OSCE Mission to Montenegro co-organizes annual discussion to mark International Human Rights Day

Montenegro’s participation in the United Nations Human Rights Council, the right to restitution, and human rights protection in penitentiary system were the three topics discussed at an OSCE-supported event in Podgorica to mark International Human Rights Day on 10 December 2012.

The annual discussion was organized by the OSCE Mission, UN agencies in Montenegro, the Ombudsman, University of Montenegro, the non-governmental organization Civic Alliance and the government in organizing an annual discussion to emphasize key human rights developments in Montenegro.

Speaking at the opening of the event, the Head of the OSCE Mission, Ambassador Lubomir Kopaj, recalled that Montenegro was a party to all major international human rights instruments, and said: “While national legislation, including the Constitution, provides a favourable framework for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country, the adoption of  legislation is only the first step in the process, although certainly an important one. What really counts is the efficient and effective implementation of the legislation.”

Kopaj congratulated the government on the fact that Montenegro was elected to the UN Human Rights Council in November, and voiced his confidence that Montenegro would play an important and active part in the work of the human rights body.

On 10 December 1948 the United Nations General Assembly decision adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Ceremonies to mark the event are held on this anniversary as a reminder of the importance of the protection and recognition of human rights principles.