On 25 and 26 December, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro organized a two-day workshop in Nikšić on combating discrimination against persons with disabilities and strengthening human rights activism.
The workshop brought together 12 human rights defenders who discussed key human rights principles and existing mechanisms for the protection and promotion of human rights, with a particular emphasis on the rights of persons with disabilities. Through interactive sessions, young people with and without disabilities explored ways to strengthen advocacy efforts, raise awareness of disability rights, and enhance co-operation among human rights defenders and relevant stakeholders. Activities included facilitated group work, discussions, and myth-and-fact exercises.
This workshop was preceded by the Mission's 2024 needs assessment conducted as part of a series of training sessions on disability and human rights held in 13 northern municipalities. The needs assessment surveyed 112 participants and evaluated their knowledge and awareness about the rights of persons with disabilities. It also identified key challenges they face, and concluded that, among other priorities, involvement of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes through activism should be increased; accessibility across all areas of life should be improved; employment of persons with disabilities should be encouraged through the provision of support to employers and the implementation of quotas; and local governments should take greater responsibility for promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.
The Mission-engaged expert, Marina Vujačić from the Association of Youth with Disabilities of Montenegro, recalled that the 2024 needs assessment served as a basis for developing appropriate 2025 training curricula. "Discrimination against persons with disabilities remains a serious human rights challenge. This workshop strengthened participants' understanding of legal protections and advocacy tools, enabling them to better recognize discrimination and promote inclusion," said Vujačić.
