The SOGI Unit is co-organising a national conference on LGBTI equality legislation, in partnership with the authorities of North Macedonia. The conference, titled “Advancement of the Rights of the LGBTI Community in North Macedonia”, will take place in Skopje on 27th-28th June and will be followed by the first ever Pride in Skopje on 29th June, marking an important milestone for LGBTI rights in North Macedonia.
The conference timing is particularly significant, given the Macedonian Parliament’s recent adoption of the anti-discrimination law covering sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics. We welcome the authorities’ commitment to SOGI equality.
The main conference aims are:
- To make concrete conclusions and to find practical solutions for the improvement of LGBTI people’s rights throughout the country, targeting different fields such as education, social protection, health, employment, access to justice, housing and sports;
- The sharing of experiences and good practices which can help improve the situation of the LGBTI community in the region
- Promoting the Declaration in order to establish a regional platform for the promotion of the situation of LGBTI people.
The workshop will bring together different governmental representatives and members of the National Coordinative Body from North Macedonia, the Council of Europe (SOGI Unit and Field Office in Skopje), Focal Points from the European Governmental LGBTI Focal Point Network from different member states, World Bank representatives, the EU Delegation Office in Skopje and LGBTI NGOs.
