Rakočević: Depriving persons with disabilities of legal capacity must be the exception, not the rule

A roundtable titled “Open Doors: Developing an Inclusive Society for All” was held, organized by the Regional Centre for Art, Culture and Media “Elita Plus,” with support from Montenegro’s Ministry of Human and Minority Rights as the project donor. The event brought together representatives of local government, social and child protection institutions, educational institutions, the non-governmental sector, and organizations advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities. Irena Rakočević, PhD, Director General of the Directorate for the Protection and Equality of Persons with Disabilities, stressed that protecting the rights of children with disabilities and developmental difficulties must be based on the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and respect for diversity, with particular attention to children exposed to multiple forms of discrimination. She emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation among institutions and improve access to support services so that every child has equal opportunities for education, development, and full inclusion in the community. She also addressed the issue of the legal capacity of persons with disabilities, highlighting the need to consistently respect their human rights, autonomy, and right to make decisions independently. Through support for projects that advance equality and protect human rights, the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights continues to contribute to the development of an inclusive society in which every person has equal opportunities, without discrimination or exclusion.