Ministry of the Interior and the UNHCR recently published a brochure titled, “Enroll a Newborn in Four Easy Steps,” as a guide for parents, in both Albanian and Roma languages. It contains information on enrolling a child in the birth and citizens registries, how to obtain a health card, and the financial support that parents are eligible for. These brochures will be available on the websites of the Ministry of the Interior, the local NGO “Parents,” and the UNHCR. The Constitution of Montenegro clearly stipulates that religious communities shall be equal and free in the exercise of religious rights and religious affairs. The law in Montenegro also prohibits discrimination, including discrimination based on religion. Additionally, the government recently signed a number of agreements with religious communities with the intent to further ensure freedom of religion. We recognize that we will continue to face challenges in some of these areas due to socio-economic conditions, as well as financial limitations in funding the preservation of heritage cultural identities. Thus, my Government fully supports the cooperation with the UN system and will continue its commitment and its efforts to promoting minority and religious rights in the years to come. Thank you.

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