The Guidelines for exercising the right to compensation to victims in criminal proceedings (for criminal cases of trafficking in human beings, domestic violence, war crimes, and other criminal cases) were presented during a roundtable held on 22 December 2025 in Podgorica. The document is intended for judges, prosecutors, and other participants in criminal proceedings, with the aim of improving practice in cases in which victims exercise their right to compensation within criminal proceedings.

Ms Valentina Pavličić, President of the Supreme Court of Montenegro stated that the Guidelines are an important step towards harmonising judicial practice and strengthening the protection of the rights of victims of criminal cases, in order to ensure effective, timely, and fair compensation within criminal proceedings, in accordance with domestic legislation and international standards.

Mr Milorad Markovic Supreme State Prosecutor emphasised that the value of these Guidelines lies in encouraging cooperation and coordinated action among all authorities involved in criminal proceedings, with full respect for statutory competences and a shared goal—effective and fair protection of victims’ rights.

The Head of the Council of Europe Programme Office in Podgorica, Ms Lejla Dervišagić, recalled that the Guidelines are being presented at a time when Montenegro is finalising the drafting of its first national Strategy for the Protection of Victims’ Rights, which will serve as an overarching document for establishing a clear and comprehensive system for the protection of the rights of all victims of criminal cases. This confirms the shared commitment of relevant stakeholders to creating an environment in which victims feel protected and can fully exercise their rights.

The Regional Specialist and Acting Head of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Programme Office in Belgrade, Mr Marko Milićević, stated that in practice, the right to compensation often remains the weakest link in the system of victim protection. This document contributes to translating that right from a normative framework into a genuinely enforceable right.

Members of the working group also participated in the presentation of the Guidelines, speaking about the methodology of work, the analysis of domestic and international practice, as well as the recommendations offered to judges and prosecutors with the aim of improving the protection of victims’ rights.

A special segment was devoted to the experiences of countries in the region and European Union Member States in the field of exercising the right to compensation for victims of trafficking in human beings and other criminal cases.

The Guidelines were developed with expert and financial support from the action “Strengthening accountability of the judicial system and enhancing protection of victims’ rights in Montenegro,” as well as with the support of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.