Skopje, 13 August 2025 (MIA) - There were no significant changes in the human rights situation in North Macedonia during the year. Significant human rights issues included credible reports of serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, including violence and threats of violence against journalists. The government took credible steps to identify and punish officials who committed human rights abuses, the United States Department of State said in its 2024 Human Rights Report on the country.

Regarding press freedom, the Report notes that the country’s Constitution provides for freedom of expression, including for members of the press and other media, and the government generally respected this right.

“According to media and civil society organizations (CSOs), freedom of expression was undermined by an increasing number of strategic lawsuits against journalists, inappropriate conduct on behalf of public officials in their interaction with journalists, undue pressure on journalists investigating corruption, disinformation, hate speech in online and social media, and self-censorship,” the Report states.

In the Report, the State Department also highlights the adoption of amendments to the Law on Audio-Visual Media Services to allow government-paid “high public interest” campaigns to be advertised through commercial broadcasters, adding that independent media associations expressed apprehension concerning the amendments and criticized the law as a return to widespread media corruption and clientelism.

“Violence and threats of violence against journalists were a significant human rights issue. The Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) reported multiple incidents of violence and harassment of journalists. In particular, the AJM noted an increase in violence and harassment of women journalists,” notes the Report.

According to the AJM and other media organizations, editorial independence of the press faced challenges. Reporters Without Borders noted in its March annual report that due to strong political polarization, media came under pressure from authorities, politicians, and businessmen at both the national and local level.

Citing the Reporters Without Borders report, the State Department states that the two largest political parties had created parallel media systems over which they exerted their political and economic influence. Reporters Without Borders noted the public broadcaster lacked editorial and financial independence. The report noted online media, while benefiting from greater freedom of expression, faced digital attacks and attempts to discredit journalists.

“Libel and slander were civil offenses, and such laws were enforced. The government and individuals used threats of civil or criminal law to restrict public discussion or retaliate against journalists, critics, or political opponents. The AJM reported that as of September 20, four journalists were subject to strategic litigation lawsuits (SLAPPs) filed during the year by the Ministry of Interior, the Manager of commercial TV station Kanal 5, members of religious organizations, politicians, and businesspersons. From 2021 until September 17, the AJM registered 25 SLAPPs against journalists,” the State Department’s Report states.

Regarding workers’ rights, the State Department highlights that the Ministry of Labor’s State Labor Inspectorate did not receive any complaints regarding violations of the right to freedom of association, nonetheless, it adds, workers often feared reprisal and refrained from filing direct complaints.

“The government and employers generally respected freedom of association, the right to strike, and the right to collective bargaining. Unions cited the law’s ‘exclusionar’ provision, which allowed employers to terminate up to 2 percent of workers from collective bargaining negotiations during a strike. Collective bargaining was restricted to trade unions representing at least 20 percent of the employees,” the Report notes.

Regarding occupational safety and health, the Report asserts that occupational safety and health (OSH) standards were generally appropriate for the main industries, and employers were responsible for assessing risks their employees faced on the job. The State Labor Inspectorate proactively identified unsafe working conditions, it states.

“Workers had the legal right to remove themselves from situations endangering their health or safety without jeopardy to their employment. Nevertheless, employees did not always exercise this right, reportedly based on fear of losing their jobs due to the high unemployment rate. Alleged violations of OSH standards were common in the construction sector, although most accidents were connected to driving agriculture machinery,” the Report notes.

The State Department assesses that the government did not effectively enforce minimum wage, overtime, and OSH laws, particularly in textiles and construction sectors, noting that the SLI and the State Inspectorate for Technical Inspection were responsible for enforcing pertinent laws.

“Some violators received no penalties, and penalties for violations were not commensurate with those for similar crimes such as fraud or negligence. The number of labor inspectors was adequate to investigate violations of labor law, but inspectors were not appropriately distributed throughout the country. Labor inspectors had the authority to make unannounced inspections and initiate sanctions, but uneven distribution of inspectors made it difficult to enforce compliance,” the Report says.

Regarding detention, the Report states that the law prohibited arbitrary arrest and detention and provided for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of their arrest or detention in court, as well as to receive compensation for unlawful detention. The government generally observed these requirements, it concludes.

“There were allegations that police abused detainees and prisoners and used excessive force. The government investigated and prosecuted credible claims. The Ministry of Interior’s Professional Standards Unit reported that during the first seven months of the year, it responded to 37 complaints of excessive force by police officers and upheld three of the complaints. The Organized Crime and Corruption Prosecutor’s Office’s (OCCPO) specialized unit for police and prison guards reviewed criminal allegations of torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment and punishment by police and prison guards,” states the Report.

Regarding refugees, the Report notes that the government cooperated with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other humanitarian organizations in providing protection and assistance to refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, and persons granted subsidiary protection. It adds that the law provided for the granting of asylum or refugee status, and the government had a system for providing protection to refugees. All persons granted international protection had access to the same social protection services as nationals.

“The Macedonian Young Lawyers Association reported instances of authorities returning migrants to the neighboring countries from where they entered (mostly Greece, sometimes Serbia) without any formal legal process or proper assessment of their needs. Most migrants volunteered to return to Greece, but some, reportedly, were forced to return against their will and without due process. As of July 31, the number of individuals who absconded remained very high, with 99 percent of persons leaving the country immediately upon applying for asylum, according to advocates,” underscores the Report.

The Report also notes that in December 2023, parliament adopted amendments to the Law on Foreigners enabling all refugees from Kosovo with subsidiary protection, including those whose status had previously ceased, to apply for permanent residence.  

“Nongovernmental organizations and advocates hailed the adoption of amendments as an important achievement in advancing a solution for refugees from Kosovo, many of whom arrived in the country since 1999. These amendments granted refugees a simplified process to apply for permanent residence provided they had not been absent from the country for more than six months,” it states.

MIA file photo