Public servants in Montenegro strengthened their practical ability to recognise, prevent, and address discrimination, including antigypsyism, during an online training held on 26 November within the EU and Council of Europe Joint Programme Roma Integration Phase III, in synergy with the Horizontal Facility action Combating Hatred and Intolerance in Montenegro.

Organised with the Institution of the Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms and the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights, the training provided national and local institutions with clearer, more operational guidance on applying human rights standards in daily administrative work. Through expert presentations and interactive discussion, participants reflected on how discriminatory practices can emerge in public administration and explored ways to prevent and address them effectively.

A key focus was antigypsyism, recognised by the Council of Europe and ECRI as a specific and deeply rooted form of racism targeting Roma. The training emphasised the importance of clearly identifying antigypsyism and adopting appropriate institutional measures to ensure equal treatment and access to rights for Roma communities.

Presentations covered the principles of non-discrimination in public administration, manifestations of antigypsyism, and relevant cases from the practice of the Ombudsman’s Institution. The programme was led by experts Milena Krsmanović from the Ombudsman’s Office and certified trainer Elvis Beriša.

This capacity-building activity contributes to strengthening the ability of public institutions to operate in line with the European Convention on Human Rights, ECRI recommendations, and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights. By equipping public servants with practical knowledge and tools, the training supports the development of more inclusive, accountable, and rights-based public policies in Montenegro.