Today, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Astrit Iseni, held a working meeting with UNHCR Representative for Central and Southeastern Europe, Nicole Epting, where they discussed strengthening cooperation in the areas of asylum, migration, and the eradication of statelessness.
Iseni extended a warm welcome and congratulations to Epting on her appointment to this prestigious position, emphasizing that North Macedonia remains committed to its partnership with UNHCR and to upholding international human rights standards.
He reminded that the country has adopted all key international instruments in the field of refugee protection and stateless persons, including the 1951 Convention, the Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees, as well as the two UN conventions related to statelessness. North Macedonia, as Iseni pointed out, has been aligning its national legislation with European standards for an extended period, with strong technical support from UNHCR.
The Deputy Minister particularly highlighted the successful elimination of all known cases of statelessness arising from the disintegration of the former SFR Yugoslavia, after which North Macedonia became the first country in the region and beyond to fully resolve this long-standing issue. He noted that these results are the fruit of the continuous commitment of state institutions to social inclusion, equality, and good governance, which has been repeatedly praised by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi.
During the discussion, Iseni also addressed the humanitarian approach of the state towards individuals fleeing Ukraine since the onset of the war, emphasizing that North Macedonia provides free entry and stay for humanitarian reasons, as well as access to international protection mechanisms in accordance with international norms.
"Macedonia remains a strong supporter of the United Nations, multilateralism, and the mission of UNHCR. We value the partnership and will continue to work together to ensure lasting, effective, and humane solutions for the most vulnerable groups," emphasized Deputy Minister Iseni.
At the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their readiness to deepen cooperation and further coordinate on joint initiatives and activities.
