UNITED NATIONS CCPR International covenant on civil and political rights Distr. GENERAL CCPR/C/MKD/CO/2 17 April 2008 Original: ENGLISH HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE Ninety-second session New York, 17 March - 4 April 2008 CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 40 OF THE COVENANT Concluding observations of the Human Rights Committee THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA 1. The Committee considered the second periodic report of The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (CCPR/C/MKD/2) at its 2525th and 2526th meetings (CCPR/C/SR.2525-2526), held on 26 March 2008, and adopted the following concluding observations at its 2537th meeting (CCPR/C/SR.2537), held on 3 April 2008. A. Introduction 2. The Committee notes the submission of the State party’s second periodic report elaborated in conformity with the reporting guidelines, which was six years overdue, and welcomes the information on developments since the consideration of the initial report as well as the written answers provided in advance. 3. The Committee appreciates the positive dialogue with a delegation composed of experts competent in various fields relevant for the implementation of the Covenant, and welcomes their efforts to answer the Committee’s written and oral questions during the examination of the State party’s report. B. Positive aspects 4. The Committee welcomes the significant and wide-ranging legislative and institutional changes and reforms that have been introduced in the State party in the period covered by the second periodic report, with a view to improving the judicial system in the country. 5. The Committee welcomes the adoption of the new Law on Legal Status of a Church, Religious Community and Religious Groups, which brings about more equality among religious groups and churches. GE.08-41169