The Center for Monitoring and Research (CeMI) initiated the signing of the Public Declaration on Combating Discrimination in the Workplace "Accept DIVERSITY!" Reject DISCRIMINATION!".
The declaration was signed by: Marijana Lakovic-Draskovic Law Office, NGO Aktivna Zona, Center for Women's and Peace Education ANIMA, NGO CAZAS, Center for Democracy and Human Rights CEDEM, Center for Roma Initiatives Niksic CRNIK, Center for Development of Non-Governmental Organizations CRNVO, Secretariat for social welfare of the Capital City, HELP - Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe, NGO Juventas, Porto Montenegro, Clinical Center of Montenegro KCCG, Montenegrin network for harm reduction Link.
The signatories of the public declaration are: Ministry of Justice, Safe Women's House, Spektra Association, Montenegrin LGBTIQ Association Queer Montenegro, Regent Porto Montenegro, Office for LGBTIQ Persons of the Capital City, European Network of Election Monitoring Organizations ENEMO, Glovo Montenegro, Human Rights Action HRA, Institution of the Protectors of Human Rights and Freedoms of Montenegro, Alternative Institute and PR Center.
The Declaration states that the legislative framework and legal order of Montenegro expressly prohibit discrimination on any basis and promote the protection of human rights and freedoms, including the rights of members of the LGBTIQ community. We agree that it is necessary to invest further efforts in order to advocate the democratic and European values behind which Montenegro stands.
"We have been advocating and encouraging diversity and inclusiveness on the labor market for years. The goal is to create equal opportunities and achieve a sustainable and stable society in which everyone is guaranteed the same rights without discrimination against employed persons or persons seeking employment on any basis, including on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity", the signatories of the Declaration agree.
They assess that the fight against any form of discrimination of social groups is the key to creating a modern society where equal participation in every aspect of social life and human dignity are not only a formal, but an essential asset and moral imperative.
"Guided by these principles, we condemn any putting people in an unfavorable position on the labor market," said the signatories of the Declaration.
They believe that a transparent approach and cooperation between the public and private sectors is important for the respect and protection of human rights, including the rights of members of the LGBTI community in order to promote and protect the rights of every person.
"Diversity enriches us and together we can do much more to promote equality and create a sustainable public and private sector," the signatories of the Declaration emphasized.
They pointed out that inclusion, principles of equality and prohibition of discrimination are part of the international legal order and are protected by international instruments.
"Therefore, we invite the public to contribute to the preservation of equality and a reduced level of discrimination in the workplace on any basis, as well as on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity," concluded the signatories of the Declaration.
The public declaration was prepared within the project "Contribution to the inclusion of LGBTI persons on the labor market", which is implemented by the Center for Monitoring and Research CeMI, and was financially supported by the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights.