OSCE Mission to Skopje supports efforts to ensure non-discrimination and equal treatment

SKOPJE, 30 September 2010 - Representatives from the Ministries of Labour and Social Policy, Justice and Finance, as well as from the Ombudsman Office, the State Revenue Office, state institutions and the international community are taking part in an OSCE-supported conference today to discuss the financial independence of the newly-established state Commission for Protection from Discrimination.

The one-day conference, organized by the OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje in co-operation with the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, will also provide a forum for discussion on implementing the law on anti-discrimination and the effectiveness of the law's protective mechanisms.

"In the area of anti-discrimination policies, establishing a functional, effective and independent Commission for Protection from Discrimination is critical. Independence is the attribute that most clearly underpins this institution's legitimacy and credibility, and hence its effectiveness. Furthermore, financial autonomy guarantees the overall freedom of the Commission to determine their priorities and activities," said the Deputy Head of OSCE Mission, Ambassador Natalya Drozd.

Minister of Labour and Social Policy Xhelal Bajrami added: "Experience from other countries that have adopted anti-discrimination laws has shown the need to develop the institutional framework of responsible authorities, equality bodies that will provide legal protection for alleged victims of discrimination."

The conference will consist of two sessions covering the European experience in establishment effective equality bodies with a specific focus on financial independence, and the challenges in establishing the Commission for Protection from Discrimination in the country and possible sources of income.