The president of North Macedonia walked an 11-year-old girl with Down’s syndrome to school after hearing she was being bullied.

President Stevo Pendraovski held Embla Ademi’s hand as they walked to her school Edinstvo in the city of Gostivar.

He also talked with her parents about the challenges the family faces on a daily basis.

“The President said that the behaviour of those who endanger children’s rights is unacceptable, especially when it comes to children with atypical development,” the president’s office said in a press release.

“They should not only enjoy the rights they deserve, but also feel equal and welcome in the school desks and schoolyard. It is our obligation, as a state, but also as individuals, and the key element in this common mission is empathy.

“It will help children like Embla, but it will also help us learn from them how to sincerely rejoice, share and be in solidarity, the president added.”

It quoted Mr Pendraovski saying: “We are all equal in this society. I came here to give my support and to raise awareness that inclusion is a basic principle.”

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