Second working day of the Seminar organized by the Unit for Balkan Parliament Relations of the Directorate –General for External Policies of the European Parliament within the Support Program to the Western Balkan Parliaments, was opened by Vice-Chair of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality of the European Parliament, Ms. Livia Jaroka. Ms. Mariya Gabriel, in charge for developing opinion on women’s rights and gender equality in the annual report on human rights and democracy for 2011, addressed participants via video link and acquainted them with the situation in the field of gender equality in the European Union. Position of women and children in Western Balkan countries, particularly rights of women and children from REA population and rural areas and protection from domestic violence were discussed by Ms. Maria Cornelissen, Rapporteur for women’s rights in Western Balkan countries, member of the Committee for Women’s Rights and Gender Equality and Ms. Kinga Gal, Vice-Chair of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, member of Sub-Committee on Human Rights.

In dynamic and constructive discussion MPs from the Western Balkan countries presented experiences of their countries and perspectives on position of women and children. It was emphasized that multi-nationality was the special value of Western Balkan countries and tolerance as a specific value of these countries should be fostered. Preparations for the EU membership and necessary activities of candidate countries and pre- candidates in the field of human rights were discussed by Mr. Joost Korte, Deputy Director General for Enlargement of the European Commission, who touched upon the assessments on situation in the field of human rights in Western Balkan countries from the progress reports for 2012. He emphasized that the progress in the countries was visible, certain measures were taken in the aim of improvement of human rights, but that much more should be done, especially in the field concerning implementation of legislation and anti-discriminatory policy.

It was concluded that the parliament should have important role in protection of human rights and freedoms, and that the stress should be not only on adoption of laws, because, according the European officials’ assessments, almost all countries have good legislation, and further efforts should be directed towards implementation of adopted laws, where strengthening of control and supervisory role of the parliament should be emphasized. In achieving all goals and reaching high standards in the field of human rights, democracy and rule of law, cooperation of all intuitions in the country would be necessary, as well as cooperation with the civil sector. 

In addition to representatives of the Committee on Human Rights and Freedom Service of Montenegro, the Seminar was attended by representatives of the parliaments of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Kosovo, Croatia and Macedonia.