Today at the office of the Ombudsman a Memorandum for Cooperation was signed by the Ombudsman of the Republic of Macedonia and, the USAID LGBTI Inclusion Project implemented by the Helsinki Committee for human rights, to highlight the importance of protection and promotion of the rights of LGBTI people in the Republic of Macedonia. Representatives of LGBTI organizations and human rights activists attended the signing ceremony. Also, the executive direstor of the Helsinki Committee of human rights of Republic of Macedonia, Uranija Pirovska and the program director of the LGBTI Support Centre, Koco Andonovski gave short talks, poiting out the importance of the cooperation between dthe Ombudsman and the LGBTI Support Centre.
The main cause of the cooperation between the LGBTI Support Centre and the Ombudsman is strengthening the regional capacities of the Ombudsman’s offices in the area of human rights and liberties of LGBTI people, and also supporting legal security and protective mechanisms for protection of human rights of the LGBTI community on the whole territory of Republic of Macedonia.
Ambassador Jess Baily, Embassy of the United States in the Republic of Macedonia, noted in his remarks: “It is all of our responsibility to build a climate of tolerance and respect in which all people, including LGBTI individuals, and those who defend their rights, can express their thoughts and opinions without fear of being attacked, criminalized, or stigmatized for doing so. We must ensure the participation in society of those who have traditionally suffered from discriminatory practices or policies.” “In Macedonia, the Ombudsman is playing an important role in promoting and protecting the human rights of all Macedonian citizens. The signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation with USAID’s LGBTI Inclusion Project today is another example of your commitment to support the implementation of the international human rights law in Macedonia and the country’s National Strategy for Equality and Non-discrimination.”
The Ombudsman Idjet Memeti, regarding this event, said: “Advocating for equality and elimination of the negative perceptions and stereotypes, but frist and foremost gainng trust in the institutions and at the same time formalizing and strenghtening the cooperation between the Ombudsman and the civil society organizations operating in the field of promotion of the rights of LGBTI people, we are singing this Memorandum of cooperation, commited to continuosly making efforts in order to overcome the homophobia and transphobia as well as prevention and protection from discrimantion, prevent hate speech and hate crimes.”
The USAID LGBTI Inclusion Project aims to improve the integration of LGBTI people in society and advance their rights in Macedonia. This project supports the implementation of the international human rights laws in Macedonia and the country’s National Strategy for Equality and Non-discrimination. The project was launched in September 2016 and will run through March 2018.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
The American people, through USAID, have invested more than $580 million in Macedonia since 1993. USAID is working with the people of Macedonia to create jobs, strengthen democratic institutions and practices, enhance integrated education, and prepare students for the workforce. These initiatives, in partnership with the people of Macedonia, aim to improve the quality of life for all living in Macedonia. USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries. For more information please visit http://macedonia.usaid.gov and USAID FB page http://www.facebook.com/USAIDMacedonia
