Archive: 22.02.2019

A meeting was organized for representatives of the Health Center (DZ) Podgorica and the NGO Spektra, as a response to the recommendation made by the Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms of Montenegro, aimed at improving the relationship between healthcare workers and members of the LGBTIQ community, with a focus on transgender and transsexual individuals.

Following a complaint about the treatment of medical staff during the provision of healthcare at one of the healthcare facilities in Podgorica, the Protector recommended organizing a meeting so that the representatives of the Health Center Podgorica could directly learn about the issues transgender and transsexual individuals face in their daily lives, as well as how the situation had impacted the complainant’s access to healthcare services.

The Protector made its official premises available for the meeting and expressed readiness to assist in organizing it. The meeting, organized with the aim of overcoming an unpleasant situation and preventing similar events in the future, was attended by Deputy Protector Siniša Bjeković, along with advisers Dina Knežević and Milena Krsmanović, representatives of the DZ Podgorica, Secretary Srđan Popović, lawyer Ivana Mugoša, psychologist Marko Đurđić, and, on behalf of Spektra, Jovan Ulićević and Hana Konatar.

Deputy Bjeković expressed satisfaction with the willingness to engage in a discussion about the issue, noting that the complainant did not seek accountability or sanctions for the medical workers but prioritized educating the staff about the rights of LGBTIQ patients.

He also stated that it was recommended that the DZ take measures in the future to reduce transphobia, increase tolerance, and prevent discrimination against transsexual and transgender individuals in the provision of healthcare services. Bjeković remarked that the state is making significant efforts to improve the visibility of the LGBTIQ community but that its members still face issues in exercising their rights and freedoms.

Representatives of Spektra pointed out the challenges faced by transgender and transsexual individuals in primary healthcare and announced plans to develop guidelines for healthcare workers regarding the rights of LGBTIQ individuals.

The DZ Podgorica representatives indicated that they continuously take measures to improve conditions and healthcare services for all patients and committed to ensuring that similar misunderstandings and/or unpleasant situations do not occur again. They expressed readiness to distribute promotional material for employees and organize lectures on the rights of LGBTIQ individuals, which will be conducted by representatives of Spektra and the anti-discrimination sector of the Protector’s institution.

All parties agreed that the meeting showed a good intention to overcome the issue through open dialogue and the exchange of experiences and information. It was emphasized that pointing out mistakes should not be perceived as attacks, but rather as an effort to improve things within the culture of dialogue.

It was acknowledged that a complaint had led to a greater level of understanding, tolerance, and improvement of human rights. Further cooperation was agreed upon regarding other issues raised by the representatives of Spektra, particularly concerning the accessibility of hormone therapy.

In addition to addressing complaints related to healthcare and associated rights, the Protector expressed concern over the increasing attacks on doctors and medical staff in Montenegro. Attacks on members of one of the most responsible and demanding professions in any society and time are unacceptable and measures need to be taken to impose harsher penalties on the perpetrators and better prevent similar incidents.

Source: Ombudsman Montenegro