Twelve Macedonian municipalities were presented with "Municipalities Without Discrimination" certificates. They were part of the project "Implementing the New Anti-Discrimination Law", which aims to improve protection against discrimination, social inclusion and social rights.

In the municipalities of Struga, Ohrid, Tearce, Debar, Bitola, Strumica, Kumanovo, Stip, Delcevo, Negotino, Radovis and Lipkovo measures have been taken in the course of the project for strengthening the capacities of local communities, municipalities and civil organisations to implement the Anti-Discrimination Law more efficiently and to encourage citizens - especially members of marginalised groups - to fight against discrimination.

"EU integration is the key and top priority of the Macedonian government and as a result most of the activities carried out by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy are related to country's EU accession process. Thus, we are continuously committed to work on issues in connection to human rights and freedoms and to the issue of equal opportunities," said Labour Minister Spiro Ristovski while presenting certificates.

In 2010, trainings for municipal councilors, staff in local institutions, for civil organisations, police forces, media as well as educational and health institutions were held in the twelve municipalities with support provided by the local administration and non-governmental sector. Moreover, plans for raising public awareness on protection against discrimination were adopted.

The project was financed by the European Union and with assistance from the British Council in Macedonia and the civil sector.