Lawyers providing secondary legal aid are crucial in ensuring access to justice and the effective protection of human rights in line with European standards. Supported by the European Union and the Council of Europe’s joint programme, “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye,” and in close cooperation with the Bar Association, the first cascade training for lawyers on “Provision of Free Legal Aid in North Macedonia” took place on 3 July 2024 at the Bar Association of North Macedonia.

During the session, 13 lawyers were equipped with relevant knowledge on free legal aid through practical exercises and case studies. This hands-on approach ensured that the participants could apply theoretical concepts to real-life scenarios effectively. The trained trainers demonstrated their newly acquired skills from the ToT program, working under the expert mentorship of local consultant Ms Bojana Netkova.

The training session was based on the curricula developed by Council of Europe consultants in 2023 and was delivered by two experienced trainers who had previously undergone an intensive Training of Trainers sessions held in January/February 2024 with the support of the Horizontal Facility programme.

By empowering lawyers with the necessary skills and knowledge, this initiative aims to create a more robust legal aid system, ensuring that all citizens in North Macedonia have access to justice and the protection of their human rights.

This training session is organised with the support of the EU and Council of Europe joint action “Towards a consolidated and more efficient Free Legal Aid (FLA) system in North Macedonia”, in co-operation with the North Macedonia Bar Association.