RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES AND THE FREEDOM TO PRACTICE RELIGION IN NORTH MACEDONIA

One of the most important assets that human society has inherited since its existence until now undoubtedly is the religious diversity. The freedom to practice religion or belief cannot be subjected to other restrictions except those provided by law which make up necessary measures in a democratic society including public security, public health and ethic order protection or for the protection of rights and freedoms of others. The protection and guarantee of freedom of religious belief, the right not to be affined to any other religion or belief as well as the opportunity that religious communities to practice their religion unhindered are the fundamental elements of the religious freedom right foreseen in democratic constitutions. Therefore, if the religious freedom in all its aspects it is not being implemented and guaranteed within a community or state indicates disrespecting of human rights and lack of constitutional values. The Constitution of Republic of North Macedonia, approved on November 17, 1991, defines the basic framework into which state relations with religious organizations are proceeded and examined, as well as the guarantees of religious freedom. Since its independence until today, in Republic of North Macedonia, the ideological and political pillars defining the Macedonian model of secularism have not always functioned in complete harmony and cohesion. This conclusion derived by the nature of legal provisions approved in this area, which are going to be discussed in this work of study.