Problems and challenges facing vulnerable categories of citizens in municipalities in the Republic of North Macedonia

Abstract

The Republic of North Macedonia (RNM), by ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2011, has joined the efforts of the international community to create and implement national policies that promote the rights of persons with disabilities, combat all forms of discrimination and build an inclusive society. European experiences show that although the rights of persons with disabilities are being promoted, especially in terms of accessibility, persons with disabilities still face significant barriers in accessing healthcare, education, employment and social needs and services. Persons with disabilities have a higher risk of poverty and social exclusion compared to persons without disabilities and are more likely to face the need for social services. Hence, the paper focuses on analyzing the situation in the domain of social services for vulnerable categories of citizens in several municipalities in the Republic of North Macedonia (Stumica, Kocani, Kumanovo and Delcevo), to determine the problems and challenges faced by these people. The general objective of the research is to contribute to the social inclusion of disadvantaged groups, improve the quality of life, as well as encourage social cohesion at the local level by promoting the localization of the 2030 Agenda and its goals, in particular, the principle of "Leaving No One Behind" - LNOB at the municipal level. The specific objectives of the research relate to identifying the problems and needs for social services and the inclusion in the social life of vulnerable groups of citizens, identifying their attitudes towards overcoming problems and improving the services they receive; identifying a database of existing measures and services; and developing recommendations for creating policies and measures. The research methodology is field research conducted using a questionnaire, a focus group with representatives of vulnerable categories of citizens and institutions that are responsible for the protection and exercise of the rights of this category of citizens, as well as an analysis of legal and regulatory acts and other documents relevant to the research. The research sample is targeted, since it is a target group that is not approached randomly, but based on previously obtained data about them. The results of the research showed that on average about 49.2% of people with disabilities need help in the implementation of certain activities. In addition, people with disabilities feel forgotten by the community and need to talk to a professional about their problems are more numerous among men. 1/3 of the respondents expressed a need for a personal assistant. A high percentage of the respondents are not familiar with the existence of day centers and social clubs for people with disabilities. About half of the respondents need to use a social club, which they would use but do not know that it exists. One third of the respondents need rehabilitation and reintegration. This indicates that the Municipalities and other competent institutions for the protection of persons with disabilities should focus on providing measures and funds for the improvement of social services and meeting social needs. Keywords: social services, persons with disabilities, rehabilitation, needs 1Full professor PhD, Faculty of Law, Goce Delcev University, Stip, North Macedonia, e-mail: [email protected]