Milena Karisik

Milena is an expert in human and child rights with 20 years of experience working with UNICEF, UNDP, UNHCR, European Commission, Council of Europe, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children.  Her work in Montenegro, in particular, has focused on groups at risk of social exclusion, including minority groups, migrants, refugees and children without parental care.

Milena is experienced in program planning, development, implementation and monitoring and evaluation. She worked closely with national ministries on a comprehensive UN/EU-supported reform of the Social and Child Protection System in Montenegro, helping to draft the legislative framework in line with international standards, set up the institutional framework and strengthen institutional capacities.

Between 2006-2012, Milena was a coordinator of a European network, based in Strasbourg, advocating for the rights of children and adolescent refugees and migrants in Europe. She was deeply involved in preparing recommendations and reports for the Council of Europe and other partners, advocating for rights of refugee/migrant children.

 Milena is a Bosnian national residing in Podgorica, Montenegro.