Who do we call?

Institutions, helplines and organizations in North Macedonia where LGBTIQ+ people can find information, protection or support.

State institutions you can turn to for discrimination, hate crimes or social protection.

Commission for Prevention and Protection against Discrimination

Accepts formal complaints about discrimination, including when based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and can issue an official opinion against the institution or person responsible.

Ombudsman

Oversees state institutions and accepts complaints from any citizen about violations of their rights. Has offices in several cities across North Macedonia.

Public Prosecutor's Office

Prosecutes criminal offenses, such as serious hate speech, threats or violence motivated by hatred. Every citizen has the right to turn to them, since they are legally obligated to protect each of us.

Ministry of Interior (Police)

Any crime, including threats or attacks against LGBTIQ+ people, can be reported directly to the police.

Inter-Municipal Center for Social Work, Tetovo

Handles cases of domestic violence and carries out official referrals to safe housing. Staff often lack specific training on LGBTIQ+ issues, so if in doubt, reach out to a specialized organization first.

When the source of the hate speech is itself a media outlet, journalist or public figure.

Helsinki Committee for Human Rights

Runs a dedicated platform for reporting hate speech, filtered by category and region. Also offers a free legal aid hotline.

Council of Media Ethics of Macedonia (SEMM)

A media self-regulation body. Accepts complaints against content that breaches the Code of Journalists, and its rulings carry professional weight even though they are not legally binding.

Association of Journalists of North Macedonia (ZNM)

Upholds the Code of Journalists, which prohibits hate speech based on sexual orientation, and speaks out publicly when media professionals themselves breach this rule.

Free and confidential services. Most also work remotely, not only in person.

Skopje Queer Center, National LGBTI+ Helpline

Free and anonymous psychosocial and legal counseling, from people specially trained to work with LGBTIQ+ individuals. Open to the whole country, not just Skopje. Adults only.

Safe House

Accredited shelter for LGBTIQ+ people at risk. Funding is limited, so capacity can vary. It's best to call and ask before referring someone there.

CPCA, Youth Counseling Center

Free psychological help for LGBTIQ+ young people aged 7 to 29, who are victims of violence or discrimination, supported by Coalition Margins and the Helsinki Committee.

First Children's Embassy "Megjashi", SOS Helpline

A general protection line for minors, open for any family problem or rights violation, including violence or rejection related to identity. It is not a specialized LGBTIQ+ service, but it is there for anyone who needs it.

Free Legal Aid, Ministry of Justice

Free initial legal advice for every citizen, and help applying for court representation. Has regional offices in several cities, including Tetovo.

Macedonian Young Lawyers Association (MYLA)

One of the country's best known organizations for free legal aid and strategic litigation in discrimination cases, since 2008.

Coalition All for Fair Trials

Provides free primary legal aid across many areas, and helps with applying for secondary legal aid. They have flagged limited capacity for individual cases, so confirm before referring someone there.

HOPS, Healthy Options Project Skopje

Legal aid and psychosocial support for marginalized groups, including trans people and sex workers.

Legal Clinic, South East European University (SEEU), Tetovo

An existing partner of Mollëkuqja. Offers free legal aid for social rights, criminal matters, family disputes and domestic violence.

Coalition Margins, Case Documentation

Documents rights violations against marginalized communities, for advocacy or, with your consent, to initiate proceedings. Anonymity is guaranteed, and they also help those without internet access.

Free and anonymous HIV and STI testing, no documents required.

Center for Public Health, Tetovo

A state institution physically present in Tetovo. Offers free and anonymous HIV testing itself, as part of the national HIV protection programme.

HERA, Youth Center "Sakam da znam" (I Want to Know)

Free and confidential HIV and STI testing, with the option to book online. The physical service is located in Skopje, in Vodno.

HIV Center, run by "Zaedno Posilni" (Together Stronger)

Free testing every working day, no appointment needed. The only self-organized group of people living with HIV in the country, offering peer counseling.

Physically present in the country, more as a referral and partnership resource than urgent individual help.

Council of Europe Office, Skopje

A joint EU and Council of Europe programme that directly funded the National LGBTI+ Helpline and the Safe House. Current focus includes protecting LGBTI people and freedom of the media.

OSCE, Mission to Skopje

Monitors hate crimes and hate speech, works with the Ombudsman, and publishes educational materials such as the "Brochure for Victims of Hate Crime".

Most have reduced staff following the USAID withdrawal. Confirm availability before referring someone there.

Skopje Queer Center

The National LGBTI+ Helpline and the Safe House, both listed above, remain operational and are currently the most stable resource.

LGBTI Support Center

Under the Helsinki Committee. Its programs have been significantly reduced in recent years, check which services are still active.

Coalition Margins

Reduced staff, but still active in advocacy and case documentation, as you can see above.