Statement H.E. Mr. Nebojša Kaludjerović, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Montenegro to the United Nations

Published date: 06.11.2009 14:13 | Author: Naslovna strana

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Agenda Item 41
Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, questions relating to refugees, returnees and displaced persons and humanitarian questions

November 3, 2009

Mr. Chairman,

At the outset, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Mr. António Guterres for his comprehensive report and very constructive participation in the dialogue we had this morning. Montenegro is committed to playing an active role in supporting UNHCR in assisting States to meet their international obligations aimed at resolving the refugee issues.

Mr. Chairman,

Montenegro fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by Sweden on behalf of the European Union. I would like at this stage to make few remarks in my national capacity in order to point out some issues that are of particular importance for Montenegro.
Mr. Chairman,

Having in mind that the world is facing new global challenges and increase in the number of refugees and in particular IDPs , as a consequence of an upsurge of internal conflicts and serious violations of human rights, global action and partnership at all levels - national, regional and international are necessary. Our common responsibility and our activities, guided by the principles enshrined in the Convention relating to the Status of refugees and its Protocol, have to be aimed at ensuring transparency, neutrality and impartiality in the coordination of international humanitarian response to these issues.


Mr. Chairman,

During the last two decades, Montenegro has demonstrated its openness and solidarity to thousands of displaced persons from the territory of former Yugoslav republics, regardless of their religious or national beliefs. Currently, the number of displaced persons represents 4% of the domicile population, which clearly shows that the problem of displacement still persists and has a strong influence on the social development index of Montenegrin society.

In order to address the problem of displaced and internally displaced persons in a constructive and efficient manner, Montenegro provides equal treatment for all, particularly in the areas of employment, education, health protection and opportunities for entrepreneurship. To this end, Montenegro has adopted several legal documents providing guidelines and setting out obligations of the Government institutions dealing with these issues in order to achieve durable and just solution for displaced population. The documents include the National Strategy for Resolving the Issues of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons in Montenegro and related laws, such as the amended Law on Foreigners, as well as recently adopted Action Plan for Resolving the Status of Displaced Persons from Former Yugoslav Republics and Internally Displaced Persons from Kosovo.

Mr. Chairman,

The term of displaced and internally displaced persons is still in use in Montenegro given the fact that the process of re-registration of those persons is still ongoing. The process, fully supported by UNHCR, will be completed in December 2009 and will determine the exact number and collect all relevant data on internally displaced persons from Kosovo. The newly acquired data will allow a better coordination of the joint regional efforts aimed at resolving the remaining problems.

Adoption of the Amendments to the Law on Foreigners provides all displaced persons the opportunity to acquire the status of foreigners with permanent residence in Montenegro, with the ability to enjoy full rights, including the right to obtain appropriate ID Cards for foreigners. Displaced persons can be registered as refugees if they fulfill the requirements of the Law on Asylum, and subsequently be able to apply for Montenegrin citizenship.


Mr. Chairman,

Problem of displaced persons in Montenegro, as well as in the Balkan region, requires coordinated regional approach that has already been demonstrated in Sarajevo Declaration, adopted in 2005. We expect that the European Commission, OSCE and UNHCR, as well as all countries of the region will intensify their efforts and undertake adequate activities in order to provide and create appropriate conditions for unhindered return of displaced persons to their homes. Moreover, it is equally essential to consolidate the returns that have already taken place in the region in order to make them sustainable and to prevent renewed displacement not only within the region , but also beyond.

In this context, Mr. Chairman, we are ready to constructively contribute to the regional and global efforts in these areas. We believe that return and reintegration assistance, both financial and technical, is an important component for achieving durable solution to the refugee issues.

I thank you Mr. Chairman.