About Us
Founded in 2024, ABDS advances equality, safeguards rights, and strengthens social justice through education, legal aid, advocacy, and partnerships.
The Association for Equality and Social Justice is a civil society organization whose core activity is addressing, protecting, and ensuring respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms of every person in North Macedonia.
We provide education, counseling, primary and secondary legal aid, encouragement and support!
Our programs and activities focus on equality on ethnic, gender, and any other grounds in decision-making processes; the promotion and protection of rights in education; and the advancement, economic empowerment, and position of citizens in employment and labor relations.
We pursue this vision by influencing policies and laws created by central and local government so they address the root causes that lead to inequality and violations of social justice.
And we do not stop there. We work closely with a wide network of political and media contacts and campaign for the effective implementation of the principles of equality and non-discrimination, justice, and a dignified life for all citizens!
Our leadership and staff are experienced, professionally trained, and dedicated to helping achieve equality and social justice.
Our Mission
To remove barriers to justice and equality by combining legal assistance, civic education, and evidence-based advocacy.
What we do
- Primary & secondary legal aid and referrals
- Civic education and rights awareness
- Anti-discrimination support & strategic litigation
- Policy research & advocacy with institutions
- Community projects for social inclusion & empowerment
Our principles
- Independence & non-partisanship
- Confidentiality and a survivor-centred approach
- Accessibility (multi-language, inclusive formats)
- Transparency & accountability (annual reporting)
Need help?
Contact us for legal assistance or to report discrimination/abuse (anonymous reports accepted). Every case is treated with confidentiality and respect.
Governance & Transparency
ABDS was established in 2024 and operates with a board-approved strategy, a public-interest mandate, and annual impact reporting. We welcome partnerships with civil society, academia, media, and institutions to amplify rights protections across North Macedonia.