Tools for Human Rights and Gender for Local Development -Case study, Macedonia-

1. Tools for Human Rights and Gender for Local Development -Case study, Macedonia- United Nations Development Programme

2. Poverty reduction processes in Macedonia • Data: • Human Poverty Index - 55.1%; • Unemployment rate - 36,7% • Long-term unemployment rate -85.1% ; • Households living below the poverty line - 30,2%; • Inactivity rate – 45.5% of total population; • Inactivity rate of women – 62.1 of total inactive population • Participation of women in the parliament – 17.5%

3. MDG report, July 2005; National Development Plan (2007-2009) – October 2006; National programme for socio-economical development (2006 – 2015) – December 2006. Policy papers for poverty reduction

4. Participatory process coordinated by the Ministry of Finance; 5 working groups on poverty, health, education , environment and economic factors and three task forces leaded by national coordinators; Localization of MDGs . MDG processes in Macedonia

5. Two projects based on MDGs are implementing simultaneously : Building capacities for MDG processes and MDG Based local vision. Projects are aimed to support the preparation of the National Programme for Socio – Economic Development/NDP through bottom-up approach (involving local governments, civil society and business sector), and ensure utilization of MDGs as a harmonized framework for effective development. MDG process in Macedonia

6. The main features of a HRA to poverty reduction for Macedonia are : Identification of the poor Recognition of the relevant normative national and international human rights framework Equality and non-discrimination Progressive realisation of human rights Participation and empowerment Monitoring and Accountability Tools for HRBA and gender in LD

7. Selection of municipalities - Criteria: Geographical balance; Rural and urban municipalities; Etching composition (ethnic mixed municipalities); Rate of unemployment; Needs to improve the position of women; Size of municipality; Technical, material and human capacities of municipality; Civil society sector. Tools for HRBA and gender in LD

8. Advisory Board is consist of representatives of Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Local self governments, OHCHR, Civic platform and UNDP. Networking with relevant stakeholders on local and national level Tools for HRBA and gender in LD

9. Local leadership groups consist of representatives from Public, private and civil society sector with focus on NGOs working with vulnerable and marginalized groups are established in: Gostivar (25 members), Strumica (23 members) and Negotino (21 members). Tools for HR and gender in LD

10. Focal point (coordinator) in the municipalities provide link between LLG and Local self government officials. Pool of 30 local trainers – MDG facilitators deliver training for LLG in Participatory planning, Methods and techniques of determination the need of vulnerable groups, Monitoring and analysis (indicators), Tools for monitoring and analysis of MDG based programs, Advocacy and campaigning. Tools for HRBA and gender in LD

11. Macedonian national and International legislation framework as tool for HRBA and gender mainstreaming identifies domestic and international laws relevant to major HR in the contexts of MDGs. The legislation checklist will support activities related with HR and HRBA in planning processes. Tools for HRBA and gender in LD

12. Obstacles in implementation of HRBA and gender mainstreaming in planning processes: low awareness of local officials about the needs of different groups of citizens (minorities, vulnerable and marginalised groups); Insufficient knowledge and commitment of local self-governments to the participatory planning processes Systems and procedures, and organisational structure in LSG do not support planning processes Lessons learned

13. Tools for Human Rights and Gender for Local Development -Case study, Macedonia- Thank you!