Gjeka and Rakočević Visit Dobrota Hospital: The Right to Treatment Must Not Mean Losing the Right to Dignity and Life in the Community

A delegation from the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights, led by Minister Fatmir Gjeka and Director General of the Directorate for the Protection and Equality of Persons with Disabilities, Irena Rakočević, visited the Dobrota Special Psychiatric Hospital in Kotor to assess patients’ living conditions and human rights protections, and to identify challenges that should be addressed through future policies on the protection and equality of persons with disabilities. In discussions with Dr. Jovo Đedović and hospital staff, it was emphasized that every person receiving hospital treatment has the right to equal treatment, dignity, privacy, personal integrity and appropriate healthcare, without discrimination on any grounds. The Ministry highlighted the importance of consistently implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, particularly Article 19, which guarantees the right to live independently and be included in the community, and Article 14, under which the existence of a disability can never, in itself, justify deprivation of liberty. A key priority of future policies must be the development of accessible, high-quality community support services, enabling people who need such support to live with dignity while respecting their rights, needs and individual circumstances. Within its remit, and in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, other relevant institutions and civil society organizations, the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights will continue contributing to the advancement of policies based on human rights, equality and non-discrimination. Information gathered during the visit will help define priorities for future policies on the protection and equality of persons with disabilities, with a particular focus on improving institutional protection, preventing discrimination and further aligning anti-discrimination legislation to protect and advance the human rights of persons with disabilities.