On 9 February 2009, the Centre for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution from Skopje, supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, organised a debate on Position of Relevant Stakeholders with Respect to Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation. Ambassador Simone Filippini held the opening speech at the event, and the key speakers were Mr. Boris Dittrich, Advocacy Director at Human Rights Watch, Mr. Koco Andonovski from the Centre for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution and the State Secretary at the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, Mr. Dusko Minovski.

The addresses of the key speakers largely revolved around the legal basis for prevention of discrimination against LGBT population. While Mr. Dittrich mentioned that Macedonia was one of the 66 countries that signed a UN declaration on stopping the discrimination against LGBT population, and therefore, besides appealing to other countries, it should also provide for anti-discriminatory measures itself. In that respect, the State Secretary, Mr. Minovski spoke about the on-going process of preparation of the anti-discriminatory law. Ms. Andonovski, on his side, presented examples of discriminatory behaviour against the LGBT community in Macedonia.

Ambassador Filippini, by giving personal examples, said that she believed that the Macedonian government would become an active partner in overcoming discrimination at all levels.

A lively debate followed the opening presentations, with many questions directed to the State Secretary. There was a strong appeal for adoption of the relevant legislation. The audience included civil sector activities, but also members of parliament. A significant number of journalists followed the debate and there was a broad media coverage afterwards.

Some civil society organizations in the Netherlands that are active in the area of LGBT issues are COC ( www.coc.nl) and ILGA ( www.ilga.org).

Links to media articles on the public debate:
 http://www.dnevnik.com.mk/?itemID=1DD8C4FF91DE704F8662FBF4CB7C414D&arc=1
 http://www.vest.com.mk/default.asp?id=163280&idg=9&idb=2594&rubrika=Makedonija
 http://www.vreme.com.mk/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=7&tabid=1&EditionID=1619&ArticleID=107358
 http://www.a1.com.mk/vesti/default.aspx?vestID=104171

Download the English summary of the press articles  here.