The “Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia”[1] is a written constitution and the country’s highest act. It accepts international law as part of domestic law, making international law higher than domestic laws and bylaws. The Constitution enables three lines of protection against discrimination.

Anti-discrimination Law is applicable to both the private and public sector and applies to all fields. The law notes that specific attention should be paid to the fields of employment and working relations; membership of and involvement in trade unions, political parties, NGOs, foundations, and other membership organisations; social security, including social protection, pensions and disability insurance; health insurance and healthcare; education; access to goods and services; and housing. Thus, this law goes beyond the Directives.

Anti-Discrimination Law provided for the establishment of the first equality body in the country, a Commission on Protection against Discrimination. Itsmembers were elected in December 2010, and it startedfunctioning in 2011. The Commission works on cases of discrimination covered by the Anti-discrimination law. These grounds are: sex, race, colour of skin, gender, belonging to a marginalised group, ethnicity, language, citizenship, social origin, religion or religious belief, other sorts of belief, education, political affiliation, personal or social status, mental or physical disability, age, family or marital status, property ownership, health condition, or any other ground stipulated in law or a ratified national treaty.It processed approximately 60 cases in 2011.