Statement by India at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group 29th Session (15-26 January 2018): 3rd UPR of Montenegro – Interactive Dialogue, delivered by Ms. Mini Devi Kumam, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of India. [Geneva, 22 January 2018]

Madam Vice President,

India thanks the delegation of Montenegro for the presentation of its National Report.

2. We commend Montenegro on the progress made on advancing human rights particularly for the most vulnerable groups. The various strategies and action plans being realized for this purpose with special focus on women, children, old persons, minorities and persons with disabilities are noteworthy. The development of Strategy for Domestic Violence Protection 2016-20, National Action Plan for Children (NPAC) 2013–17, implementation of the Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy 2012-18, establishment of the Child Rights Council, adoption of the Law on Anti-Discrimination of Persons with Disabilities in 2015 are commendable.

3. We appreciate the steps taken by Montenegro towards enhancing gender equality, especially political and economic rights for women under the Action Plan for Achieving Gender Equality (APAGE) 2013-2017 and 2017-2021.

4. We recommend that Montenegro strengthen its national institution of Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms, considering, in particular, its role as the national preventive mechanism against torture and the institutional protective mechanism against discrimination. It is also recommended that Montenegro create more opportunities for women to access formal employment and adopt measures to close the gender wage gap.

 5. We wish Montenegro all success in its future endeavours.

Thank you Madam Vice President.