“Employment is a right” — Mr. Fatmir Sabriu at the Empowered Trilateral Conference, Skopje
“Employment Is a Right” — Speech by Mr. Fatmir Sabriu at the Empowered Trilateral Conference, Skopje. “Honored members of the diplomatic corps and institutions,Dear colleagues and partners from the region,Honored representatives of civil society organizations and organizations of persons with disabilities, It is my honor to address this Trilateral Conference, which once again confirms that inclusion is not just a national issue, but a shared responsibility and a global human-rights obligation.We live in a time of deep social transformation — demographic changes, labor shortages, accelerated technological development and growing inequalities. In this context, the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the labor market is not only a social need but a strategic necessity for sustainable development.Therefore, the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth has launched significant systemic reforms, supported by the World Bank. We are not only changing regulations — we are changing the approach to support, work and inclusion.Two key pillars drive this transformation: the new Law on Vocational Rehabilitation and Supported Employment and the new System for the Assessment of Persons with Disabilities. They are the foundation of a modern, fair and functional model of employment policies.But it is important to say clearly — we are not starting from zero. The Law on Employment of Persons with Disabilities has for more than 20 years created real employment opportunities. Through sheltered enterprises and support measures, about 5,000 people are employed today, of whom more than 2,150 are persons with disabilities.Through the Special Fund for Improving Employment and Working Conditions of Persons with Disabilities, non-refundable funds are allocated for employment, workplace adaptations, equipment procurement and employment assistants. In 2025 alone, over 121 million denars were disbursed through this fund, including requests not realized in the previous year. Of these funds, 107 million denars were allocated for the current year — of which over 53 million for employment — which resulted in 80 new jobs for persons with disabilities, and over 54 million for equipment, directly contributing to better working conditions and greater productivity in sheltered enterprises and among employers.These figures show that the system works. But they also tell us something else: that it is time to take a further step — from sheltered to open employment, from segregation to full inclusion.That is why we are building the new Assessment System as a mechanism to unlock potential, not to label limitations. We are moving away from the medical model and toward a human-rights-based approach, in line with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.In the same spirit, we see vocational rehabilitation as a bridge between human potential and economic participation. Our goal is supported employment, employment assistants, adapted workplaces and a real transition to the open labor market. Besides vocational rehabilitation and support, the system also foresees the introduction of quotas for the public and private sectors. But even in this segment, responsibility is not only institutional — it is shared by all of us.Experience in the region and beyond teaches us another important lesson: quotas alone do not create inclusion, funds alone do not create equality, and good intentions alone do not create opportunities. What creates inclusion is a system — a system built on the right to accessibility, appropriate accommodation, quality education, lifelong learning and genuine partnership with the private sector and organizations of persons with disabilities. The private sector should not be seen only as an obligor, but as a key ally in building an inclusive economy, while organizations of persons with disabilities are an essential partner in designing, implementing and monitoring policies themselves. No country in the region can achieve this transformation alone. Alongside cooperation with organizations of persons with disabilities, civil society organizations and private entities, regional cooperation is also a key instrument. Through joint learning, exchange of experience and joint action in line with international standards, we can together contribute to establishing systems that are sustainable, coherent and future-oriented.Allow me to finish with one thought.Disability policies are often seen as programs, measures and laws. But at their core, they are a question of how societies define human dignity.Assessment is not a verdict. Vocational rehabilitation is not a privilege; it is an important tool of the state for persons with and without disabilities.Employment is not a service. It is a right. And the role of the state is crucial in overcoming barriers and building an environment with real opportunities for full participation for all of us, with or without disabilities.Thank you.” Speaker: Mr. Fatmir Sabriu, Secretary of State, Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth, RN Macedonia
Tender Reference No.: BOS2404-LIRCD-SER-T05
On 11th of February 2026, organization LIR Civil Society hereby announces the launch of a tender for theProvision of comprehensive expert services for vocational education and training (VET), work integration,career counselling and psycho-social support for persons with disabilities (PwDs), reference numberBOS2404-LIRCD-SER-T05 within the project “EMPOWERED – Inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs),regional cooperation and development in the Western Balkans”, funded by the Federal Ministry forEconomic Cooperation and Development, Germany (BMZ). All interested bidders are invited to submit their request for tender documentation on company’s letterhead,to the e-mail addresses: zoran.basic@lircd.org; maja.katic@lircd.org and ivana.bojinovic@lircd.org The deadline for submitting offers in accordance with the tender documentation is 11. 03. 2026, by 12:00.