Conseil de l'Europe

A Joint Launching Conference for three regional programmes to ameliorate the conditions of minority communities in South East Europe will be held from 27 to 29 June in Budva (Montenegro) by of the European Union, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Council of Europe. The purpose of this conference is to present three regional projects to improve the situation of minorities in the Western Balkans: “Promoting Human Rights and Minority Protection in South East Europe” (implemented by the Council of Europe), “Best Practices for Roma Integration” (implemented by OSCE/ODIHR) and “Regional Initiative for Inclusive Education” (will be also implemented by the Council of Europe).

The event will begin with a description of the main elements of an integrated approach to these three issues, followed by an outline of each programme. Then, participants will be invited to take part in working groups covering the cross-cutting topics of “How to better implement antidiscrimination legislation?” (WG1), “How to enhance participation in public life?” (WG2) and “How to approach diversity through inclusive education?” (WG3). The purpose of these workshops is the exchange of concrete best practices.

The conclusions of these workshops will be presented during the closing plenary session. To conclude the event, Mr. Nebojša Kaludjerović, State Secretary for Political Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Montenegro, Mrs. Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni, Deputy Secretary General elect of the Council of Europe, Mr. Andrzej Mirga, Senior Adviser on Roma and Sinti Issues at ODIHR and Mr. Alberto Cammarata, Acting Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, will present their views and expectations regarding the three joint projects and the new sectorial approach.

A press conference will be held on 29 June at 11:30 by representatives of the three organisations.