Citizens in Kichevo, coming from diverse ethnic backgrounds were part of another public discussion focusing on different protective mechanisms against discrimination. This activity comes after the successful and productive discussions with citizens in Prilep and Kumanovo, informing citizens and local communities about legal protections against discrimination and about various initiatives being implemented for protecting the rights of the less represented ethnic communities in North Macedonia.

The Mayor of Makedonski Brod, Zharko Risteski, joined the discussion and emphasised that even though there has been progress regarding the equality and the fight against discrimination, there are still challenges that need to be overcome. “Through joint efforts from all institutions and individuals, we can build an equal society free from discrimination”, emphasised Risteki.

During the meeting, the participants discussed the state of play concerning protection against discrimination in different municipalities and shared their thoughts on how to improve the conditions of different ethnic local communities.   They were also introduced to the work of the Agency for Community Rights Realisation which follows and monitors the state of play of the less represented ethnic communities. In addition, they tackled the work of the Commission for Prevention and Protection against Discrimination and how they can contact the Commission when faced with discrimination.  Apart from citizens, representatives from local organisations and communities in Kichevo, the discussion was joined also by people coming from other communities from Plasnica and Makedonski Brod. An important focus of these discussions was about how to ensure protection when citizens believe they are being discriminated against.

The series of workshops in Prilep, Kumanovo and Kichevo were organised by the Agency for Community Rights Realisation in co-operation with the Commission for Prevention and Protection against Discrimination, and the support of the EU and Council of Europe action on “Combating Hatred and Intolerance in North Macedonia”, part of the joint EU/Council of Europe “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye” programme. The workshops reached citizens, organisations and self-government units to inform and discuss the work to promote and protect the rights of different ethnic communities that live in North Macedonia.