On December 4, JRS North Macedonia celebrated its 25th anniversary. The celebration, which took place in Skopje, provided the perfect opportunity to look back at the countless people supported by the organization in its quarter of a century of unwavering commitment to accompany, serve, and advocate for forcibly displaced people in North Macedonia. 

Participating in the celebration, JRS Europe regional director, Alberto Ares, expressed: “Looking back over these past 25 years, we are filled with immense pride and gratitude for the remarkable journey of JRS North Macedonia. It is a privilege to join the celebration in this extraordinary milestone, marking a quarter-century of unwavering commitment to accompanying, serving and advocating for the rights of refugees and forcibly displaced people”. 

“Over the years, JRS North Macedonia has adapted its programs to meet the evolving needs of refugees and migrants. The organization works tirelessly to provide legal assistance, access to healthcare, education, and psychosocial support, empowering individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope”, he added.  

Beyond the celebration event in Skopje, the anniversary was an occasion for Alberto Ares and JRS Europe’s Fundraising Coordinator, Christoph Klotz, to visit some of the work of JRS North Macedonia. Together with the local team, they visited the Temporary Transit Centre in Gevgelija, near the border with Greece and had meetings with representatives of the Spanish and German Embassy, as well as the delegation of the European Union and local authorities.  

JRS North Macedonia has been actively working in the field of migration and asylum for 25 years in North Macedonia and is recognized as an active partner of State institutions in the protection of human rights. 25 years ago, the country office was founded and started its work during the Yugoslavia/Kosovo war in 1999 in the Stenkovec camp, when several hundred thousand people were fleeing Kosovo and seeking refuge in Macedonia. 

Today, JRS is continuing its direct services to forcibly displaced people, vulnerable migrants and asylum seekers in North Macedonia, who are temporarily accommodated at the Reception Center for foreigners, Skopje (Detention Center), Temporary Transit Center near the border with Greece, Gevgelija and Reception Center for asylum seekers, Skopje.  

JRS North Macedonia work is enabled and enhanced by strong partnerships with state institutions, particularly the Ministry of Interior, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, and various courts across the country. These collaborations have been instrumental in shaping public policies related to migration and asylum, ensuring that the voices of the most vulnerable are heard and their rights protected.