North Macedonia: maintain commitment to human rights of Roma and take urgent action for a healthy environment for all.
The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, conducted a visit to North Macedonia from 22 to 25 April 2025, during which he focused on the human rights of Roma, as part of a multi-country review of their situation in Europe, and on the human rights implications of serious environmental challenges. He expresses his gratitude to the authorities of North Macedonia for their cooperation and for the open discussions. (…)
However, the Commissioner notes that environmental degradation is a serious concern in the country for people’s rights to life, health, housing and water and sanitation. Air pollution is a major scourge, together with concerns around effective waste collection, the handling of toxic landfills and water pollution. “More effective implementation of international commitments and domestic laws is essential to safeguarding human rights,” the Commissioner said, adding “I note with concern that access to justice in environmental matters remains limited, and call on the authorities to remove practical and legal obstacles that prevent individuals and communities from effectively defending their rights before courts.”
