We, the undersigned civil society organizations, strongly condemn the scandalous, inappropriate, homophobic statement of the Prime Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia, Zoran Zaev, as well as the statement that discredits journalists who critically observe the work of the Government. This kind of public speech by the highest office holder unambiguously gives legitimacy and encourages hate speech and hate deeds towards all those of different sexual orientation and endangers freedom of expression.
The Prime Minister’s statement, including the unsuitable “apology”, besides being offensive and discriminatory, incite homophobia and lynching towards the LGBT community. The consistent implementation of the Law on Prevention and Protection against Discrimination is brought into question and the question arises whether the current efforts to promote LGBTI rights are really substantial or are merely declarative and formal.
At the same time, we find it extremely unacceptable to label journalists who critically report on the work of the current Government with such inappropriate statements, and thus create conditions for restricting the freedom of informing and expression. We insist that the Government and the Prime Minister show maturity and ability in dealing with criticism, but also seriously commit to supporting the critical thinking and independent journalism. This is extremely important in the context of transparency and accountability that the Government presents as one of the basic principles of its work.
The value system we wish to foster in the Republic of North Macedonia as a future NATO and EU member in no way permits such a discourse that brings into question the security of citizens and the freedom of expression.
- Foundation Open Society – Macedonia
- Helsinki Committee for Human Rights
- The Coalition ‘Sexual and Health Rights of Marginalized Communities’ – MARGINS Skopje
- HERA – Health Education and Research Association
- National Network Against Homophobia and Transphobia
- Association for Cultural and Media Activism QUEER SQUARE Skopje
- STRONGER TOGETHER, Association for Support of People Living with HIV – Skopje
- Dyslexia Association Einstein Skopje
- Association for Development and Promotion of the Roma Community – ROMANO CACIPE
- The Contemporary Arts Center – Skopje
- The Rural Coalition
- NGO Info center
- National Roma Centrum Association
- HOPS – Healthy Options Project Skopje
- Coalition “All for Fair Trials”
- Association for Promotion of Gender Equality – Action Zdruzenska Skopje
- Human Rights Institute
- NGO KHAM – Delčevo
- Association for Emancipation, Solidarity and Equality of Women – ESE
- Citizen association for support of persons with disability SOLEM – Skopje
- Kontrapunkt – Association for the Development of Critical Culture and Contemporary Art and Critical Practice, Iskra Geshoska, President
- METAMORPHOSIS – Foundation for Internet and Society
- Macedonian Young Lawyers Association
- 3G for promotion of female activity Tiiiit! Inc. – Skopje
- Association for Sexual and Gender Minorities SUBSCRIBE FRONT Skopje
- Institute for Democracy Societas Civilis Skopje
- REACTOR – RESEARCH IN ACTION
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16 August 2019