HERA: North Macedonia is sliding back on human rights, including gender equality
An EESC monitoring visit in March 2026 and HERA’s analysis point to setbacks in education, gender equality and democratic safeguards.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) published a report on fundamental rights and the rule of law in North Macedonia following a monitoring visit in March 2026. The document, which incorporates observations from civil society, highlights serious gaps in the protection of human rights, gender equality, anti-discrimination measures and the functioning of democratic institutions.
HERA warned that these findings point to backsliding across several sectors — including education, media, the social sphere and the rule of law — and that such developments risk delaying the country’s European integration.
Education, public debate and institutional response under scrutiny
The report flags the removal of gender equality from education legislation as a step backwards for anti-discrimination protections and for creating an inclusive learning environment. It also notes the growing visibility of anti‑gender movements in public debate and their consultations with members of parliament on draft laws, a trend the report links to weakened democratic procedures in policy-making on human rights.
Other concerns listed include persistent discrimination, increased hate speech, slow judicial proceedings and insufficient institutional safeguards for women and LGBTI people. Regarding gender‑based violence, the report points to inadequate institutional support, lenient sanctions and limited access to specialised services for survivors.
HERA also highlights the spread of disinformation and anti‑democratic narratives, low public funding and restricted participation of civil society organisations in decision‑making. The organisation calls for urgent institutional measures: reinstating gender equality in education policy, consistent enforcement of anti‑discrimination laws, stronger protection against gender‑based violence, mechanisms to counter disinformation and sustainable funding for civil society.
"European integration must not be reduced to formal alignment of laws. It must mean real protection of human rights, equality and democratic institutions resilient to pressures that undermine these values," HERA said, stressing that the report is a serious warning both for reforms and for the country’s EU path.
Photo: press material from the event
