"Kosovo/a Initiative" Assessment Mission
R E P O R T
2003
DRC Job no. 503-556
Supported by FRESTA
5.X.3.Balkan.2
4.3.2. Conclusions and Recommendations Montenegro
Return related
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With regard to IDPs, there is a need for improved information dissemination, both in terms of relevance and appropriateness, about all important aspects of the return process. To achieve this, it is necessary to enhance the cross- boundary co-operation especially between NGOs from Montenegro and Kosovo.
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According to the NGOs' and IDP associations' observations, it is realistic to expect that a certain percent of IDPs will prefer to stay in Montenegro. Given the fact that the present position of IDPs in Montenegro is such that it does not allow them to fully enjoy citizens and other human rights, NGOs and IDP associations need to increase their advocacy role in order to address this situation regardless from the final decision of IDPs
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The involvement of IDPs in the process as well as their empowerment (particularly in representation, negotiation and related skills) should remain as some of the important activities of all organizations involved. This should enable the IDPs to establish social structures in their communities of return and better advocate for their interests through relevant structures in Kosovo.
NGO development related
- Regarding local NGOs there is lack of coordination of the IDP related activities on the national level. It is realistic to expect that these issues can be addressed and situation improved by linking work and practices of NGOs from Montenegro with the activities and networking efforts of other civil society organizations in the region.
- Regarding IDP associations, the need remains for their capacity building, in the areas of NGO management, planning, skills development and increased knowledge of main policy documents (UN and EU), as well as advocacy and lobbying. The capacity building in the area of increasing knowledge of main policy documents is an existing need of some of the local NGOs as well.