Final Report on Gap Analysis of National Legal and Strategic Framework against EU Framework in the Sector of Justice

The publication provides an in-depth analysis in North Macedonia of gender equality within the framework of the Justice Sector Working Group’s (JSWG) mandate and the IPA III priority areas on fundamental rights. Focusing on Human Rights and Freedoms, the review examines institutional effectiveness and gender-related dimensions of fundamental rights protection mechanisms, specifically addressing gender-based violence (GBV), non-discrimination, and education. The review is structured into two main areas: (1) the institutional systems ensuring access to justice from a gender perspective, including mechanisms to combat GBV and discrimination, and (2) the legal framework, with a particular focus on the July 2023 draft Law on Gender Equality.  Intersectional gender equality is addressed in the review. The analysis assesses the national policy and lawmaking structures, highlighting gaps and opportunities for integrating gender mainstreaming and ensuring compliance with constitutional principles and the MKD 2030 development framework.