Universal Periodic Review 29: Montenegro
This UK statement was delivered during the 29th session of the Universal Period Review during the discussion of Montenegro's Human Rights Record on 22 January 2018.
The Universal Periodic Review takes place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
The UK welcomes Montenegro’s commitment to the UPR process. There has been notable progress on legislative reform and institution building, including on the rule of law agenda. The UK encourages Montenegro to continue with these reforms, ensuring that legislation is implemented and progress monitored effectively.
We encourage Montenegro to take action to implement the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights recommendations on electoral reform. We remain concerned by the limited progress made on a number of previous UPR recommendations which were accepted by Montenegro, in particular on addressing impunity for war crimes; protecting media freedom; and investigating attacks on journalists. The UK urges Montenegro to do more in these areas.
We have three recommendations:
-
Systematically strengthen legal and institutional mechanisms in order to more efficiently and effectively address human trafficking through Montenegro.
-
Adopt an open, merit-based process when selecting national candidates for UN Treaty Body elections.
-
Work closely with relevant actors in implementing ODIHR recommendations on electoral reform, with a view to ensuring that the electoral processes and legislative framework are fully in line with international standards.