A/HRC/10/29
equality, protection of persons with disabilities and of minorities. It noted that Montenegro
had already launched new measures on the prohibition of torture, combating human
trafficking, and protecting vulnerable minority rights. China believed that Montenegro
would continue these efforts and continue to implement in all sincerity the feasible
measures put forward by Member States during the review, and with the assistance and
support of the international community, would achieve greater progress in the area of
human rights.
(c)
General comments made by other relevant stakeholders
405. Amnesty International welcomed many of the recommendations, including calls for
the protection of minorities. In referring to Montenegro’s obligations under the
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, it urged the Government
to prioritize fulfilment for all members of the Roma, Ashkalia and Egyptian communities,
without discrimination, for the rights to free and compulsory primary education, access to
employment and essential primary health care, and to basic shelter and housing. When
allocating resources, it stated that the Government should prioritize the most vulnerable and
should seek international cooperation and assistance where necessary to meet these basic
obligations. It welcomed recommendations relating to the clarification of the legal status of
refugees and internally displaced persons. It noted that persons originating from Kosovo
continue to be defined as internally displaced persons rather than refugees, and that many of
those who arrived after 2003 had not been granted access to a process whereby they may be
registered as internally displaced persons. It noted that, as a result, they remained in danger
of statelessness. Amnesty International noted that the authorities had been negotiating with
the authorities of Kosovo for the return of Roma, Ashkalia and Egyptian persons to
Kosovo. It urged the authorities to ensure that such individuals be allowed to challenge the
decision to apply a cessation of protection in their case, and expressed the view that they
should also be allowed access to a process to assess their continued protection needs in
order for non-refoulement obligations to be met. While welcoming the addendum to the
report of the Working Group, in which Montenegro provided further information on the 20
recommendations made by States, Amnesty International encouraged Montenegro to
indicate clearly which of these recommendations it supported, as required by paragraph 32
of the annex to Council resolution 5/1.
406. Cercle de recherche sur les droits et les devoirs de la personne humaine appreciated
Montenegro’s replies to the recommendations made within the framework of the Working
Group. It noted with great interest the replies to recommendation 6, including the initiative
taken by the Government to approve draft legislation prohibiting discrimination in the first
quarter of 2009. It drew the Government’s attention to the fact that the draft law addressed
12 precise grounds for discrimination, but did not include the case of discrimination linked
to political choices and associations of the individual. It also pointed out that some human
rights violations were committed against members of political parties or the opposition and
unions. It recommended that Montenegro include these forms of discrimination in the draft
law and ensure that these rights are properly promoted. It also encouraged Montenegro to
take part in the promulgation of a universal declaration of duties of the individual.
(d)
Concluding remarks of the State under review
407. Montenegro thanked delegations and expressed the significance of the universal
periodic review process for Montenegro. Responding to some of the recommendations
made, it referred also to responses previously provided.
408. Montenegro referred to activities undertaken with regard to the protection of Roma
populations and emphasized the strategy for social inclusion of Roma, and expressed its
readiness to ensure all the rights of the Roma. Montenegro noted progress, especially in
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