In early June 2024, a delegation of 21 education professionals from North Macedonia embarked on a study visit to Croatia. This initiative was organised by the Council of Europe Action “Quality Education for All” – North Macedonia, funded by Germany, in cooperation with the Network of Education Policy Centres.
The delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Justice, government officials, Ombudsperson, the Commission for Prevention and Protection against Discrimination, and local government representatives from Bitola and Shtip. Directors and teachers from schools in Bitola and Shtip also participated, eager to learn from Croatia’s inclusive education strategies, especially in light of the European Court of Human Rights judgment in Oršuš and Others v. Croatia, which parallels the Elmazova and others v. North Macedonia case, learning about effective strategies and initiatives implemented to oppose segregation and promote equality in education.
During their visit, the delegation met with the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia, where they were provided with an in-depth presentation on Roma education in Croatia, highlighting strategies and policies implemented to foster inclusion and to combat segregation. They also engaged with the Office for Human Rights and Rights of National Minorities to discuss the National Plan for Inclusion of Roma in Croatia, gaining valuable insights into governmental measures to overcome educational disparities and promote inclusion.
A significant part of the visit was the delegation’s meeting with the Ombudsperson for Children’s Office. This session provided an opportunity to explore the protection and promotion of children’s rights within the educational framework and understand the role of the Ombudsperson in addressing educational inequalities and advocating for inclusive education policies.
The delegation visited Međimurje County, renowned for its efforts to reduce educational inequalities. They observed local primary schools and community initiatives designed to support inclusive education and visited a Roma settlement to witness community-based efforts to integrate Roma students into the educational system. These experiences provided a deeper understanding of the practical challenges and successes in promoting inclusive education.
The participants also reflected on their school visits and attended a session on the shadow monitoring of the National Roma Inclusion Strategy in Croatia, gaining insights into the mechanisms for tracking and evaluating progress. The visit concluded with discussions on the Roma Early Years Network (REYN), which focuses on early childhood education for Roma children.
Throughout the study visit, participants engaged in meaningful exchanges with Croatian authorities and educators, gaining valuable insights into best practices for creating inclusive educational environments. This visit significantly contributed to the ongoing efforts to improve educational practices in North Macedonia, particularly in response to the European Court of Human Rights judgment in Elmazova and Others v. North Macedonia, which highlighted the segregation of Roma pupils.
The Council of Europe reaffirms its commitment to providing inclusive, high-quality education for all individuals in North Macedonia. The study visit to Croatia underscored the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange in advancing democratic standards and fostering inclusivity in education systems. Also, with this study visit the Council of Europe offers technical support to the institutions and schools of North Macedonia so they can fulfil their obligation arising from this judgment in an adequate and timely manner. This initiative is a testament to the Council of Europe’s dedication to promoting equal opportunities and fostering a multicultural society.
