The citizens' association "Center for Civil Communications (CGK)" in Skopje and the activist Lila Milić received today the state award "Meto Jovanovski" for this year, which is the highest recognition for long-term achievements in the field of promotion, protection and advancement of human rights.

German Filkov, the President of the "Center for Civic Communications (CGK)" in today's address on the occasion of the presentation of the award indicated that this award represents an incentive for further transparency and even easier access of citizens to information, which allows them to participate in the creation of policies, in making decisions, on which the quality of life still depends, for obtaining quality public services, for the way of spending their money, for demanding responsibility and accountability from the institutions.

- Speaking about the "Civil Communications Center (CGK)", I want to emphasize that this award has several meanings, of course, for us, but what is more important, for the whole society. Mostly because the right of access to information is affirmed, one of the basic human rights recognized in international charters, declarations and documents and of course in our Constitution. A right, which is a prerequisite and enables further fulfillment of many other human rights, said Filkov.

In the wake of Lila Milić, today the initiator of the initiative, Slavco Dimitrov, received the award on her behalf.

He, reading her address, emphasized that for the first time in the country a transgender person receives such a high recognition. This award, he said, is a message that justice, equality and inclusiveness are possible.

- This "Meto Jovanovski" award is not only a confirmation of my commitment, but also of the courage and perseverance of the entire transgender community. As a transgender person and activist with 16 years of experience, and the last nine years dedicated to the rights of transgender people, I do not see this struggle as just a collective one. It is also my personal struggle. I am proud that I could contribute to creating a space for dialogue, visibility and support, because I believe that every story brings change - Dimitrov quoted.

The prize is awarded every year on December 10, on the occasion of International Human Rights Day.