OSCE Supported Declaration Strengthens Co-ordinated Action to Prevent Youth Violence

High-level signing ceremony in Skopje reaffirms joint institutional and youth-informed commitment to safer environments for young people.

Skopje, 16 June 2026 –Today, the official signing of the Declaration of Intent on Youth Violence Prevention, marked an important step in strengthening action to address youth violence in North Macedonia, with support of the OSCE Mission to Skopje.

The Declaration was signed within the framework of the National Youth Violence Prevention Task Force, led by the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth with the support of the OSCE Mission to Skopje. As the first national mechanism dedicated specifically to youth violence prevention, the Task Force provides a platform for institutions, youth organizations and partners to jointly identify risks, strengthen co-operation and develop practical prevention measures.

Opening the event, OSCE Head of Mission Ambassador Kilian Wahl emphasized the importance of moving from commitment to action: “The signing of the Declaration marks an important milestone, but its true impact will depend on the action that follows: whether young people know where to report violence without fear and shame, and whether support services become more accessible, confidential and youth-friendly.”

The Declaration reflects a shared commitment to prevent youth violence in all its forms, while setting out action points related to safe spaces and support services, education for non-violent communication, prevention in sports settings, local safety, mental health and psychosocial support, digital safety, meaningful youth participation and stronger co-ordination and accountability.

In their opening addresses, the Minister of Social Policy, Demography and Youth Fatmir Limani, Minister of Education and Science Vesna Janevska, Minister of Internal Affairs Panche Toshkovski, Minister of Digital Transformation Stefan Andonovski, Minister of Sport Borko Ristovski, and MP Dragana Bojkovska, Co-ordinator of the Club on Youth Issues and Policies, underlined the importance of institutional co-operation, prevention, early response, digital safety, education, sport and parliamentary engagement in advancing youth violence prevention.

During the subsequent panel, speakers highlighted the need for clearer reporting pathways, stronger local co-operation, improved support for schools and youth centres, and more consistent involvement of young people in shaping prevention measures.

The OSCE Mission to Skopje reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Task Force, youth organizations and partners in translating the Declaration into practical measures, and more trusted support systems for young people across the country.