Back Equal justice for all: Strengthening joint institutional support for vulnerable communities in North Macedonia

Strumica 16-18 February 2026
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Equal justice for all: Strengthening joint institutional support for vulnerable communities in North Macedonia

Equal access to justice is a fundamental right that empowers individuals and strengthens societies - especially for the most vulnerable ones. The three-day training on the implementation of the Law on Free Legal Aid in cases involving vulnerable groups held in Strumica focused on the assistance of victims of domestic and gender-based violence, victims of crime and human trafficking, as well as legal aid in cases involving children. 40 representatives from the Regional Offices of the Ministry of Justice, the Centers for Social Work and the Ministry of Interior attended the training supported by the European Union and the Council of Europe and organised in close co-operation with the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth. Through practical sessions and referring to real life cases, participants were equipped with key knowledge and tools necessary to ensure effective access to free legal aid for vulnerable groups or individuals.

Discussions tackled concrete actions and interventions to enhance the effectiveness of relevant institutions in applying the Law on Free Legal Aid, particularly in complex and sensitive cases involving domestic and gender-based violence and children. The activity is also aimed at improving inter-institutional co-ordination and co-operation among key stakeholders.

 


 

A dedicated session addressed the specific challenges related to the implementation of the Law on Free Legal Aid in cases involving victims of crime and human trafficking. Participants examined the practical application of the relevant legal provisions through real case examples and discussed possible ways for improvements. Participants were also introduced to the work of the newly established State Commission on Compensation of Victims of Violent Crimes and the procedures for accessing compensation for victims of trafficking.

In addition, a separate working session was organised with Dajancho Eftimov - State Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, and the representatives of the Regional Offices of the Ministry of Justice. The discussions focused on ways to strengthen co-ordination and communication between the regional offices and the Ministry of Justice. Participants also discussed opportunities for establishing continuous professional training for staff to ensure consistent and high-quality service delivery.

This event was organised with the support of the action “Towards a consolidated and more efficient Free Legal Aid (FLA) system in North Macedonia”, part of the European Union and Council of Europe joint programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”.

 

Instrumenti Horizontal III

Programi i përbashkët i Bashkimit Evropian dhe Këshillit të Evropës “Instrumenti Horizontal për Ballkanin Perëndimor dhe Turqinë” (Instrumenti Horizontal III) është një iniciativë bashkëpunimi, që zgjat nga viti 2023 deri në vitin 2026. Programi mbulon projektet në Shqipëri, Bosnjë dhe Hercegovinë, Kosovë*, Mal të Zi, Maqedoninë e Veriut, Serbi dhe Turqi. Ai u mundëson përfituesve të përmbushin axhendat e tyre të reformave në fushat e të drejtave të njeriut, sundimit të ligjit dhe demokracisë dhe të jenë në përputhje me standardet evropiane, që është gjithashtu një prioritet për procesin e zgjerimit të BE-së.

Buxheti i këtij programi arrin në rreth 41 milionë euro (85% financuar nga BE, 15% nga KiE).

* Ky përkufizim është pa paragjykim ndaj qëndrimeve për statusin, dhe është në përputhje me Rezolutën e Këshillit të Sigurimit të Kombeve të Bashkuara 1244/1999 dhe Opinionin e GJND-së mbi shpalljen e pavarësisë së Kosovës.