Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Brankica Janković, participated in the regional conference “Ombudsman Institutions in Times of Crisis” organized by the Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms of Montenegro and the OSCE Mission in Montenegro on the occasion of marking 20 years of work of the Ombudsman of Montenegro.

The conference gathered more than 100 participants, including representatives of regional ombudsman institutions and equality bodies, judicial instances, prosecutor’s offices, legislative and executive authorities, the diplomatic corps, the academic community, and local self-government.

Commissioner Janković congratulated the jubilee of the Ombudsman of Montenegro and stated that the title of the conference, “Ombudsman Institutions in Times of Crisis”, is associated with the time of COVID-19, which was very demanding for everyone, including the work of the Commissioner’s institution. When I look back at the work of our institution during that crisis period, I can point out that despite all the challenges, almost all the Commissioner’s recommendations were accepted, said Janković, and repeated that she expects colleagues from the region at the big conference that will be held from November 16 in Belgrade.

At the conference, the status, role, and influence of national institutions for human rights and equality bodies at the national and international levels were discussed. The conclusions of the conference are aimed at further strengthening the mission of equality bodies and creating a common message with national state bodies and other interested parties on how to improve the protection and promotion of human rights and freedoms of the citizens of the region, thereby directly influencing the strengthening of the rule of law and democratic processes.