On the occasion of Zero Discrimination Day, the Centre for Civic Education (CCE) warns that the alarming rise in intolerance, hate speech, and discrimination in Montenegro requires an urgent, visible, and consistent response from the competent institutions. Discrimination and hate-motivated violence must not become normalized social patterns nor phenomena addressed selectively and with delay.
Zero Discrimination Day was established in 2014 at the initiative of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), with the aim of reminding the global community that equality, dignity, and human rights are universal values that allow no exceptions. The message of this initiative is stronger today than ever. No form of discrimination must be tolerated.
CCE recalls that throughout 2025 numerous incidents were recorded indicating troubling trends. Turkish nationals were subjected to physical attacks, racist insults, and property damage, while perpetrators in most cases were not prosecuted. A film screening at the “Džada Film Festival” in Podgorica was violently interrupted due to the use of the Albanian language, without a proper institutional follow-up. Additionally, a brutal attack on a fifteen-year-old boy from Sarajevo occurred in Podgorica, accompanied by insults based on his origin. The absence of a decisive state response in such cases sends a message of dangerous tolerance toward hatred.
The European Commission’s 2025 Report for Montenegro notes elements of persistent and deeply rooted discrimination. Women remain in a disadvantaged position, while the increase in femicide cases already represents a serious warning signal. LGBTIQ persons continue to face attacks, threats, and hate speech. Roma and Egyptians, as well as persons with disabilities, face ongoing social marginalization and institutional barriers. Furthermore, CCE’s research warns of a pronounced perception of discrimination based on religious affiliation (49.1%) and national affiliation (59.7%).
CCE assesses that in Montenegro there is a serious gap between the normative framework and its practical implementation. Insufficiently effective prosecution of cases of discrimination, violence, and hate speech not only discourages victims but also emboldens perpetrators. The principle of zero tolerance must not remain merely declarative; it must be confirmed through concrete decisions, sanctions, and preventive measures.
In line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Constitution of Montenegro, and the Law on the Prohibition of Discrimination, the state has an obligation to ensure equal protection for all citizens. This entails timely and impartial investigations, consistent application of the law, and stronger preventive policies, particularly within the education system and the digital sphere.
CCE calls on the competent institutions to unequivocally and without exception apply the principle of zero tolerance toward all forms of discrimination, violence, and hate speech, as the creation of a society of equal opportunities and security depends on the consistency and determination of institutions.
Alma Novalić, Programme Assistant