Candidates Emerge for Montenegro’s Ombudsman Position

The search for Montenegro’s next Ombudsman is underway following a public call issued by President Jakov Milatović at the beginning of October. The deadline for submitting nominations is set for 30 days from the announcement. Although the President’s office has not disclosed the names of all applicants, sources suggest that current Ombudsman Sinisa Bjeković is among those who have applied, alongside Mirjana Pajković, the General Director of the Directorate for the Advancement and Protection of Human Rights and Freedoms.

The process for selecting the Ombudsman involves consultations with academic and professional institutions, as well as non-governmental organizations focused on human rights. The final candidate will be appointed by the Montenegrin Parliament based on the President’s proposal. Bjeković’s current term is set to expire in mid-December, and the selection process must commence at least 60 days before the end of his six-year mandate.

Bjeković has indicated his willingness to accept a second term if nominated. He noted in a recent statement that the European Commission’s assessments have provided significant motivation, highlighting a consistent trend of progress in the institution’s operations and its growing trust among citizens.

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Our work is driven by the need to bring the government closer to citizens and to develop effective protection of human rights, which is certainly not an easy task,”

Bjeković remarked.

Pajković confirmed her application, stating that she has submitted recommendations from various NGOs along with a crucial endorsement from the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights, which plays a vital role in implementing anti-discrimination policies. She expressed her belief that having a woman in this position would be beneficial, citing her experience as a mother of a child with disabilities and her background in law.

Pajković’s qualifications include leading working groups for legislation related to human rights and gender identity recognition. She has also represented the Ministry in various international forums, contributing to reports on civil and political rights at the United Nations and participating in committees addressing mental health and humanitarian law.

The role of Ombudsman requires a candidate to be a Montenegrin citizen with at least a Level VII1 education qualification and a minimum of 15 years of professional experience, including at least seven years in human rights. Candidates must also possess a high level of personal and professional integrity and not have any criminal convictions that would disqualify them from serving in this capacity.

Before Bjeković, the position was held by Šučko Baković, contributing to the ongoing legacy of the Ombudsman in Montenegro, an institution established during a pivotal period in the nation’s history and dedicated to fostering civic society and equality.