Non-governmental organizations and civic activists yesterday submitted an initiative to the Minister of Education, Science and Innovation, Prof. Dr. Anđela Jakšić-Stojanović, proposing the organization of school activities intended for parents and children of both foreign and domestic citizens.

The initiative comes after a worrying escalation of violence in three Montenegrin cities and the spread of hate speech towards foreigners, especially towards citizens of Turkey, who are residing in Montenegro for various reasons. We express disappointment over the fact that minors were involved in these incidents, which demonstrates that numerous opportunities have been missed to foster humanistic values and respect for diversity among young people.

Media have reported that many parents of Turkish nationality, out of fear, decided not to send their children to school. We believe that school must be a safe place, a “second home,” where tolerance, understanding, and mutual respect are nurtured, regardless of national, religious, or other affiliations.

Therefore, it is important that the Ministry issues a recommendation to all educational institutions to organize school activities that will contribute to social cohesion and the acceptance of diversity. This may include joint school events and workshops on tolerance and diversity, where parents and children, both foreign and domestic citizens, can present their cultures, cuisines, customs, music, and languages. The goal is to reduce tensions, counter stereotypes, and create a safer and more inclusive school environment.

We believe that the Government and the Ministry will recognize the urgency of this issue and the need to send a clear message that Montenegro will not tolerate a wave of intolerance and violence.

Dina Bajramspahić, civic activist
Daliborka Uljarević, Centre for Civic Education (CCE)
Jovana Marović, civic activist
Paula Petričević, civic activist
Milena Popović Samardžić, NGO Ipso Facto
Tea Gorjanc Prelević, Human Rights Action (HRA)
Maja Raičević, Centre for Women’s Rights
Aida Perović, NGO Prima