09 Nov European Commission progress report: (LGBTI) prejudice and stereotyping present in society, media and online
The 2016 progress report on Republic of Macedonia by the European Commission was published on 09.11.2016.
In the „Human rights and minorities“ chapter it is noted that:
As regards lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons, prejudice and stereotyping is present in society, media and online. Considerable efforts are still needed to counter intolerance towards LGBTI people. The 2012 attacks on the LGBTI support centre still have not been investigated. In December 2015, the conviction and 7-month prison sentence of the perpetrator of a violent attack against two LGBTI activists in 2012 was quashed on appeal. No proper gender reassignment treatment is available. Transgender people can access only limited health services. The national authorities should considerably intensify efforts to raise awareness of and respect for diversity in society. The positive cooperation between civil society and police in one municipality, to celebrate human rights day and LGBTI persons, set a positive example. The training of law enforcement bodies, prosecutors, judges, health workers and teaching staff remains important.
On non-discrimination, alignment with the acquis is incomplete, notably lacking the prohibition of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. A national Strategy for equality and non-discrimination 2016-2020 was adopted in June. The new members of the Commission for Protection from Discrimination were appointed in a non-transparent selection process. Some members have made public statements which call into question the appropriateness of their appointment and their ability to act in an objective and professional manner. Serious concerns persist about impartiality and independence of the Commission. It still has limited financial and human resources. The number of complaints filed with the Commission decreased significantly and the number of resolved cases confirming discrimination in 2015 is insignificant (3 out of 66).