After the election of the new Ombudsman, as well as the forthcoming adoption of several new Laws related to its work (Law on discrimination, new Law on Ombudsman...), a lot of changes are expected to be made within the organization and work of this institution. At the moment, this institution has two deputies who support its work in various areas. In addition, at least two other deputies are expected to be nominated in the near future: one should be in charge of children rights and the other should perform the function of National Preventive Mechanism for Torture (NPM) in accordance with the Optional Protocol to the United Convention Against Torture (OPCAT
The review of the current legislation on the Ombudsman also falls on the right momentum considering the first six year mandate of the first Ombudsman and the equivalent experience of the Institution. It is a chance to build up upon the experience of this first mandate, address issues and shortcomings that could be identified and include the required changes in the new Law with a view to increase the efficiency and the capacity of this key Institution. Therefore, the Ombudsman Institution is the most direct target group of this Project, considering the needs and issues that this Project aims to address. In addition, the general public as a final beneficiary of this project, needs to be informed about the changes relating to the Ombudsman Institution and the various possibilities to address human rights issues, including the prevention of torture. CEMI also intends to establish cooperation between other CSOs and media in Montenegro and increase their knowledge in this area.
The overall objective of this project is to support and further improve the protection of Human Rights and Freedoms in Montenegro by strengthening the Ombudsman Institution.
This project has three main results:
1. Human resources, administrative and technical capacities of the Ombudsman institution improved.
2. The implementation of the new Law on the Ombudsman facilitated in accordance with EU and international standards.
3. Citizens of Montenegro familiarized with the new Law on the Ombudsman and their new possibilities for protection of their rights.
The Associate of CEMI on this project is OSCE Mission to Montenegro. The OSCE Mission to Montenegro has been providing support and assistance to the Ombudsman Institution since its creation and is playing an active role in the human rights area in the country. It has also been providing support in the relevant legislative area and has been contributing to the establishment of an NPM in Montenegro in accordance with the OPCAT. Considering its experience and expertise in this area, the OSCE Mission in Montenegro will play an important role in this Project.
The Monitoring Center - CEMI has supported translation of the Ombudsman's Annual Report for 2009, under the project supported by the European Union through the European Delegation in Montenegro. If you want to see the translation follow the link below:
