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Press release: State to begin solving the problem homelessness

Montenegro needs to establish an evidence of the homeless and Poposal for a Law on Social and Child Protection shall clearly define the type, jurisdiction and methods of providing social services for this population

How is the constitutional definition of Montenegro as a welfare state and the state of social justice affirmed in practice, confirms the fact that for the first time in Montenegrin law term ” homeless” is defined in the Proposal for a Law on Social and Child Protection from the 2012th year.

Institute Alternative consider good that the Proposal for a Law on Social and Child Protection is returned for revision, particularly in the area of demarcation precise division of responsibilities between the centers for social work and local governments. As the priority is on the social services development , Institute believes that the new Proposal for a Law on Social and Child Welfare should specifically define a shelter for homeless, and that these services should be within the jurisdiction of local governments.

Aware of the financial constraints of local governments to provide these services specifically for the needs of the local population, Institute claims that a homeless shelter should exist even in those local governments in which the problem of homelessness is the most spread. Therefore, it is necessary that the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare in collaboration with all social actors, primarily CSWs and NGOs, as soon establish the evidence of these individuals. The fact that the Ministry does not dispose neither with close number of homeless in Montenegro, indicate that this population is deprived of the protection of fundamental human rights, and that homelessness as the most serious social problem is ignored by the state.

Establishing of social welfare information system (social card) will certainly establish the evidence of homeless people, but note that the deadline for completing this project is the end of 2014. Uncertainty of further usage of temporary accommodation (shelter) by homeless people in Podgorica, warns about the urgency of solving this problem.

Although the existing efforts to provide temporary homeless shelter in the area of Podgorica represent a big step forward, uncertain future of the users of this service alarms that solving of homelessness must be approached in a different manner. Having in mind that an initiator in solving the problem of homelessness, at least at the local level, was the NGO “Action for Human Rights,” sufficiently proves the existing need for closer cooperation between the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and the civil sector. Here, Institute refers not only on participation of civil sector in policy development, legislation and other public policy proposals making, but also on the efforts of the Ministry to focus more on the demands of civil society dealing with this issue.

In addition to providing permanent accommodation, for shelter users must be provided psycho-social support and assistance in order to achieve their social inclusion.

Aware that homelessness is complex problem which involves many law dilemmas and questions, Institute alternative urges that the state does not forget that people without a place for living mustn’t be treated as deprived but full righted citizens of Montenegro.

Dragana Radović
Public policy researcher

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IA on the political talkshow „From my point of view“ on TV Vijesti

Our public policy analyst, Dina Bajramspahić, appeared on the talkshow “From my point of view” with Tina Raičević on television Vijesti. Theme of the show was the scandal of illigal wiretapping of journalists. Other guests show were Nikola Markovic (deputy editor of the daily newspaper Dan) and members of the Parliamentary Committee for Security and Defense: Luiđ Škrelja (DPS) and Predrag Bulatovic (DF).

Watch the whole programme and the interesting discussion on measures of secret surveillance in criminal procedure:

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Challenges of developing the welfare mix in Montenegro

This publication is the result of an empirical research conducted within the project entitled ‘Challenges of developing the welfare mix in Montenegro’ carried out during 2012. Financial support for the implementation of the project was provided by the Commission for the allocation of the part of revenues from te games of chance of Montenegro.

The goal of the project is to foster the development of the welfare mix, with a focus on strengthening the role of civil society in the social reform process. Through the principle of subsidiarity, i.e. by efficiently making decisions as close as possible to the needs of citizens, through the development of the welfare mix, less burden on the state is expected, whose role has been monopolistic. Simultaneously, we expect the strengthening of the civil society organisations’ capacity as active proponents of social rights, social service providers, innovators of social programmes and social entrepreneurs.

The research methodology is taken from CERANEO –Centre for the development of non-profit organisations from Zagreb (Republic of Croatia). As a partner, CERANEO cooperated with the team and the leadership of the project throughout all the phases of the project implementation, it analysed the collected data and it produced a research report on the basis of results.

The research collected information on the development and on concrete aspects of the welfare mix. The following actors, relevant for the development of the welfare mix, were involved in the research: civil society (NGO – non-governmental associations and foundations), centres for social work and their sub-units, public institutions of social welfare, employment bureaus and offices of employment bureaus, as well as secretariats of local self-government units competent for the area of social policy. In research participated 104 different social actors.

Results of the empirical research presented here reflect the role of different actors in social policy and their contribution to developing the welfare mix in Montenegro.

Recommendations for strengthening the concept of welfare mix:

  • At the level of all local self-governments, establish local social councils, as bodies whose members would be representatives of all social actors. One of the key tasks of these bodies would be to build trust at the local level among various social actors.
  • Organise projects for the preparation of the social overview in bigger local selfgovernments, which could be subsequently used as a basis for the preparation of the local social development plans.
  • Organise projects which would increase the participation of younger citizens, while volunteering would be promoted as a civic value.
  • There is a need for discussion on decentralisation of the social policy programme and the new type of governance in the area of social development.
  • Through a series of workshops, train local actors to understand the European social model and the method of open coordination in the preparation of decision-making process, as well as in the implementation of social programmes.
  • Invest significant resources for training of local actors in EU project-writing.
  • Advanced NGOs in the social areas should be oriented toward social entrepreneurship, social innovations, social capital and social cohesion.
  • Open the dialogue on the role of civil society organisations in providing social services.
  • A part of the NGOs should be trained to advocate for social development and social rights of socially vulnerable groups.

By implementing this project, we wish to establish a network of associates and set the basis for long-term cooperation in the reform process of the social policy system.

Advantages and disadvantages of developing the welfare mix, as well as the need to continue empirical research, are presented in the conclusion.

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IA’s suggestions for drafting the Resolution on the European integration

Upon the invitation by the Parliamentary Working Group for drafting resolution on the European integration, we have prepared suggestions and proposals as a contribution to this important process.

The proposals are based on the findings and recommendations from our research on the role of Parliament in the EU integration process.

As we were unable to have access to the current Draft resolution, our recommendations are structured in regard to the relevant segments which, in our opinion, the resolution should contain.

Our suggestions and recommendations of which can be found here. (in Montenegrin only)

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Comments on AP for the implementation of the Strategy for fight against corruption and organized crime

The process of developing the Action Plan for the fight against corruption and organized crime Strategy implementation for the period 2013 -2014.

We are willing to contribute to this process, so we have prepared comments on the draft action plan, based on our research, the findings and recommendations of our publications.

For work on the comments, we used a version of the document that we have received from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for political system, internal and foreign policy (January 29, 2013).

Comments in general can be found here. (in Montenegrin only)

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Stevo Muk in the political talkshow “From my point of view”

Stevo Muk, President of IA’s Managing Board, has been a guest of the political talkshow “From my point of view”, on TV Vijesti. The topic of the programme was the marking of the seventh anniversary of renewing Montenegro’s independence. other guests in the programme were Miodrag Lekić (Democratic Front), Milutin Simović (DPS) and Nedjeljko Rudović (Daily Newspaper “Vijesti”).

Watch the whole programme here: