The Position of National Minorities in North Macedonia according to the Framework Convention
The Position of National Minorities in North Macedonia according to the Framework Convention

Author(s): Rubin Zemon
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Sociology, Inter-Ethnic Relations, Ethnic Minorities Studies
Published by: Институт друштвених наука
Keywords: inter-ethnic dialog; antidiscrimination; education; minority participation; media
Summary/Abstract: After the armed conflict in 2001 and the adoption of constitutional changes related to the Ohrid Framework Agreement, opinions have increasingly been heard, from intellectuals, as well as other members of public, that beneath the layer of multiculturalism, North Macedonia has been developing into a bi-ethnic, bi-cultural, and bi-polar society. In such a context, North Macedonia as a diverse society has been creating its own model of multiculturalism, from several levels, but with asymmetrical relations. Since the entry into force of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, North Macedonia has been confronted with international standards in this field, as well as challenges to their implementation. Despite the fact that in statements by politicians, regardless of their orientation, especially those intended for international actors, the declaration that Macedonia is a multicultural society and that it meets (and exceeds) international standards dominates, many things related to the protection of communities remain unclear, undeveloped and non-functional in terms of state policies and strategies. North Macedonia has already started the EU accession negotiations and Chapter 23 is about to be opened very soon, thus recommendations of the AC FCNM within the sixth cycle of monitoring will be crucial for the improvement of the position of minority communities in the country.

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