The platform states that they have also held meetings with representatives of IOM (the UN Migration Agency), HRA (Human Rights Action) and CEDEM.
They point out that the delegation of the Platform for Victims of Forced Migration submitted the following demands to all officials:
– Official recognition: That the Parliament of Montenegro acknowledge the tragedy in Šahovići and express official regret.
– Opening archives: Providing access to state archives to obtain birth certificates and proof of ancestry for descendants of victims.
– Dual citizenship: Adoption and implementation of legal regulations that would provide victims of forced migration with the right to dual citizenship.
"The citizenship request applies exclusively to victims of forced migration before and after the events in Šahovići, and not to emigrants who left on the basis of general interstate agreements," they said in a statement.
When it comes to EU integration and the visa regime, they emphasize that they are maintaining Montenegro's path towards the European Union.
"However, the introduction of Schengen visas must not become an obstacle for the descendants of victims who wish to visit the graves of their ancestors and maintain a cultural connection with their homeland," the statement said.
They also add that the project "The Path from Memory to Hope" (From the Pain of the Past to the Peace of the Future) has been proposed for the purpose of reconciliation and dialogue.
"Our platform prioritizes dialogue and sincere attempts to find solutions before resorting to international legal mechanisms. We believe that the state of Montenegro will constructively approach these demands and resolve our issues in accordance with the values of the European Union and its commitment to multiculturalism," they conclude in the statement.
