Gjeka of Paniklova: Strengthening Partnership for Implementing Reforms in the Field of Gender Equality and Human Rights

Minister of Human and Minority Rights Fatmir Gjeka met with the UNDP Resident Representative in Montenegro Ekaterina Paniklova, discussing the continuation and further improvement of cooperation between the Ministry and UNDP in areas of human and minority rights, with a special focus on gender equality, implementing new reform solutions, and upcoming IPA support. The interlocutors assessed that long-standing partnership between the Ministry and UNDP provides significant support for reform processes in Montenegro, especially in strengthening institutional capacities and improving policies based on principles of equality, non-discrimination, and respect for human rights. In this context, they discussed planned IPA support aimed at operationalizing and effectively applying the new Law, strengthening institutional capacities for gender-responsive governance, and raising awareness about the importance of gender equality. Paniklova confirmed UNDP’s readiness to continue supporting the Ministry in the field of gender equality, relying on the experience and expertise of the Gender team, as well as regional UNDP programs that facilitate the transfer of good practices to Montenegro and showcase Montenegrin experiences and solutions regionally and beyond. During the meeting, possibilities for further enhancing cooperation in other areas within the Ministry’s jurisdiction, including protection against discrimination, improving the position of minority peoples and other minority communities, and policies aimed at protecting the rights of vulnerable and socially marginalized groups, were also considered. Gjeka and Paniklova expressed their readiness for the Ministry and UNDP to continue intensive communication and partnership cooperation, with the goal that reform processes in the fields of human rights, equality, and non-discrimination are accompanied by concrete, sustainable, and measurable results.