Ivanović meets Kari Johnstone: Protection of human trafficking victims remains a priority for Montenegro

Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović met with OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Kari Johnstone to discuss strengthening cooperation in this area, protecting victims and further enhancing Montenegro’s institutional capacities.

The discussion focused on Montenegro’s activities under Negotiating Chapter 24 – Justice, Freedom and Security, with particular emphasis on aligning national legislation and policies with European Union standards, migration management, preventing labour exploitation, and improving mechanisms for identifying and protecting victims of human trafficking.

Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović stressed that Montenegro remains committed to strengthening its legislative and institutional framework, as well as enhancing international cooperation in the fight against this form of organised crime.

Addressing the alignment of visa policy with European Union standards, he referred to the commencement of the implementation of the new visa regime rules, emphasising that this was an important step towards fulfilling the obligations under Negotiating Chapter 24 and the Reform Agenda.

We view alignment with European standards in the areas of migration and visa policy as part of a broader system for safeguarding security, managing migration and preventing human trafficking. At the same time, our goal is to keep Montenegro open to legitimate travel, tourism, investment and international cooperation, while fully respecting human rights, Ivanović said.

Particular attention was devoted to the protection of migrant workers and the prevention of labour exploitation and forced labour. Ivanović underlined the importance of coordinated action by the relevant institutions, the timely identification of potential victims of human trafficking, and the effective operation of mechanisms for referring them to appropriate protection and support services.

The meeting also addressed the role of Montenegro’s diplomatic and consular missions in protecting Montenegrin citizens who may find themselves abroad in situations involving human trafficking, labour exploitation or other forms of abuse. In this regard, the need to further strengthen the capacities of diplomatic and consular staff, provide specialised training and enhance cooperation with the relevant institutions in host countries and international organisations was highlighted.

Ivanović stressed that the state must remain accessible to its citizens beyond its borders, and that protecting their rights and interests is an important aspect of the work of Montenegro’s diplomatic and consular network.

The interlocutors also exchanged views on challenges in combating human trafficking, including increasingly complex forms of exploitation, the underreporting of cases and difficulties in identifying victims. They highlighted the importance of continuous education, preventive action and stronger cross-border cooperation.

Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović thanked the OSCE representative for her engagement and the support the Organisation provides to participating States in improving policies and mechanisms to prevent human trafficking. He expressed Montenegro’s readiness to continue and further intensify cooperation with the OSCE in this area.

Montenegro remains committed to building an effective system for preventing and combating human trafficking, with the protection of human rights, the dignity of victims and institutional accountability at its core.