Regional Conference in Skopje Strengthens Regional Cooperation Against Domestic Violence

Skopje, North Macedonia – October 31, 2024 – Leading policymakers, advocates, and experts from across the Western Balkans convened today in Skopje for the Regional Conference on the project “United Against Domestic Violence in the Western Balkans – Regional Cooperation and Support for Shelters for Domestic Violence Victims.”

This project, organized by the German humanitarian organization Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB), is funded by the German Federal Foreign Ministry and supported by regional governments and organizations. So far, the project supported 11 shelters for victims of domestic violence in the region of Western Balkans.

The conference, held at the Members of Parliament Club, featured keynote addresses by prominent officials, including Mr. Gjoko Velkovski, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Policy, North Macedonia; Mr. Jan-Axel Voss, Deputy Head of Mission, German Embassy in North Macedonia; and Mr. Gordan Velev, ASB Serbia Country Director. Speakers addressed the urgent need for collaborative efforts to combat gender-based violence, discussing political commitments, achievements of the Istanbul Convention, and further steps needed within the Berlin Process framework.

Keynote addresses from Ms. Duška Jurišić, Deputy Minister of Human Rights and Refugees, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Ms. Nazlije Bala, Advisor to the Minister of Justice, Kosovo; Ms. Selma Čabrić, Minister of Family, Youth and Sports, Republika Srpska, BiH; and Ms. Nina Mitić, Assistant Minister of Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue, Serbia, highlighted the importance of a cohesive regional response to gender-based violence.

The panel discussions focused on critical areas affecting shelters, such as funding challenges, geographic accessibility, and burnout among caregivers. A major highlight was the open panel led by Ms. Mila Carovska, Executive Director of HERA, and Ms. Elena Dimushevska, Executive Director of the National Network to End Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence, who emphasized the importance of private sector support and comprehensive resources for shelters.

“This gathering underscores our shared commitment to addressing and reducing gender-based violence in our region, a critical issue affecting countless individuals and families”, said Mr. Velkovski. “North Macedonia recognizes the immense responsibility we hold in fulfilling our commitments under international frameworks, particularly the Istanbul Convention, which guides us in creating safe environments for victims.”

“This conference is a testament to the commitment of the Western Balkans to uphold human rights and ensure safety for domestic violence survivors,” stated Mr. Velev. “By enhancing shelter capacities and fostering cross-border collaboration, we can make strides toward a more secure and supportive region for victims.”

The ASB project supports shelters across 11 municipalities by providing essential equipment, training for staff, and opportunities for cross-border collaboration. This effort, alongside policy recommendations presented by Mr. Milan Aleksic of NGO Atina from Belgrade, paves the way for a unified regional strategy to address domestic violence and promote gender equality.