Budimir Aleksić, the Deputy Prime Minister for Education, Science, and Relations with Religious Communities, held a meeting with Aleksandar Saša Zeković, a co-author of the study “Concealed mass graves: An official taboo,” and Vojin Grubač, the President of the NGO Center for Real Politics based in Podgorica. The conversation centered around a compassionate approach to recognizing the innocent civilian victims of World War II and its aftermath, who remain unrecognized by the state in Montenegro.

The participants concurred that, regardless of how much time has passed, it is imperative for the government to investigate and address the repercussions of all serious human rights abuses. They also discussed cases currently pending with relevant state authorities concerning innocent victims from the wartime and post-war eras, noting that progress has been impeded for many years due to various objective challenges.

It was noted that, considering Montenegro’s extensive societal experiences and the ongoing process of European integration, the country is now positioned to deliver a fitting institutional response to these pressing issues—without any revisionist narratives, focusing solely on ending the persistent failure to acknowledge and humanize the victims of extrajudicial executions.

Different strategies were examined to highlight the state’s obligation to uphold human rights and guarantee the dignified recognition of all the deceased.