Roma Foundation for Europe Calls for Justice and Systemic Action After Shocking Racist Violence Against Child in North Macedonia

Brussels, 12 November 2025 – The Roma Foundation for Europe expresses its deepest concern and condemnation following the shocking video from North Macedonia showing two adults torturing an eight-year-old Roma boy, threatening him with a knife and forcing him to kiss their shoes. This brutal act, clearly motivated by racism and hatred against Roma, represents a grave violation of a child’s dignity and fundamental human rights.

While the perpetrators have reportedly been placed under house detention, this alone is not enough. The fact that this act was filmed and shared publicly demonstrates how humiliation and violence against Roma can be normalised and treated as acceptable. This is deeply troubling and demands a strong institutional response.

This case is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of intolerance, weak enforcement and institutional complacency that undermines public trust in justice and democratic governance. According to the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), 16% of Roma in North Macedonia experienced harassment in the past year because they are Roma. Several rulings of the European Court of Human Rights have also found that the country failed to investigate violence against Roma effectively.

The Roma Foundation for Europe urges Macedonian authorities to ensure a transparent, independent, and swift investigation, to deliver justice for the victim and to take systemic action to strengthen the prevention and prosecution of hate crimes. As North Macedonia advances on its path toward EU membership, protecting the rights and safety of all citizens—particularly children—must be a visible and verifiable priority.

North Macedonia has already committed to such reforms under the Poznań Declaration on Roma and Western Balkans Inclusion, which calls for concrete measures to combat racism against Roma and prevent discrimination. Fulfilling these commitments is essential for the credibility of the rule of law and the integrity of the country’s EU accession process.

The Roma Foundation for Europe stands ready to support Macedonian institutions in this effort. Only through decisive and principled action can trust be restored and North Macedonia’s commitment to European values be credibly demonstrated.