Permanent Delegation of the Parliament of Montenegro to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE)

Permanent Delegation of the Parliament of Montenegro in international organizations

Important role in the way of reaching and respecting the values of democracy, rule of law, human rights, as well as ensuring safety and security, the Parliament of Montenegro achieved through permanent delegation both to European and world organizations: Council of Europe, the Organization for European Security and Cooperation, the Organization North Atlantic contract and Inter-Parliamentary Union. Parliamentary cooperation underlines the importance of maintaining a connection between the leadership of international organizations and parliaments themselves, which is trying to provide exactly through the parliamentary dimension the realization of the goals and values which promotes the organization itself.
In that regard, the essential meaning of existence of the Council of Europe is to provide basic personal and democratic rights and freedoms in Europe, the most important documents brought in order to achieve this primary objective are: The European Convention on Human Rights and the establishment of the European Court of Human Rights. Furthermore, the Organization for European Security and Cooperation is biggest regional, Safety organization in the world whose main goal is the safety of all its members, which covers a wide range of activities related to all three dimensions: political-military, economic-environmental and human dimension security.
On the other hand, the organization of NATO connects Europe and North America in a unique defense and security alliance, providing collective security of the member states. It can be defined as a forum for security consultations which significantly contribute to peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area as well. Adapted to modern challenges NATO now operates in the field of maintenance of peace, stability and democratic order and respect for human rights, then the fight against international terrorism and the threat of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; development of sustainable relations with Russia and Ukraine, strengthening the basis for development of close cooperation with other partner countries. Finally, the Inter- Parliamentary Union, since its establishment in 1889, seeks to present the parliamentary dimension on the international scene and also seeks to present the voice of elected representatives of the people in negotiating processes emphasizing that peace and security are highly ranked on the list of priorities of the international organization.

Montenegro became member state of the Council of Europe on 11 May 2007 by the decision of the Committee of Ministers of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe is composed of members of national parliaments (members and alternate members), appointed to the PACE by each member state parliament. The composition of the delegation should reflect the actual balance of powers of political parties, constituents of the national parliaments. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe deals with topics in the fields of politics, law, human rights, social policy, healthcare, family, culture, science, education, environment, agriculture, migration, refugees, demography and gender equality. In this sense, it ensures that all member states honor agreed obligations. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe meets quarterly, or four times per year for 5 days.

Delegation of the Parliament of Montenegro to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe is composed of permanent members: Mr Predrag Sekulić PhD - Head of the Delegation, Ms Draginja Vuksanović PhD and Mr Mladen Bojanić as well as deputy Mr Damir Šehović MA and Ms Snežana Jonica.

Secretary of the Delegation of the Parliament of Montenegro in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe is Ms. Slava Burić, Secretary of the Committee on Human Rights and Freedoms.

During the 25th Convocation, members of the delegation of the Parliament of Montenegro to PACE participated in the following regular sessions:

21 – 25 January 2013 – Winter Session, whose agenda included the adoption of the Resolution on Kosovo, which emphasizes the need for the Council of Europe to maintain direct working contacts with the Kosovo authorities at all levels, and to intensify the dialogue with representatives of parliamentary political structures. The Agenda also included debates on activities of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development as well as ways of ensuring the sustainability of the European Court for Human Rights in Strasbourg. Furthermore, the Report on the follow-up to the issue of political prisoners in Azerbaijan was discussed, while the debate on migrations and asylum, mounting tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean region, primarily in Greece and Turkey, was included in the Agenda. According to the rapporteurs, Greece has become the main entry point for flows of irregular migration into the European Union, Turkey the country of transit, while the flow of Syrian refugees requires greater effort of the two countries. Parliamentarians also discussed about the state of media freedom in Europe, recent developments in Mali and Algeria and the threat to security and human rights in the Mediterranean region. At the opening of its Winter Session, PACE re-elected Jean-Claude Mignon as its President.
22 – 26 April 2013 – Spring Session at which the following was considered: Draft Resolution on Fighting “child sex tourism”, Draft Resolution on Ending discrimination against Roma children, as well as the Draft Semi-Annual Report on the “One in Five” campaign. The Agenda also included the debate on the following draft reports: Observation of the presidential election in Armenia (18 February 2013), Post-monitoring dialogue with Turkey, Violence against religious communities, Culture and education through national parliaments, Young Europeans: an urgent educational challenge and 2012 Activity Report of the Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner Nils Muižnieks.

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Activities of the delegation of the Parliament of Montenegro to PACE during the 24th Convocation

Since the constitution of the 24th Convocation until 14 September 2009, Delegation of the Parliament of Montenegro in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe consisted of the Head of the delegation, Mr. Predrag Bošković, permanent members Mr. Ivan Brajović and Mr. Andrija Mandić, and alternate members Ms.Valentina Radulović-Šćepanović, Džavid Šabović and Dragan Šoć.

From 14 September 2009 to 11 April 2011, the Delegation consisted of: the Head of the delegation, Mr. Predrag Sekulić, permanent members Mr. Džavid Šabović and Mr. Neven Gošović, and alternate members Ms.Valentina Radulović –Šćepanović, Mr. Ervin Spahić and Mr. Obrad Gojković.

From 11 April 2012 until the end of term of office of MPs of the 24th Convocation, Montenegrin delegation had three permanent members. The Head of the Delegation was Ms. Valentina Radulović-Šćepanović, and permanent members were Mr. Džavid Šabović and Mr. Obrad Gojković. Alternate members were MPs Mr. Zoran Vukčević, Mr. Ervin Spahić and Ms. Snežana Jonica.

During the 24th Convocation, Members of the Delegation of the Parliament of Montenegro to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe took part in its ordinary sessions and meetings as follows:

27 – 30 April 2009, Strasburg - Spring Session focused on the debate on the Report on the situation of human rights defenders in Council of Europe member states. Also, at the session, the Rapporteur of the Ad Hoc Committee, MP Andreas Gros (Switzerland), said that the results of the early parliamentary elections held in Montenegro on 29 March 2009 were widely accepted and there was an active participation of the civil society and the print media;
22 – 26 June 2009, Strasburg –Summer Session where special attention was paid to the manner of election of Secretary General of the Council of Europe;
27 September – 2 October 2009, Strasburg - Fall Session, where mandates of the new delegation were verified: the Head of the Delegation, Mr. Predrag Sekulić, permanent members Mr. Džavid Šabović and Mr. Neven Gošović and alternate members Ms. Valentina Radulović - Šćepanović, Mr. Ervin Spahić and Mr. Obrad Gojković;
25 – 29 January 2010, Strasburg – Winter Session, when Mr. Mevlut Cavusoglu (Turkey) was elected the President of the Assembly. The session was focused, among other things, on discussions on reports on the situation in the Middle East, functioning of democratic institutions in Bosnia, corruption in the judiciary, etc.;
26 – 30 April 2010, Strasburg – Spring Session, at which Resolution on Honoring of obligations and commitments by Montenegro arising from the Council of Europe membership. Also, urgent discussions on the necessity of urgent amending of the Constitution of the Bosnia and Herzegovina, situation in Belarus the consequences of the conflict between Georgia and Russia, and the report on lobbying in democratic societies, were held;
21 – 25 June 2010, Strasburg – Summer Session, when the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Mr. Milo Đukanović, addressed the Assembly and pointed out that Montenegro made systemic reforms, strengthened and established new institutions in line with international standards, and effectively carried out commitments since its admission to the CoE in 2007. The Meeting was focused on discussions on the situation in Kosovo, the role and activities of the CoE, status of Roma population in Europe, etc;
4 – 8 October 2010, Strasburg - Fall Session focused on discussions on the fight against extremism and on children without parental care, while Mr. Wojciech Sawicki was elected Secretary General of the Assembly. Members of the delegation met with co-rapporteur of the Monitoring Committee;
24 – 28 January 2011, Strasburg - Fall Session, MP Valentina Radulović – Šćepanović, as the Head of Montenegrin parliamentary delegation to the PACE, participated in the meeting of the Committee on Rules of Procedure, Immunities and Institutional Affairs of the PACE on the occasion of mandate verification to Montenegrin delegation, while in the plenum she discussed about the report on the protection of witnesses as a cornerstone for justice and reconciliation in the Balkans. MP Obrad Gojković discussed on the report on inhuman treatment of people and illicit trafficking in human organs in Kosovo. Also, the parliamentary delegation of Montenegro to PACE met with the Venice Commission;
11 – 15 April 2011, Strasburg – Spring Session, the mandate of the new delegation, consisting of six MPs (three permanent members and three alternate members), were verified. In accordance with the regulations of the Council of Europe, the delegation included two women - permanent member, Ms. Valentina Radulović – Šćepanović, and alternate member, Ms. Snežana Jonica. MP Valentina Radulović Šćepanović was elected the Head of the delegation, and Zoran Vukčević was appointed deputy head of the delegation;
13 – 15 June 2011, Bečići - the Head of the Montenegrin parliamentary delegation to PACE, participated in IX Conference of Speakers of Parliaments of South East Europe (SEECP), on behalf of the President of the PACE;
17 June 2011, Paris - MP Zoran Vukčević participated in the regular session of the Committee for Economic Affairs and Development of PACE;
20 – 24 June 2011, Strasburg – Summer Session, MP Zoran Vukčević participated in the discussion on the adoption of the budget of the Council of Europe and setting of the budget priorities of the Council of Europe for fiscal 2012 and 2013. The Head of the delegation participated in discussions on the report “Living together in 21st century Europe” and together with the permanent member of the delegation, Mr. Obrad Gojković, participated in the meeting of the Monitoring Committee aimed at the exchange of opinions regarding information note on Montenegro, drawn by co-rapporteurs Mr. Jean-Charles Gardet and Mr. Sharh Holovati, following their visit to Montenegro at the beginning of June 2011;
3 – 7 October 2011, Strasburg - Fall Session: Head of the delegation Ms. Valentina Radulović - Šćepanović and MP Snežana Jonica participated in the meeting of the Monitoring Committee and informed on the progress that Montenegro achieved in the period from June to October 2011, with special emphasis on the implementation of previous recommendations of the co-Rapporteurs;
23 – 27 January 2012, Strasburg – Winter Session: At the meeting of the Monitoring Committeee, MPs Mr. Zoran Vukčević and Ms. Snežana Jonica informed on the progress that Montenegro achieved in the period from October to January 2012, with special emphasis on the implementation of previous recommendations of the co-Rapporteurs;
23 – 27April 2012, Strasburg - Spring Session: Head of the delegation Ms. Valentina Radulović - Šćepanović and MP Snežana Jonica participated in the meeting of the Monitoring Committee. The Delegation had a meeting with co-Rapporteurs of the Monitoring Committee - Mr. Jean-Charles Gardet and Ms. Nursuna Memecan;
25 May 2012, Tirana - Head of the delegation participated in the meeting of the Standing Committee and had a series of bilateral meetings with heads of delegations and PACE MPs for consideration of the draft resolution on honoring of obligations and commitments by Montenegro;
31 May 2012, Paris –Head of the delegation Ms. Valentina Radulović - Šćepanović and MP Snežana Jonica participated in the meeting of the Monitoring Committee to discuss the comments and amendments submitted by Delegation on the draft resolution on honoring of obligations and commitments by Montenegro arousing from the CE membership;
25 – 29 June 2012, Strasburg - Summer Session, the Resolution on honoring of obligations and commitments by Montenegro was adopted. Head of the delegation Ms. Valentina Radulović - Šćepanović and MP Snežana Jonica participated in the meeting of the Monitoring Committee for the consideration of the report on honoring of obligations and commitments by Montenegro;
9 – 11 September 2012, Helsinki – Head of the delegation and MP Zoran Vukčević participated in the meeting of the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy of PACE and in the Seminar of the Bureau of the Socialist Performance Report of the 24th Convocation of the Parliament of Montenegro;
1 – 5 October 2012, Strasburg - Fall Session agenda included reports on the humanitarian crisis in Syria, freedom of the choice of education in Europe, human rights and foreign policy, and financial transactions tax for more solidarity and restoration of social justice. In addition to participation in regular sessions and meetings of the PACE Committee, it is important to refer to the activities carried out within the Council of Europe Campaign “One in Five”.

The Council of Europe Campaign to stop sexual violence against children, known as “One in five”, was launched on 29 September 2010. The campaign has two objectives: signing and ratification of the Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (Lanzarote Convention), as well as raising awareness on the true extent of sexual violence against children and measures to combat this problem. According to the statistics, every fifth child in Europe falls victim to sexual violence.

At the Fifth Meeting of PACE’s network of parliamentarians, held in Florence on 17 November

2011, the Head of the delegation of the Parliament of Montenegro to the PACE, Ms. Valentina Radulović - Šćepanović, was elected representative of the network of contact parliamentarians in the fight against sexual violence against children.

Montenegro national team for participation in the Council of Europe (CE) project “One in Five” was constituted on 2 March 2011, and on 11 April the National Plan for Campaign Activities was adopted. The plan was commended by the Council of Europe, as it can serve as an ideal model for other countries participating in the Campaign.

Within the “One in Five” campaign, numerous activities were conducted in Montenegro, including:

19 and 26April 2012 - Roundtable on the topic of “Recognizing child victim of sexual violence and appropriate medical and psychological treatment” was held in the Institute for Public Health and roundtable on “Existing practical and legislative experience concerning the protection of children and minors subjected to sexual violence” was held in Cetinje;
17 May 2012- Lecture on “Sexual abuse of children in tourist centres” was organized in Budva. One of the lecturers was regional expert, Ms. Gordana Flender, psychologist and psychotherapist, professor at the University of Zagreb and director of the Clinic for Child Protection in Zagreb;
16 and 17 May 2012 - Thematic meeting of South East Europe Children’s Rights Ombudsman’s Network entitled “Protection of Children against Sexual Abuse and Exploitation”, was held in Podgorica;
23 May 2012 - Panel discussion on the topic of “Sexual abuse of children in the context of preventing trafficking in border areas and in tourist centres” was held in Cultural Centre in Rožaje;
18 June 2012 - Roundtable on “Implementation of Ethical Codes of journalists in informing about cases of sexual violence against children” was held in Children’s Home “Mladost”, Bijela. The aim of the roundtable was the improvement of awareness in this field, as well as promotion of the codes of journalists in informing about cases of sexual violence against children;

26 and 27 June 2012 - Seminar on “Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse“ took place in the Ministry of Education and Sports, where educators, psychologists, special educators/speech therapists had the opportunity to exchange experiences and learn about the signs of sexual violence, as well as procedures in case of discovery of such incidence; and the second seminar was intended for the representatives of social and child protection system, health care, education and upbringing, police and judiciary, aimed at exchange of experiences, as well as defining the position and role of individual sectors in order to fulfill children’s rights and protect their interests.

Information on the activities carried out in Montenegro have been posted on the CoE official website “One in Five“Bulletin No 53, while the cover page of the Bulletin No.6 was dedicated to Montenegrin campaign “One in Five” and to the national coordinator Ms. Valentina Radulović-Šćepanović, as a sign of appreciation for her great contribution in the implementation and promotion of this project.

Reports:

PSSE, 26 - 30. januar 2009.
PSSE, 29. septembar – 3. oktobar 2008.
PSSE, 23 – 27. jun 2008.
PSSE, 14 – 18. april 2008.
PSSE, 21 – 25. januar 2008.
PSSE, 24 – 29. jun 2007.

Permanent Delegation of the Parliament of Montenegro in international organizations