The Assembly of North Macedonia, in collaboration with UNICEF, convened a consultative debate focusing on the well-being of children and adolescents within the country. This meeting marks the beginning of a series of discussions aimed at furthering the agenda for children’s rights, as agreed upon with the Assembly.

Afrim Gashi, Speaker of the Assembly, emphasized the importance of equal access to education, improved health policies, and protection from violence and discrimination. He pledged his support for initiatives contributing to these goals, highlighting the necessity of strengthened inter-institutional cooperation and increased investment to ensure the inclusion of every child, regardless of their challenges. Gashi stressed that this is a shared human responsibility.

UNICEF Representative Lesley Miller expressed confidence in continued progress towards realizing children’s rights through legislative action, budget allocation, and oversight of implementation. Miller emphasized that investing in children’s rights is an investment in the future of North Macedonia and a path towards a more inclusive, just, and prosperous society.

The discussion was based on the 2024 Situation Analysis of Children and Adolescents in North Macedonia, supported by UNICEF. The report reviews the nation’s advancement in children’s rights and achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Despite progress in areas like reducing infant and child mortality, the report reveals stalled or regressing progress in other areas. Persistent challenges include high child poverty rates, poor learning outcomes, and the widespread use of violent discipline at home. Emerging issues encompass air pollution, mental health concerns, and escalating online violence and hate speech.

Participants reviewed progress since the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1993. Key areas requiring continuous effort, as outlined by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, were also discussed. These recommendations cover coordination, non-discrimination, violence against children, children with disabilities, and health and education services.

The participants agreed to hold more briefings with the appropriate parliamentary committees in order to address ways to better align national legislation with the Convention on the Rights of the Child at the conclusion of the consultative debate.