Freedom of peaceful assembly is an individual right that is always expressed in a collective manner. The Law on Public Assemblies, adopted in 2016, introduced improvements in respect of freedom of assembly in Montenegro. However, both police officers and protest organisers, as well as society in general, are still not properly informed about the new legislative solutions.

This project aims to contribute to the development and consolidation of democracy and respect for fundamental freedoms, particularly by enabling an environment that is conducive to free assembly in Montenegro. It is expected to contribute to citizens being better informed about their rights and obligations in respect of the right to free assembly, while helping to enhance the capacities of key stakeholders to organise, oversee and exercise the right to free assembly.

Additionally, the project “’Voice Your Rights! – Expanding Space for Free Assemblies” will provide support to civil society organisations (CSOs) to carry out actions in the area of monitoring and awareness-raising of the right to free assembly at the local level. The following four CSOs have been directly supported through a sub-granting scheme:

• Media Centre (project: “Professional reporting on public gatherings”, budget: €9,467.50);
• Association of Professional Journalists of Montenegro (project: “Journalists for freedom of assembly”, budget: €8,772.50);
• Center for Civic Liberties – CEGAS (project: “Freedom of assembly between local governments and the Constitution of Montenegro”, budget: €9,830.00);
• LGBTIQ Social Centre (project: “Freedom of assembly of LGBTQ persons at the local level”, budget: €6,120.00).

In addition to financial support, the organisations have also been provided with a capacity building programme in the areas of project management and monitoring of the right to freedom of assembly.