Skopje, 7 March 2025 (MIA) - Gender equality is not only a moral value. It is a fundamental pillar of a democratic society. This concept is embedded in numerous laws and by laws, but in order for it to be fully realized we have to practice it without compromises, without stereotypes and without prejudices. There is no progress in society without respect for the fundamental human rights of every individual, said Justice Minister Igor Filkov in his address Friday at the 3rd Judicial Forum on "Gender Equality and the Western Balkans" in Skopje.

In his address, Filkov underlined that endangering gender equality also endangers the respect for fundamental human freedoms and rights.

“We were one of the first countries to sign the Istanbul Convention in 2011. Following its ratification in 2018, we implemented the first legal amendments that criminalized gender-based violence and introduced the new definition for femicide with harsh sanctions. The Criminal Code has already been amended and aligned with the Istanbul Convention. It foresees a sentence of at least 10 years or life imprisonment for the crime of femicide,” the Justice Minister said.

Filkov also addressed the adoption of a law on financial compensation for victims of violent crime, which, he said, prevents secondary victimization as further suffering for the victims, most of which are women.

“Every case of gender-based violence, every case of femicide is a tragedy that must encourage us to take swifter and stronger action. Our commitment is clear: we won’t allow systemic failures. We mustn’t allow the victims to be left without protection and the perpetrators unsanctioned. The judiciary, prosecution and all relevant institutions must aim to have an effective and decisive approach, with a strong emphasis on the seriousness of these acts and their social impact. That is why the Ministry of Justice will continue to invest in the judicial system, to ensure real protection for all victims, and we will continue to work on promoting access to justice,” stressed Minister Filkov.

The Forum is hosted by the Advice on Individual Rights in Europe (AIRE) Centre, in partnership with European Court of Human Rights and British Embassy to North Macedonia. In addition to Justice Minister Filkov, the Forum was also addressed by President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova and Caroline Ziadeh, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Kosovo and Head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo.

Photo: Justice Ministry