March of Tolerance – 16.11.2013

The Helsinki Committee for Human Rights of the Republic of Macedonia and the LGBTI Support Centre are organizing the fifth March of Tolerance, taking place on the 16th of November, starting at 5 minutes before 12 o’clock, in front of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia.

With the slogan “Macedonia has love for all – Violence didn’t start and won’t end with me!”, this year’s March, which is organized on the occasion of the International Day of Tolerance, is dedicated to the right to life free from violence.

The realization of this March, apart from the main organizers – the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights of the Republic of Macedonia and the LGBTI Support Centre, was also provided by other organizations that work with vulnerable groups, which have been personally affected by violence, and regarding which the institutions are silent – thereby encouraging violence. The March of Tolerance is supported by the following organizations: H.E.R.A. – Association for health education and research, Coalition “Sexual and health rights of the marginalized communities”, Tiiit! Inc. – Women’s movement, Subversive Front – Association for critical approach toward gender and sexuality, STAR – STAR – Civil initiative for promotion of the rights of sex workers, Terra Floria – Association for environmental protection, Parkobrani, Anima Mundi – Association for protection of animals, NCR – National Roma Centre, Civil – Centre for freedom, MOF – Youth Educational Forum, National network against violence toward women and domestic violence, HOPS – Healthy Options Project Skopje and Plostad Sloboda.

Unfortunately, violence has become an everyday occurrence in our society, and in these current conditions, it becomes a habit. On the frontline, the victims are always marginalized groups who are directly and personally affected by the pressure of the structural non-functionality, which produces even more anger toward diversity. The institutions become even more passive in regard to finding the perpetrators, providing access to justice for victims and implementing concrete procedures equally for all citizens of the Republic of Macedonia. This year, unfortunately, violence has culminated in all segments of our society.

For this purpose, we invite you to join us on this March of Tolerance, so that we can stand united and say NO TO VIOLENCE! Macedonia has love for all, and the institutions have an obligation to provide protection for all citizens of the Republic of Macedonia.