U.S. Mission to International
Organizations in Geneva

U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Macedonia

32nd Session
Geneva, January 24, 2018

as delivered by Charles Bentley

The United States warmly welcomes the delegation from the Republic of Macedonia.

1. We recommend that Macedonia:Fully implement the European Commission and Council of Europe’s recommendations related to the reform of the judicial system.
2. Take the necessary measures to effectively eliminate and combat corruption, including by appointing a new Anti-Corruption Commission that is free from political pressure or influence.
3. Fully implement the recommendations of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy Strategy for the Roma 2014 – 2020, including recording every individual in the Registry of birth, in order to combat socio-economic marginalization and labor discrimination faced by individuals belonging to the Roma community.

The United States is encouraged by Macedonia’s progress in increasing transparency and accountability in judicial independence; however, we note that sustained efforts by the Government are required to implement reforms to combat and prosecute high-level corruption in order to restore public trust in state institutions and in the fairness and integrity of the judiciary.

We also note challenges that remain with regard to widespread discrimination in society including some cases of violence targeting ethnic minorities, including Roma persons.