Macedonians, in Macedonia and around the world, are celebrating this week as the country was elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council. The UNHCR is the main UN organization responsible for promoting and protecting human rights around the globe and Macedonia is becoming known as a regional leader on the issue.

The United Macedonian Diaspora organization, which is the leading voice for an estimated four million Macedonians abroad, lauded the election. UMD Chairman Argie N. Bellio said, “This election proves that human rights are a central value of the Macedonian people and the government of Macedonia. No other country in the region protects all citizens, no matter their religion, their ethnicity, their identity, or anything, as much as Macedonia does.”

Macedonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Timco Mucunski noted on X, “I am pleased to share excellent news from New York: Macedonia has been elected as a member of the @UN_HRC for the 2025-2027 term. The strong support from @UN member states is a testament to our nation’s unwavering commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms. With this significant diplomatic achievement, our focus will now shift to making a meaningful contribution to the Council’s work, in alignment with the priorities and principles we outlined during our candidacy. We remain dedicated to advancing the global human rights agenda.”

On September 26, 2024, Macedonia’s first woman President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova addressed the UN General Assembly where her speech put a clear and often challenging emphasis on human dignity, justice, and equality, calling for global reforms to achieve a world where human rights are respected without double standards. “The UN will either become an engine that moves the world toward a more humane, just, and sustainable order, based on inclusive and accountable governments, or it will be reduced to a passive bureaucratic structure completely dependent on the main actors in the geopolitical processes and relations,” said President Siljanovska-Davkova.

While Macedonia’s application to the Council had previously been submitted, it took less than a month from when her comment was made for the UN to elect Macedonia to the UNHRC.

Questions, interview requests, or further comments on the diaspora’s reaction to and support of the election can be made to UMD Macedonia and Europe Director Gordan Jordanov at gjordanov@umdiaspora.org.

About UMD:

The United Macedonian Diaspora, headquartered in Washington, D.C. is a leading international nongovernmental nonpartisan organization representing the interests of Macedonian communities across the globe. Since its founding in 2004, UMD has worked to promote Macedonian culture, foster international relations, and advocate for policies that advance the rights and dignity of Macedonians everywhere.