Center for Civic Education warns of rising violence in Montenegro

On the occasion of the International Day of Peace, the Center for Civic Education (CGO) has issued a warning regarding the normalization of violence in Montenegro. The organization emphasizes that peace requires a social climate rooted in human dignity and respect for diversity, rather than just the absence of war.

CGO reports highlight a rise in various forms of violence, noting that the distinction between physical and digital aggression is increasingly blurred. Research conducted by the NGO indicates that nearly 60% of the high school population recognizes some level of peer violence in their schools, with one in five students reporting they have been victims. Furthermore, digital violence is reported to be nearly as prevalent as physical violence.

Monitoring of online activity also revealed significant issues with digital discourse. Out of 12,969 comments analyzed across seven major news portals, 13% contained elements of hate speech. The organization warns that the rapid spread of dehumanization, threats, and insults on social media undermines social cohesion and creates an environment where violence is increasingly accepted as a response to differences.