the starting point, with hard work ahead on accomplishing such a vision. Progress on achieving the SDGs is an area where the UN takes particular interest to observe and support. While the country’s commitment and progress is this area is unquestionable, we clearly see space for greater progress, especially in increasing ownership and structural enhancement i.e. strengthening the national sustainable development structure which should ensure the full ownership and consistency in steering the process of SDGs achievement. The good news is that a major development process – the EU accession – is highly complementary with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Over two thirds of 2030 Agenda is covered by the EU accession process, making the country’s strategic orientation a great comparative advantage of Montenegro’s development prospects. Only when people put aside their differences can we collectively make a sustainable and long-lasting impact. Montenegro could lead the way in this regard. Chamber of Economy: What is your assessment of the activities that Montenegro has been undertaking over a number of years related to defining the strategic and general approximation to the system of sustainable development, which is part of the program goals of the UN system? Lundberg: Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic Montenegro had made broad progress towards the SDGs. This is reflected in its very high development scoring in the Human Development Index. In 2019, Montenegro scored better than some countries which are higher income or are already in the European Union such as Romania and Bulgaria. In fact, Montenegro was achieving human development outcomes far exceeding its GNI per capita, with its human development rank thirteen places better than its expected value. Montenegro is a self-declared ecological state and had reduced its emissions by 30% on its 1990 levels by 2018, part of its Nationally Determined Contributions. Under the National Strategy for Sustainable Development, Montenegro has made progress towards the SDGs. The Progress Report on the implementation of Millennium Development Goals in Montenegro (March 2017) identified EU accession as one of the key factors that contributed to development achievements, including progress in reaching the MDGs. All 33 EU chapters have been opened, of which 3 are provisionally closed. This represents the most progress among Western Balkans countries. Montenegro is beginning to integrate elements of EU rules, which guarantee a greater focus on human rights and social development, into national legislation. Yet Montenegro is the country that has negotiated for the longest period and the pace of progress has slowed in recent years. In light of the current economic crisis it is becoming even more critical to accelerate progress on these goals which, due to their interlinked nature, will also enhance the SDGs at the same time. But as always, we are seeing that statistics mean little to the individual; despite these positive trends from a broad perspective, there are still serious challenges for vulnerable groups who are being left behind. Central to the SDGs is the premise that we should support the most vulnerable and ensure that no one is left behind. Despite the high performance on Human Development Indicators the economy was not creating opportunities for all and the system was not able to ensure that no one was being left behind. This was creating obvious inequalities, between the North and the coastal regions, urban and rural areas and between men and women. These issues will need to be rectified to make real progress towards the SDGs. Now we are seeing that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought a lot of these vulnerabilities and inequalities back into context. Unfortunately, the pandemic is worsening vulnerability, poverty and inequality indicators. Some of the indicators have worsened, set back by several years, with Montenegro’s score on human development falling back to its 2014 level. This has heightened the need to address the underlying vulnerabilities that Montenegro faces and to accelerate the pace of implementation of key reforms that will support all Montenegrins. Statistics mean little to the individual. Despite positive trends from a broad perspective, there are still serious challenges for vulnerable. Central to the SDGs is the support the most vulnerable and leaving no one behind. Chamber of Economy: In your opinion, what are the current normative and legal deficiencies or the operational challenges in implementing the policies that are in line with the international standards? Lundberg: In 2019, Montenegro had the highest GDP per capita among non-EU Western Balkans nations. GDP per capita is often used to proxy living standards and overall welfare. However, GDP per capita is not always the best measure of progress and whilst Montenegro had made much progress in previous years, many challenges remained. Montenegro was already embarking on the difficult process of moving from a public sector-oriented economy to a market-based economic model. These brought many challenges to the process of legal and policy reform. As I have previously highlighted, COVID-19 has exacerbated many of the challenges that we face. More fundamentally, the pandemic has exposed and exacerbated structural weaknesses that mean that Montenegro has been one of the worst affected countries economically. Prior to the pandemic Montenegro was subject to internal and external imbalances that had culminated in an economy, heavily dependent on tourism and with little fiscal space to respond to such an economic shock. Added to these structural weaknesses, many jobs were being created in sectors that have median wages below the national average, leaving many at risk of poverty. These structural weaknesses are now creating the results we are seeing, such as the rising level of inactivity and falling employment. There is a real danger that if we do not address these structural weaknesses and move towards a more inclusive and sustainable growth model that history will repeat itself at the next major economic shock. That means that the big challenge for Montenegro in the coming few years will be not only the element of diversifying the economy, but also the need to create better jobs for all (regardless of where they are geographically located, ethnic background, gender, age etc) Montenegrins. Montenegro will need to implement the necessary policies and reforms to create the conditions for inclusive growth – one that is focussed on creating new jobs but also formalising the informal economy. Raising the level of income and creating more formal jobs will not only improve the prospects for Montenegrins but will bring in greater fiscal revenues which can then be spent on essential public goods, such as health and education, improving the prospects for long-term prosperity. Big challenge for Montenegro in the coming few years will be not only the element of diversifying the economy, but also the need to create better jobs for all, regardless of where they are geographically located, ethnic background, gender, age, etc. Chamber of Economy: The Chamber of Economy of Montenegro has been investing a lot of efforts in the development of human resources as an important social capital, as well as in the projects of gender equality, inclusion of the most vulnerable groups, and the encouraging of the creative capacities in all these categories. Where do you see additional resources for further action of the Chamber of Economy, and to which partners and projects could you direct the Chamber as an umbrella association of the Montenegrin business community? Lundberg: Stronger involvement of the private sector is absolutely imperative to reach Agenda 2030 and the SDGs, and that does not go only for Montenegro but for other countries, as well. It has been proven that for such an overarching agenda, we need all other actors in the society to contribute to it, such as the NGO sector, civil sector, and also the private sector. The role of each actor is important, especially as Montenegro continues to progress and moves towards EU accession, traditional support to the SDGs such as Overseas Development Assistance will play a smaller and smaller role. Whereas, the private sector will need to play a bigger role in shaping a sustainable future for Montenegro. These issues go beyond simply the private sector improving the quality of corporate social responsibility, but the private sector taking an active role in developing a more sustainable, greener economy. One of the key steps will be to develop a growing, more prosperous private sector as part of the transition from a public-oriented to a market-oriented one. A private sector that can offer opportunities to more Montenegrins is needed. This private sector will need to embrace new economic models that support these sustainable endeavours. This means not only embracing the digital revolution that COVID-19 has helped to accelerate, but supporting a shift to gender equality, green energy, diversity in employment and more sustainable practices. I would invite the Chamber of Economy, together with other associations representing the Montenegrin business community, to actively promote Agenda 2030 and SDGs among its members and we at the UN remain open to discuss different models and mechanisms for involving the private sector. The private sector will need to play a bigger role in shaping a sustainable future for Montenegro. Chamber of Economy: Montenegro adopted the National Strategy for Sustainable Development. What is your opinion related to the implementation of this document and in this regard, what would you suggest to the institutions and what to the business community? Lundberg: Montenegro was one of the first countries to adopt the National Strategy for Sustainable Development. We would certainly like to see a higher level of commitment when it comes to the Strategy and involvement of all actors, as we see it as the overarching strategy, which could contribute to achieving Agenda 2030 and SDGs. However, the adoption of the strategy is only part of the battle. It’s really the implementation that counts at the end of the day. We need to move away from supporting processes to moving towards delivering outcomes and change that lead to improvements in peoples’ lives. What the SDG analysis shows us is that time is running out and that we are left with nine years to deliver these major national and global commitments. We can all benefit from a healthy, environmentally friendly, economically sustainable, well-educated society, equal for everyone and with strong institutions, but we can all also contribute to it. A concept of doing well by doing good was never as important as in the recent years. A fight against the invisible enemy – COVID19 has proven, once again, that the only way to successfully overcome such a difficult situation was through the active involvement of all actors in society. Montenegro is well placed to make impactful changes with the SDGs. It does not take much to move the needle. What is really needed is different groups coming together in collaboration and partnerships to deliver the change that is needed to benefit all Montenegrins. Currently there is too much polarisation. This needs to be addressed. Only when people put aside their differences can we collectively make a sustainable and long-lasting impact. I believe Montenegro could lead the way in this regard. Montenegro has good strong, dedicated people, who with the wise moves and a clear vision can unlock great potentials that this country has, in a relatively short period of time.

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16 July 2021

MFA: UN is reliable partner in socio-economic development of Montenegro

“The United Nations has proven to be a committed partner and significant support in many areas on Montenegro’s path to EU and in achieving 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda“, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Djordje Radulović during the 13th session of the Joint Country Steering Committee, a body which oversees the implementation of the Integrated UN Programme for Montenegro 2017-2022. Heads of UN agencies and representatives of the eight line ministries discussed key achievements from the previous year with particular focus on response to the COVID 19 pandemic, major plans for the upcoming period, as well as the key findings of the Analysis of the situation in the country in the context of the preparation of the next five-year strategic plan of cooperation for the period 2023-2027. As a responsible member of the international community, Montenegro is strongly committed to the principles of multilateralism and 2030 Agenda. Djordje Radulović, Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister Radulović praised cooperation with the UN System in Montenegro especially during the previous year of the global health crisis with increased poverty and inequalities around the world. He said that economy of Montenegro was seriously affected pointing out that the government measures are especially focused on the most vulnerable in this context. UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro Peter Lundberg stated that the UN system in Montenegro remains a strong ally of Montenegro in response to the COVID 19 pandemic, reminding that the UN has supported the country in dealing with the crisis with $ 7.64 million, data collection and analysis, procurement of medical and protective equipment, and adaptation of the current program to the new situation. Lundberg particularly highlighted the importance of the development of the upcoming five-year strategic Cooperation Framework. We have achieved a lot together, and I hope that the path of excellent cooperation will continue in the future to increase the chances of Montenegro to become part of the European Union, but also to ensure the overall impact of the 2030 Agenda. We have only nine years to achieve 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Peter Lundberg, UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro At the meeting co-chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and UN Resident Coordinator, representatives of the UN system and the Government discussed dynamics of the development of the new Framework of Cooperation for Sustainable Development 2023-2027 as well as the future priority areas of cooperation.

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30 June 2021

Strengthening social protection to Activate! the most vulnerable

Strengthening the social protection system within the joint UN project “Activate! Integrated Social Protection and Employment in order to accelerate progress for young people in Montenegro ”was at the focus of the event which brought together UN representatives in Montenegro, project partners and donors who support the initiative. The initiative, shortly called "Activate!", is aimed at activating young people who are on the margins of society - not in employment, education or training (NEET) - in order to provide them with opportunities through enabling more efficient social policies and improved social services. Improving the skills and qualifications of young people, especially those in vulnerable groups, are key to reducing their dependence on social assistance and also to their activation in the labor market. Jevrosima Pejović, Head of the Directorate for Labor and Employment at the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro, Peter Lundberg, pointed out that the "Activate!" project is especially important in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. At a time of socio-economic crisis caused by the pandemic, the “Activate!” project has become even more relevant given the growing number of people at risk of poverty and in need of social protection. Peter Lundberg, UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro The project aimed at strengthening the social protection system has been implemented since November 2019 by the UN agencies in Montenegro in cooperation with national partners - the Ministry of Finance and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Economic Development, the Employment Bureau, social work centers and civil society organizations. The initiative is funded by the Joint SDG Fund, whose donors are member states of the United Nations, the European Union, international agencies, the private sector and individuals. Through the reduction of poverty and social exclusion, Montenegrin society has the opportunity to accelerate sustainable human development. Mihaela Bauer, Deputy UNICEF Representative in Montenegro The joint UN project “Activate!” is based on two innovative components: a) simulations of social policies that enable modeling of the potential impact of social protection reforms and b) development of human-centered services, tailored for users. Marija Stajović, Director General for Social Policy and Child Protection at the Ministry of Finance and Social Protection, pointed out that social policy simulations significantly help the ministry in expanding the social protection system in order to reduce poverty and adjust services to the needs of users. Programs focused on children, displaced persons and the most vulnerable groups are a priority. The Ministry will continue with the reform of the system of social and child protection in order to increase the coverage and to better target social benefits, which, thanks to this project, will be enabled through the simulation process. Marija Stajović, Director General for Social Policy and Child Protection at the Ministry of Finance and Social Protection The joint UN project “Activate! "Integrated social protection and employment in order to accelerate progress for young people in Montenegro" will be implemented until the beginning of 2022.

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25 June 2021

UNHCR and the Ministry of Interior Commemorate the 2021 World Refugee Day in Montenegro through a series of events

21 – 25 June 2021, Montenegro Every year, on 20 June the world celebrates the strength and resilience of refugees, people who, due to war and persecution, have been stripped of everything but still carry on. By the end of 2020, conflict and persecution have forced more than 82 million people around the world to flee their homes and this World Refugee Day, UNHCR called on communities and governments across the world to include them – in healthcare, education and sport. In Montenegro, UNHCR and the Ministry of Interior commemorated the World Refugee Day through a series of events taking place between 21 – 25 June 2021, celebrating the fortitude of refugees and reaffirming the commitment of both Montenegro and the international community to continue supporting the protection of those forced to flee. On 21 June, the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR and the Ministry of Interior, supported by the U.S embassy and the UN system in Montenegro, jointly marked the World Refugee Day, renewing the pledge for comprehensive inclusion of those forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution. UNHCR Representative to Montenegro, Mr. Jean Yves Bouchardy, reminded that the number of people fleeing wars, violence, persecution and human rights violations in 2020 rose to over 82 million people and that the need to support them has never been greater, including in Montenegro. He commended Montenegro’s commitment to its open-door policy since 1992 and highlighted the importance of UNHCR and donor support in building a strong asylum system, the resolution of legal status of ex-Yugoslav refugees and the prevention and eradication of statelessness in the country. Mr. Bouchardy expressed gratitude for the life-saving support from the European Union, provided through the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP) that ensured access to healthcare, medical support and hygiene items during the peak of the pandemic. We at UNHCR commend Montenegro for having shown over the years a strong generosity and dedication to address the plight of people forced to flee, regardless of their ethnic and religious background or political opinion. Since 1992, with the generosity of donor community we have assisted more than 120,000 refugees in Montenegro. We are also grateful to the UN and the international community with whom we have also embarked on the collective journey of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, pledging that no one will be left behind. Jean Yves Bouchardy, UNHCR Representative to Montenegro The Minister of Interior of Montenegro, Mr. Sergej Sekulovic, reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of Montenegro to fulfill international pledges, particularly from the Global Refugee Forum and announced additional efforts in fulfilling the pledge to enlarge Montenegrin reception capacities. The Minister confirmed Montenegro’s unwavering resolution to foster comprehensive protection and inclusion of refugees and asylum seekers in Montenegro. This year's World Refugee Day is dedicated to inclusion and health, and in that context, Montenegro is proud of its achievements. We are especially proud of the fact that, with the help of the Ministry of Health and UNHCR, we inoculate people in the Centre for Asylum Seekers, rendering Montenegro one of the few countries that vaccinated foreigners seeking international protection in the early stages of immunization. Sergej Sekulović, Minister of Interior of Montenegro When a family or an individual loses everything, a safe place to live is the first step to recovery. The UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro, Mr. Peter Lundberg, reminded that for refugees a safe place to live is a key to restoring personal security, self-efficiency and dignity after the conflict. A safe place to live is not just a roof over one’s head – it is a comprehensive inclusion in a community and the ability to give back to those offering refuge. Inclusion, which is at the heart of this year’s World Refugee Day, is underpinned by the 2030 Agenda – a global development plan seeking to leave no one behind in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. In a world facing the pandemic, the Agenda offers a universal and inclusive vision of a sustainable world that cannot be achieved without considering the rights and needs of refugees. Each day we learn that only by working together can we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Peter Lundberg, UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro School does more than teach children math and language skills – it provides them a safe place to grow and learn basic life skills, such as cooperation, responsibility and respect. When all children can go to school, communities grow stronger. Out of 82.4 million people forced to flee their homes – 42% are boys and girls under the age of 18 and and many of them will remain refugees in the years to come. For them, access to education ensures they can build better future. All children, regardless of where they are from and why they have left their homes, have the same rights. On World Refugee Day, UNICEF calls on governments to provide child refugees with the same care, services, dignity and protection as all other children. Juan Santander, UNICEF Representative to Montenegro H.E. Ambassador of the United States of America to Montenegro, Ms. Judy Raising Reinke, reaffirmed the readiness of the U.S.A. to support UNHCR and the Government of Montenegro in achieving durable solutions, protection and inclusion of refugees in Montenegro and stressed the importance of marking this date as a sign of solidarity with the persons forced to flee their homes. Through inclusion and seeing one another as part of the same global community, we can collectively help empower refugees. Our support extends to the recognition that when enabled to thrive, refugees contribute dutifully and meaningfully to all aspects of society. Judy Raising Reinke, H.E. Ambassador of the United States of America to Montenegro On 21 June, the Capital City of Podgorica illuminated the bridge Millennium and joined UNHCR in marking the World Refugee Day by showing solidarity with persons forced to flee from due to war or persecution. This is but one of the side-activities UNHCR has conducted in Montenegro to commemorate the World Refugee Day. On 22 June, UNHCR Representative awarded the diplomas to 22 students at the Faculty of Law of the University of Montenegro for successfully completing the Legal Clinic on the Refugee Law. Mr. Bouchardy expressed gratitude to the Faculty of Law for the continuous cooperation since 2007 and stressed that over the years about 400 students have completed the Legal Clinic and learned about UNHCR’s mandate and the refugee law. On 23 June, the visit of police cadets from the Policy Academy Danilovgrad to the Centre for Asylum Seekers in Spuz was organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior (MoI) and the Academy. Students of the Police Academy had an opportunity to familiarize with the work of the Centre and learn about work with asylum seekers from the UNHCR and MoI staff members. The visit was very insightful for young police cadets, as they enriched their knowledge for future police engagement in this area. On 25 June, the asylum seekers, UNHCR and Ministry of Interior staff were vaccinated against COVID-19 virus in the Centre for Asylum Seekers in Spuz. The vaccination was undertaken in line with the National Strategy for the Procurement, Distribution and Administration of COVID-19 Vaccines, which generously foresees access to vaccines for asylum seekers and refugees in Montenegro. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country, asylum seekers and refugees have diligently adhered to the COVID-19 prevention and mitigation measures, which largely contributed to a very low transmissibility of the virus in the reception centres and the communities where refugees reside. Photo Gallery

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19 May 2021

Better Living Condition and Business for over 60,000 Citizens of Montenegro with Support of Norway

More than 60,000 Montenegrin citizens have improved living conditions through the improvement of local infrastructure, 160 small businesses are more competitive in business, while 80 unemployed women and men have been employed, thanks to the support of the Kingdom of Norway. These are the key results of the project "Norway for you - Montenegro" in the period from 2018 to 2021, which were presented today in Podgorica. This project, funded by the Kingdom of Norway with 1.4 million euros, is being implemented in 16 lesser developed municipalities, and aims to contribute to the balanced socio-economic development of Montenegro. The project "Norway for you - Montenegro" for the last two and a half years has focused on increasing employment opportunities, supporting social cohesion and improving local infrastructure in lesser developed municipalities of Montenegro. The success of the project was that it targeted micro, small and medium enterprises, in lesser developed municipalities, especially in the situation with the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic also at the local level. The emphasis was also on employment and infrastructure development, which is very important. We are grateful to the Kingdom of Norway for its support, and to UNOPS for close cooperation during implementation, and we hope that these projects will confirm their sustainability. Milena Lipovina-Božović, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Development Over the last two and a half years, the project has implemented four public calls for support to small businesses and business development, vocational training and local infrastructure development, and more than 40 grant projects have been selected. In that way, 160 small businesses and enterprises received the necessary equipment and services, which they used to improve their business and create 39 new jobs, and more than 70% of them increased their revenues. Sixty-eight unemployed persons successfully completed vocational training, of which 41 were employed, while the rest improved their skills needed to find a job. All our activities are planned, developed and implemented in close cooperation with the Government of Montenegro, to ensure that our efforts and priorities are aligned with local needs. I am very glad that the support of the Kingdom of Norway has contributed to the development of lesser developed municipalities in Montenegro and has positively impacted the lives of citizens. Jørn Eugene Gjelstad, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway The project "Norway for you - Montenegro" is in line with the relevant national strategies of Montenegro in the area of employment and balanced regional development, as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which are continuously supported by United Nations agencies. Apart from support provided to developing capacities of the institutions at the national level, we in the UN team consider it equally important to provide support at the local level and to regional stakeholders. Furthermore, this project showcased that direct support can create immediate visible results and rippling effect, aligned with strategic objectives of the country. Peter Lundberg, UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro The project also contributed to the development of inter-municipal cooperation, as well as to the creation of a synergy of various stakeholders of business development in Montenegro. The success of this project is especially reflected in the partnership and togetherness achieved with the Government of Montenegro and the Kingdom of Norway, who had confidence in UNOPS. All activities were developed in close consultations with national partners, so that priority needs are identified, so today we have very tangible results of joint cooperation. Marko Vujačić, UNOPS RSMCO Head of Programme

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Press Release

21 July 2021

The European Commission and the ILO join forces to support young people

BUDAPEST (ILO News) – The European Commission (EC) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have joined forces to support the institutions responsible for youth employment policy in the Western Balkans in introducing a youth guarantee (YG). The European Training Foundation (ETF) is also a partner in the realization of interventions. Inspired by similar schemes in the EU Member States, a youth guarantee is a commitment to support every young person under the age of 30 who is not employed, in education or training (so-called NEETs). This commitment entitles young people to receive a good quality offer of employment, traineeship, apprenticeship, or continued education within four months of leaving school or becoming unemployed. The EC/ILO support includes the adaptation of the youth guarantee to the Western Balkans through policy, programming and monitoring support, advanced training, and peer-learning across Western Balkans and EU. This EC/ILO Technical Assistance Facility (TAF) comes after the second EU-Western Balkans Ministerial Meeting on Employment and Social Affairs on 8 July, at which ministers and representatives responsible for employment endorsed a Declaration on ensuring sustainable labour market integration of young people . The Declaration recognises the disproportionate negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the labour market situation of young people and spells out a commitment to gradually implement youth guarantees in the region. The Declaration takes inspiration from the EU Council Recommendation of 30 October 2020 on A Bridge to Jobs – Reinforcing the Youth Guarantee . Young people are bearing the brunt of the massive economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Globally, youth employment fell by 8.7 per cent in 2020 compared with 3.7 per cent for adults. An examination of the share of young people who are not in employment, education, or training (NEET) provides a snapshot of young people’s overall vulnerability to the economic situation. Simply stated, if the employment rate goes down, either the NEET rate or the educational participation rate (or both) must increase. Clearly, a reduction of employment compensated by an increase in education is, in principle, more desirable than an increase in NEET rates. However, in the Western Balkans, the loss of employment and the rise in inactivity has not – in general – been offset by a return to education. In Montenegro, for instance, four out of five young people who lost their job became inactive rather than unemployed, but did not go back to education. NEET rates in the Western Balkan economies remained above the pre-crisis level throughout 2020, although in some cases they declined from their peak in 2020Q2, thanks to the measures implemented. In Serbia, one out of five young people fall within the NEET category, but it can be as high as one out of three in other parts of the region. The ILO has called on governments for action to prevent short-term exit of youth from the labour market turning into long-term exclusion for a generation of young people. The implementation of a youth guarantee could help in avoiding long-term scarring effects, i.e. the increased likelihood of more spells of unemployment or inactivity, lower earning prospects, and lower chances of obtaining a good quality job. The ILO is a specialised technical agency that leads the action of the United Nations system on employment and the world of work. This partnership with the European Commission to facilitate the establishment of youth guarantees in the Western Balkans builds on the previous EC/ILO Joint Action on the Youth Guarantee targeted at EU member states. It contributes to achieving the objectives set out in the EC’s Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans (EIP) in October 2020. The EIP promotes long-term economic recovery, a green and digital transition, regional integration, and convergence with the European Union; it includes a flagship initiative on the Youth Guarantee with a view to offering better perspectives to young people and mitigating the brain drain.

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Press Release

25 June 2021

UNODC World Drug Report 2021: pandemic effects ramp up drug risks, as youth underestimate cannabis dangers

Vienna, 24 June 2021 Around 275 million people used drugs worldwide in the last year, while over 36 million people suffered from drug use disorders, according to the 2021 World Drug Report, released today by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The Report further noted that in the last 24 years cannabis potency had increased by as much as four times in parts of the world, even as the percentage of adolescents who perceived the drug as harmful fell by as much as 40 per cent, despite evidence that cannabis use is associated with a variety of health and other harms, especially among regular long-term users. "Lower perception of drug use risks has been linked to higher rates of drug use, and the findings of UNODC’s 2021 World Drug Report highlight the need to close the gap between perception and reality to educate young people and safeguard public health,” said UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly. “The theme of this year’s International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is “Share facts on drugs. Save lives”, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the evidence base and raising public awareness, so that the international community, governments, civil society, families and youth can make informed decisions, better target efforts to prevent and treat drug use, and tackle world drug challenges.” According to the Report, the percentage of Δ9-THC —the main psychoactive component in cannabis— has risen from around six per cent to more than 11 per cent in Europe between 2002-2019, and around four per cent to 16 per cent in the United States between 1995-2019, while the percentage of adolescents that perceived cannabis as harmful declined by 40 per cent in the United States and by 25 per cent in Europe. Moreover, most countries have reported a rise in the use of cannabis during the pandemic. In surveys of health professionals across 77 countries, 42 per cent asserted that cannabis use had increased. A rise in the non-medical use of pharmaceutical drugs has also been observed in the same period. Drug Use Rising, but Science-Based Treatment More Available Between 2010-2019 the number of people using drugs increased by 22 per cent, owing in part to global population growth. Based on demographic changes alone, current projections suggest an 11 per cent rise in the number of people who use drugs globally by 2030 -- and a marked increase of 40 per cent in Africa, due to its rapidly growing and young population. According to the latest global estimates, about 5.5 per cent of the population aged between 15 and 64 years have used drugs at least once in the past year, while 36.3 million people, or 13 per cent of the total number of persons who use drugs, suffer from drug use disorders. Globally, over 11 million people are estimated to inject drugs, half of whom are living with Hepatitis C. Opioids continue to account for the largest burden of disease attributed to drug use. The two pharmaceutical opioids most commonly used to treat people with opioid use disorders, methadone and buprenorphine, have become increasingly accessible over the past two decades. The amount available for medical use has increased six-fold since 1999, from 557 million daily doses to 3,317 million by 2019, indicating that science-based pharmacological treatment is more available now than in the past. The Dark Web Drug markets on the dark web only emerged a decade ago but major ones are now worth at least US$ 315 million in annual sales. Although this is just a fraction of overall drug sales, the trend is upwards with a fourfold increase between 2011 to mid-2017 and mid-2017 to 2020. Rapid technological innovation, combined with the agility and adaptability of those using new platforms to sell drugs and other substances, is likely to usher in a globalized market where all drugs are more available and accessible everywhere. This, in turn, could trigger accelerated changes in patterns of drug use and entail public health implications, according to the Report. The Drug Market Rebounds and Shifts The new report shows that drug markets have swiftly resumed operations after the initial disruption at the onset of the pandemic; a burst that has triggered or accelerated certain pre-existing trafficking dynamics across the global drug market. Among these are: increasingly larger shipments of illicit drugs, a rise in the frequency of overland and water-way routes used for trafficking, greater use of private planes for the purpose of drug trafficking, and an upsurge in the use of contactless methods to deliver drugs to end-consumers. The resilience of drug markets during the pandemic has demonstrated once again traffickers’ ability to adapt quickly to changed environments and circumstances. The Report also noted that cocaine supply chains to Europe are diversifying, pushing prices down and quality up and thereby threatening Europe with a further expansion of the cocaine market. This is likely to widen the potential harm caused by the drug in the region. The number of new psychoactive substances (NPS) emerging on the global market fell from 163 in 2013 to 71 in 2019. This reflects trends in North America, Europe and Asia. The findings suggest national and international control systems have succeeded in limiting the spread of NPS in high income countries, where NPS first emerged a decade ago. Drug Risks, New Developments Spurred by Pandemic COVID-19 has triggered innovation and adaptation in drug prevention and treatment services through more flexible models of service delivery. Many countries have introduced or expanded telemedicine services due to the pandemic, which for drug users means that healthcare workers can now offer counselling or initial assessments over the telephone and use electronic systems to prescribe controlled substances. While the impact of COVID-19 on drug challenges is not yet fully known, the analysis suggests that the pandemic has brought increasing economic hardship that is likely to make illicit drug cultivation more appealing to fragile rural communities. The social impact of the pandemic –driving a rise in inequality, poverty, and mental health conditions particularly among already vulnerable populations-- represent factors that could push more people into drug use. *** The 2021 World Drug Report and further content is available here: https://wdr.unodc.org/ The 2021 World Drug Report provides a global overview of the supply and demand of opiates, cocaine, cannabis, amphetamine-type stimulants and new psychoactive substances (NPS), as well as their impact on health, taking into account the possible effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. * *** * For further information and interview requests, please contact: Brian Hansford Chief, UNODC Advocacy Section
Phone: (+43-699) 1458-3225
Email: brian.hansford[at]un.org

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Press Release

30 March 2021

Izjava Specijalne savjetnice generalnog sekretara UN za sprečavanje genocida

Njujork, SAD - 29. marta 2021. Specijalna savjetnica UN za sprečavanje genocida, Alis Vairimu Nderitu, veoma je zabrinuta zbog izjava zvaničnika u Crnoj Gori koje dovode u pitanje izvršenje zločina genocida u Srebrenici, u Bosni i Hercegovini, 1995. godine. Savjetnica UN primjećuje niz zabrinjavajućih dešavanja u Crnoj Gori koja doprinose širenju straha, nepovjerenja i mržnje. Genocid i drugi zločini ne smiju biti predmet bilo kakve arbitraže, posebno oni koji su zakonski do kraja procesuirani na osnovu dokaza. Međunarodni krivični sud za bivšu Jugoslaviju i Međunarodni sud pravde donijeli su presude o strašnim događajima koji su se dogodili u Srebrenici u julu 1995. godine. Oba suda presudila su da djela počinjena u Srebrenici predstavljaju genocid. Jednostavno nema prostora za poricanje ili relativizaciju genocida u Srebrenici, niti za dovođenje u pitanje legitimiteta Međunarodnog krivičnog suda za bivšu Jugoslaviju. Generalni sekretar je u svojoj poruci povodom obilježavanja 25. godišnjice genocida u Srebrenici, prošle godine, pozvao „sve u regionu i šire da se suprotstave govoru mržnje i retorici podjela i narativima nepoverenja i straha". Naveo je da je priznavanje prošlosti vitalni korak ka ponovnoj izgradnji povjerenja, a da pomirenje znači odbacivanje negiranja genocida i ratnih zločina i svakog veličanja osuđenih ratnih zločinaca. To takođe znači i jasno prepoznavanje patnje svih žrtava i ne pripisivanje kolektivne krivice. Specijalna savjetnica UN za sprečavanje genocida podsjeća da negiranje genocida dijeli ljude, zajednice i države; hrani i jača sporne narative o prošlosti, sadašnjosti i budućnosti. Takođe podriva donijete sudske odluke i stoga podriva pravdu. Poricanje genocida u Srebrenici predstavlja napad na ljudsko dostojanstvo, posebno na žrtve i preživjele. To je neprihvatljivo i mora se osuditi. Generalni sekretar Ujedinjenih nacija Antonio Gutereš imenovao je Alis Vairimu Nderitu za Specijalnu savjetnicu UN za sprečavanje genocida 10. novembra 2020.

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Press Release

30 March 2021

Statement of the Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide

New York, USA – 29 March 2021 The Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide Alice Wairimu Nderitu is very concerned at pronouncements from officials in Montenegro questioning the commission of the crime of genocide in Srebrenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in 1995. She also notes a series of concerning developments in that country that contribute to sowing fear, mistrust and hate. Genocide and other atrocity crimes must not be a matter of any kind of arbitration, especially those legally processed based on evidence. The terrible events that occurred at Srebrenica in July 1995 have been adjudicated by the ICTY and ICJ. Both the ICTY and the International Court of Justice have concluded that the acts committed at Srebrenica constituted genocide. There is simply no space for denial or relativization of Srebrenica genocide and the legitimacy of the ICTY. The Secretary-General, in his message on the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina last year, called on “everyone in the region and beyond to counter hate speech and the rhetoric of division and narratives of mistrust and fear”. He noted that acknowledging the past is a vital step towards rebuilding trust, and that reconciliation means rejecting denial of genocide and war crimes and of any effort to glorify convicted war criminals. It also means recognizing the suffering of all victims and not attributing collective guilt. The Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide would like to remind that genocide denial divides people, communities and states; it feeds on and strengthens contested narratives about the past, the present and the future. It also undermines the judicial decisions that have been made and therefore undermines justice. Denying the genocide in Srebrenica constitutes an attack on human dignity, particularly to the victims and survivors. It is unacceptable and must be condemned. Alice Wairimu Nderitu has been appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres as Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide on 10 November 2020.

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Press Release

26 February 2021

UNHCR and EU support the Ministry of Interior with Personal Protective Equipment and hygiene items to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and the European Union donated today tens of thousands of personal protective and hygiene items to Montenegro’s Ministry of Interior to protect refugees and asylum seekers as well as the Ministry’s front-line workers. In all 50,000 masks, 50,000 gloves, 4,000 bottles of hand gel and 1,500 liters of medical alcohol were provided, the aim being to reduce risk of COVID-19 transmission. The donation is provided through a regional project Addressing COVID-19 Challenges within the Migrant and Refugee Response in the Western Balkans, which is financed under the EU’s Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace. In Montenegro, the project contributes to mitigating the risk of transmission of COVID-19 among refugees and asylum seekers and front-line workers by upscaling the healthcare services (including medicines) provided in the asylum system, along with improved sanitary infrastructure and availability of hygiene items and protective equipment. The COVID-19 pandemic has created extraordinary and unprecedented difficulties across the globe and has rendered refugees and asylum seekers particularly vulnerable, including in some instances at risk of being left out of national anti-COVID programmes. UNHCR Montenegro has worked throughout this crisis to ensure that refugees, asylum seekers and front-line workers of the Ministry of Interior are protected at all times. The availability and use of Personal Protective Equipment is also essential for UNHCR and its partners to remain active in the field and continue delivering. Adrian Edwards, UNHCR’s Representative for Montenegro The support of the European Union has also been critical in ensuring continual provision of community-based activities and unimpeded access to services for asylum seekers, particularly psychosocial support in the centres where asylum seekers arrive. Furthermore, understanding that information can be life-saving during the COVID-19 epidemic, UNHCR and EU worked with the Ministry of Interior to ensure that asylum seekers and refugees have access to clear and factual information, in languages they understand, to be able to protect themselves, their families and the communities in which they live. This unprecedented health crisis has heavily affected everyone in the EU and all our partners, including Montenegro. But, it is our help and support for those who are less fortunate than ourselves, in these difficult times that truly tests and proves our commitment to solidarity, as a fundamental value of a united Europe. Today’s donation of personal protective equipment is yet another proof of the European Union’s commitment to stand by Montenegro and to support the country in protecting migrants, asylum seekers, refugees and other vulnerable persons amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Oana Cristina Popa, EU Ambassador to Montenegro Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the Ministry of Interior has recognized the importance of donations and has repeatedly coordinated, through available mechanisms, the assistance for institutions and frontline workers. No country can cope alone with such a challenging situation as the pandemic of coronavirus. Our optimism when it comes to overcoming this problem is strengthened by the strong support and expressed solidarity from our international partners. Sergej Sekulovic, Minister of Interior of Montenegro Today, the Ministry of Interior received a valuable donation of equipment that protects our employees, but also asylum seekers and migrants. “The Ministry of Interior is very grateful to our friends from UNHCR and the EU Delegation in Montenegro’, said Minister Sekulovic on this occasion

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