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Universal Periodic Review 32: Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

The UK welcomed Macedonia's engagement with civil society on judicial reforms, and encouraged further efforts to tackle discrimination, hate crimes and corruption in prisons.

• From: UK Mission to the WTO, UN and Other International Organisations (Geneva)
• Published: 24 January 2019

This was published under the 2016 to 2019 May Conservative government

Thank you, Mr President,

The UK recognises progress made by the Government of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, particularly through the adoption of the new Media Law in December, constructive Government engagement with civil society organisations on judicial reforms, and parliamentary oversight of the intelligence agencies. In the fight against modern slavery, we welcome the establishment of the National Unit for Countering Illegal Migration and Human Trafficking.

However, we encourage further efforts to address remaining challenges, in particular developing effective legislation to counter hate crimes, tackling corruption in prisons, and investigating all reported crimes against journalists.

We recommend:

1. Ensuring that the National Unit for Countering Illegal Migration and Human Trafficking be adequately resourced, and that the Ministry of Interior and Public Prosecution Office increase funding to provide further training for staff to avoid the Unit relying on donors.

2. Adopting an open, merit-based process when selecting national candidates for UN Treaty Body elections.

3. Ensuring swift adoption of the Law on Prevention Of and Protection Against Discrimination, prepared by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy.

Thank you, Mr President.

Published 24 January 2019