STAR-STAR published the document titled Comparative Analysis on Aligning the National Legislature with the International Standards and Conventions Regarding Healthcare Services for Minors.
Within the frames of its project activities, STAR-STAR conducted and published a comparative analysis in which the national and international healthcare services provision mechanisms for minors were analyzed, thereby outlining the flaws within the national legal system which would potentially open the gateway for future interventions in the national legislation in order to protect and develop the right to health for minors. The right to health, healthcare and healthcare services provision for minors should be of vital importance for every country so that the highest possible health standard for children and adolescents is attained.
The Analysis reinforces the need of promoting policies that would provide services oriented towards children and young people based on their specific developmental needs and children’s capacities, simultaneously securing children’s participation at all decision-making levels, in accordance with their age and degree of maturity. This entails active participation of minors when it comes to issues related to their health, given that younger people are sufficiently self-aware and they need to be additionally familiarized with all challenges regarding their healthcare.
The national legislation the Republic of North Macedonia does not have any specific laws that regulate the rights of minors with regard to their right to health, healthcare, social welfare and healthcare services provision. Such legal provisions can be found in various other laws, and they tend to be generalized and declarative, only mentioning minors without placing any emphasis on promoting children’s and adolescents’ rights via the prism of a healthcare aspect.
Given that there is a serious lack of institutional measures, the only support for the specific need of children and young people is provided by the civil associations, to an extend allowed by the legal restrictions. It is necessary to have a comprehensive and specialized approach to healthcare for children and adolescents, particularly focusing on their sexual and reproductive health. By aligning the legislation with the needs of children and young people, the possibilities for introducing measures and programs for their psycho-physical healthcare will be significantly increased.
The Analysis was conducted by a team of legal experts: Jelena Kadrikj, Maja Stojanoska, Vesna Stefanovska, Martin Sopronov and Marija Chekerdji. The editor was Kristina Doda from the Human Rights Institute. The Publication of this Analysis was supported by the Foundation Open Society – Macedonia.
The electronic format of the publication can be downloaded and read here.