EU integrations of Macedonia: the Human Rights Perspective and the Role of the Civil Society
EU integrations of Macedonia: the Human Rights Perspective and the Role of the Civil Society

Summary/Abstract: This article explores the role of the European Union integrations to the human rights protection, implementation and promotion in Macedonia, in general and the role of the civil society sector within the process, in particular. It is clear that the EU demands on democratization and human rights protection generally in the region of South East Europe and in Macedonia are very important and in fact the EU membership is seen as the only incentive for reforms. The human rights standards as part of the conditionality criteria of the EU is a clear message towards the countries aspiring membership, however the progress in the field, if any, can hardly respond to the integrations stage Macedonia has formally achieved. This paper aims to uncover the democratization of Macedonia on its way towards the EU, and its progress towards human rights protection. The country has formally adopted the new legislation, introduced national strategies in order to synchronize the different institutions responsibilities and role towards the protection of certain vulnerable groups or set of rights, however still judiciary inefficiency responds with no implementation. Overall, the country lacks human rights culture, where the civil society should play a significant role, while it is not the case.

• Details
• Contents