The Democratization Section of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro contributes to developing and extending democratic governance and accountability of institutions at the central and local levels; promoting a dynamic and active civil society engaged in all levels of government decision-making; and fighting discrimination and intolerance, including protection of national minorities and promotion of equal opportunities. Activities focus on building institutional capacity for the implementation of international standards, as well as the respective national strategic action plans.

Strengthening democratic governance

The Mission is working to strengthen the capacity of the Montenegrin Assembly, in particular the parliamentary committees, to review legislation and exert effective oversight over the government and other State institutions. It is also working to increase the Assembly's openness towards the public and other interested actors in the legislative process.

The Mission supports local government development by promoting sustainable training and advisory services for municipal assemblies and municipal governments. Through its project supporting Citizen Education and Information Centres (CIEC), it is helping to increase the involvement of residents and other interested actors in the local decision-making processes.

The Mission assists the Montenegrin authorities in successfully co-ordinating policies and actions within the government and between various state institutions to combat human trafficking and smuggling and implementing the National Action Plan against Trafficking in Human Beings, while balancing the interests of criminal justice system with those of victims.

Promoting an active civil society

The Mission supports the involvement of civil society actors in decision-making processes at the central and local levels by improving lobbying and advocacy skills. Through its projects, the Mission has also been supporting the public participation of citizens belonging to national minorities through non-governmental organisations.

Promoting human rights, tolerance and non-discrimination

The Mission promotes tolerance and non-discrimination through civic education, training for educators and continued training of relevant government officials. It also seeks to improve the status of women and promotes gender equality by supporting relevant government structures and supporting the implementation of the national strategy on gender equality.

With the adoption of a new Law on Minority Rights and Freedoms, the Mission will assist state institutions in the implementation of the new legal framework for the protection and promotion of the rights of persons belonging to minorities. Additional focus is given to the disadvantaged Roma minority, given their special needs.

In supporting the implementation of the national 'road map' within the framework of the January 2005 Sarajevo Declaration on Refugee Returns, the Mission is working to advance regional co-operation and supports the government in finding durable solutions to the issue of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).