A representative of ASTRA participated in the Regional Conference on Forced Marriages, held in Skopje from September 10 to 12, 2025. The conference brought together representatives of public institutions, civil society, and international partners from the Western Balkans and Europe to exchange experiences and develop new approaches in addressing the issues of forced marriages and human trafficking.
The conference was part of the project “Improving Prevention and Support for Victims of Forced Marriages”, funded by the Embassy of France in North Macedonia and implemented by Open Gate – La Strada North Macedonia, in cooperation with La Strada International.
Forced marriage is defined as a marriage without free consent, which constitutes a serious violation of fundamental human rights, particularly the right to free choice. The conference addressed key topics related to forced marriages and human trafficking, with a focus on different aspects of protection, prevention, and victim support. Discussions included the criminalization of forced marriage as a separate criminal offense and its connection to human trafficking, considering the advantages and disadvantages of various legislative acts, as well as methods for identifying signs of exploitation and proving such crimes.
The importance of recognizing risk factors and indicators of forced marriage was also emphasized, along with reducing school dropout rates and empowering young people to make informed decisions about their future.
Special attention was given to the role of the diaspora, religious leaders, and cultural mediators in changing social norms that perpetuate forced marriages, as well as strategies for preventing international forced marriages, particularly in cases of abduction or deception. Additionally, participants discussed the significance of holistic support for victims, identification and referral of cases, and the availability of services such as shelters, ensuring that victims not only survive but also regain their autonomy and dignity.
The need for training frontline professionals and effective coordination among different actors, including civil society and religious organizations, was highlighted as essential to providing adequate protection and support for victims, especially in cases involving transnational human trafficking.
One of the key goals of the conference was to examine and share best practices in combating forced marriages and to create a platform for dialogue and cooperation. Participants emphasized the importance of continuing awareness-raising efforts, developing effective support systems for victims, and strengthening legal frameworks that address all aspects of this issue.