Nansen Dialogue Centre Montenegro (NDCMN)
Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEM)
Center for Human and Minority Rights (CEZAM)
ASK/Libertask –consortium
Background
Montenegro became independent on referendum in May 2006. In its declaration of independence the Montenegrin Parliament "Confirmed as its strategic priority an accelerated integration into the European Union, and is determined to continue to efficiently fulfil the conditions and requirements included in the Copenhagen criteria and the Stabilization and Association Process". Completing and adoption of a new Constitution were defined as a priority for 2007. On the national level, there is neither coherent and consistent strategy nor long term planning and coordination of actions in the sphere of minority rights protection. The area of minority rights protection is still legally and practically unregulated and requires an expert’s approach, serious treatment and full engagement of all relevant sections of Montenegrin society.
Mission
In 2006 an informal coalition has been formed with the following NGO’s: NDCMN is a local NGO founded in 2000 aiming at strengthening of interethnic dialogue, conflict prevention and peaceful conflict resolution and reconciliation in the region by respecting human rights and freedoms. CEDEM was founded in 1997 with as main goals to advance and raise awareness on the importance of proper and successful democratic transition; to research, analyze and follow process of transition; and to contribute to strengthening of civil society and democratization process as a whole. CEZAM is a newly established NGO focused on analysis, training and education in the filed of Human and Minority Rights. ASK/Libertask consortium was established in 2007 with the purpose to offer expertise in the area of minority rights protection, to conduct researches and advocate for minority rights protection in local and at international context.
Position
The coalition’s joint project “Minority Rights: Law and Practice in Montenegro” is being implemented along four main strands: legislation, education, public opinion and minority rights protection at local level.
Objectives
- raising awareness on the current situation and necessity to improve the status of minorities and the protection of their rights in Montenegro;
- comparing existing legislation and "real life" situation in the field;
- providing valuable inputs into consistent work on minority issues in practice and at municipal, regional and national level;
- establishing a network of relevant actors for providing multidimensional treatment of minority rights protection;
- empowering minorities for comprehension of their status and rights and for implementation of mechanisms for its improvement
- opening and supporting civic dialogue for minority rights improvement.
Contact details
Nansen Dialogue Center Montenegro
Ms Svetlana Racanovic, Director
Vukice Mitrovic 8
81 000 Podgorica
Montenegro
Tel: +382 655 299, 655 295
Fax: +382 655 305
e-mail: info@ndcmn.org
www.ndcmn.org