Lawyers’ Committee for Human Rights – YUCOM organized a national conference "Establishing the System of Access to Information, Advice and Active Help" in the framework of the project "Triple A for Citizens: Access to information, Advice & Active help” funded by the European Commission. The conference dedicated to the identical issue was held at the same time in Sarajevo and Pristina. The aim of the conference was for the participants to identify possible policy solutions in the stated areas through presentation of experiences and challenges in the field of access to information, advice and active help, and through ensuing discussion.

Representatives of Law Centres Network (London) presented their experience regarding the system of providing free legal aid in the UK. YUCOM presented the results of research on support to citizens conducted in the territory of Serbia, in which local self-governments, non-governmental organizations and legal clinics participated.

Praxis Deputy Executive Director Jasmina Mikovic presented the state of providing free legal aid services within the non-governmental sector, but also explained some specific and urgent needs of citizens that Praxis has encountered so far in its work. With regard to provision of free legal aid, Ms Mikovic believes that representation in individual cases is not sufficient and that it is necessary to legally empower socially vulnerable communities (Roma, IDPs and refugees) and to strategically advocate in various ways in order to protect their interests. By presenting specific characteristics of free legal aid that Praxis provides, she acquainted the participants with Praxis strategic advocacy activities directed at resolving the problem of legally invisible persons in Serbia. Furthermore, she also presented strategic litigation cases in the area of exercise of right to be recognized as a person before the law and the right to adequate housing.

Download: Report from the national conference "Establishing the System of Access to Information, Advice and Active Help" (Serbian only)

Download: Presentation “Response to Specific Needs –Experience of Praxis“ (Serbian only)

Download: Agenda (Serbian only)