EU integration as a path to equal opportunities and enhanced rights for persons with disabilities

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EU integration as a path to equal opportunities and enhanced rights for persons with disabilities

© Copyright: Evropska kuća

In Montenegro, despite progress made, persons with disabilities still face daily discrimination and barriers in accessing basic rights such as education, employment, social protection, and legal equality.

The European integration process and the implementation of the Reform Agenda present opportunities to overcome these challenges and adopt solutions that will bring lasting changes and create a society of equal opportunities, as highlighted during the panel discussion "Human rights dialogues: The relevance of the reform agenda for the inclusion of persons with disabilities". The panel was organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Montenegro to mark International Human Rights Day.

One of the key steps towards improving the status and rights of persons with disabilities is the reform of the disability assessment system, funded by the EU and implemented by the Government of Montenegro with UNDP support. The current system, which involves more than 35 commissions with inconsistent criteria, is inefficient and makes it difficult for persons with disabilities to access their rights. With the adoption of a new legal framework, the reform will enable more than 60,000 citizens with disabilities to access their rights more easily. Additionally, the reform aims to create a more transparent and fair system while enhancing the efficient use of state resources.

"Montenegro is making progress on its EU integration journey, and as part of this process, we pay close attention to how the country upholds the rights of persons with disabilities. Some critical reforms remain unfinished. Key legislation, such as the draft law on a unified disability assessment body and the law on professional rehabilitation and employment, has yet to be adopted. These reforms are essential to moving away from outdated medical models and toward a rights-based approach that reflects the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities," said EU Ambassador to Montenegro, Johann Sattler.

UNDP Resident Representative in Montenegro, Ekaterina Paniklova, noted that the goal is to ensure that persons with disabilities in Montenegro have simpler, more efficient, and fairer access to all rights by strengthening inclusion and creating conditions for a dignified life.

"This means ensuring that public services, infrastructure, education, employment opportunities, and social protection systems are fully accessible and responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities. By breaking down barriers - whether physical, social, or institutional barriers - we create an environment where everyone can participate equally and contribute to society. UNDP is fully aware of the challenges ahead and, together with the Government of Montenegro, the EU, and civil society, stands ready to work on practical solutions, such as implementing accessible technologies, improving legal frameworks, and promoting inclusive policies. Aligning with broader reforms outlined in the Reform Agenda, these efforts will ensure that persons with disabilities can live independently and with dignity. Human rights are universal. Inclusion strengthens the foundations of every society, and I am confident that, together, we can build a society that recognizes the potential of every individual and a future where no one is left behind", Paniklova said.

The Minister of Social Welfare, Family Care, and Demography, Damir Gutić, reminded that as part of the project "Reform of the National Disability Determination System" the adoption of the Law on Unified Disability Assessment is planned, with its Draft already prepared and submitted to the Legislative Secretariat for review.

"The goal of the reform is to establish unified national criteria and methodologies for disability assessment based on the human rights model, instead of the currently dominant medical model, as well as to create a unified specialized institution (the Institute) for disability assessment. A decision issued by the Institute on the status of a person with a disability will be valid for exercising rights across all sectors. This ensures that people with disabilities can exercise their rights based on a professional evaluation of their individual circumstances and the necessary support to overcome the barriers they face in daily functioning, in line with national legislation and the ratified UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Adopting the Law on Unified Disability Assessment is a priority that will enable the establishment of a new, comprehensive assessment system, providing individuals with disabilities a unified, fairer, and simpler approach to exercising their rights", Gutić emphasized.

During two panel discussions, experts from relevant institutions, along with representatives from UNDP and persons with disabilities, examined the current state of social protection, employment, and education. Participants also heard regional experiences in implementing reforms and discussed the challenges Montenegro needs to address in its implementation efforts. Recommendations were also provided to the relevant authorities for further steps to ensure that persons with disabilities achieve equal status in society and, by fully utilizing their potential, contribute to the progress of the country.

The event was organized as part of the project "Reform of the National Disability Determination System", implemented by UNDP with financial support from the European Union, in cooperation with the Government of Montenegro and the civil sector.

Article source: UNDP Montenegro