Minister Gjeka: Full Support for Ukraine's Persistent Fight

Expressing deep respect for Ukraine's persistent fight, which continues to demonstrate the strength of democracy to the world, Minister of Human and Minority Rights Fatmir Gjeka addressed participants of the Second International Conference on the Return of Ukrainian Children, Detained Civilians, and Prisoners of War. The Minister emphasized that the issue of fundamental human rights should be a priority for every country and people. The Ukrainian people continue to defend not only their state but also the entire system of democratic values of the Western world. On behalf of the Government of Montenegro, Minister Gjeka expressed strong and unequivocal support for the conference's goals, highlighting that every child has the right to be with their family, every civilian to freedom and dignity, and every prisoner of war to be protected according to international humanitarian law. He stated that Montenegro will continue, within its capabilities, to contribute to international efforts aimed at protecting the rights of Ukrainian children, ensuring their safe return, and supporting their rehabilitation and reintegration. During the first day of the conference, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Canada in cooperation with the foreign ministries of Norway and Ukraine, Minister Gjeka met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Croatia, Gordan Grlić-Radman, discussing the status of national minorities, challenges, and areas where the status of the Croatian minority in Montenegro and the Montenegrin minority in Croatia can be improved. On the second day, Minister Gjeka will deliver a national statement at the ministerial session on the return of Ukrainian children, followed by bilateral meetings with Canada's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, David Adel, and Ukraine's Minister of Social Policy, Family, and Unity, Denis Uljutin.