A group of civic associations supported by the Ombudsperson and the Megashi NGO for children’s rights are proposing amendments to the divorce laws that would mandate joint custody of the children, unlike the currently mandated maternal custody.

According to the proposal, the children would automatically be given a joint custody from both parents, except in specifically determined instances. Naum Ribarovski from the Joint custody initiative called the current law a “19th century solution”.

Responsible joint parenthood after te divorce is in the best interest of the child. It should not blame itself for the divorce and should continue to live a normal life full of the attention of both parents, added Dragi Zmijanac from Megashi.

The initiative was presented before Parliament today, at a hearing organized by the Labour and welfare committee.