Human rights project supported by OSCE Mission to Skopje presents annual report

SKOPJE, 21 December 2006 - An annual report featuring legal analysis and policy recommendations on strengthening respect for human rights, particularly in the field of law enforcement, was presented today in Skopje.

The OSCE Mission to Skopje and the Foundation Open Society Institute - Macedonia support the five domestic civil society organizations behind the report.

"The report details how the Interior Ministry responds to citizens and non-governmental organizations that raise allegations of misbehavior, and its analysis should motivate improvements in such responses," said Victor Ullom, Head of OSCE Mission's Rule of Law Department. "The OSCE applauds the constructive approach of these human rights defenders."

Five organizations, part of a human rights defenders network, prepared the report as part of an OSCE project that aims to encourge state authorities to promote human rights and the rule of law, and strengthen their co-operation with the civil society.

"The project demonstrates that civil society has a powerful voice that can help victims seek justice," said Project Co-ordinator, Petar Jordanovski.