OSCE-organized seminar discussed ethics code for parliamentarians

The code of ethics for members of Parliament was the main topic of discussion at the OSCE-organized seminar, which took place on 17 September 2015 in Podgorica, Montenegro.

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro organized this event in co-operation with the Parliamentary Committee for Human Rights and Freedoms, with the support of OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR.)

The goal of the seminar was to provide the members of the Committee with the opportunity to discuss the challenges in implementation of the code of ethics in other countries, as Montenegrin Parliament adopted the relevant code only last year.

The participants were welcomed by Dan Redford, Deputy Head of OSCE Mission to Montenegro, and Peter Mossop, Democratic Governance Officer in ODIHR.

Dan Redford emphasized the accountability and political credibility of MPs as the key principles to be observed. “Regulating behaviour in the Parliament and ethical standards represents the essential element which ensures the public trust in efficiency and transparency of the democratic society.”

Chairperson of the Committee for Human Rights and Freedoms Halil Dukovic: “Though the Committee did not receive a single complaint until now, this event gives an excellent opportunity to discuss possible challenges and dilemmas.” 

The participants of the seminar were relevant representatives from the Parliament, including the Committee for Human Rights and Freedoms, Committee on Political system, judiciary and administration, Committee for Gender Equality and Parliamentary services, as well as members of civil society. Two experts from ODIHR supported the work of the seminar.