Legal clinics authorised to provide primary legal aid play a vital role in ensuring access to justice and upholding human rights in line with European standards. In a continued effort to strengthen their capacities to provide free legal aid for the most vulnerable communities, 13 law students participated in the third cascade training on the “Provision of Free Legal Aid (FLA) in North Macedonia”, which took place at the premises of the Legal Clinic for Criminal Law at the Faculty of Law “Iustinianus Primus” in Skopje.

Supported by the European Union and the Council of Europe, and organised in close co-operation with the Legal Clinic at the Faculty of Law in Skopje, the training enhanced students’ capacities by equipping them with practical knowledge and tools essential for delivering free legal aid.

Boban Misoski, Head of the Legal Clinic for Criminal Law in Skopje, and Oleg Soldatov, Head of the Council of Europe Programme Office in Skopje, welcomed the participants underscored the importance of preparing future legal professionals to actively contribute to the legal aid system in North Macedonia. They highlighted how legal clinics offer students real-world experience, enabling them to apply their academic knowledge while supporting individuals facing genuine legal challenges - a mutually enriching exchange that strengthens both learning and the delivery of justice.

A special session was devoted to legal aid for victims of crime and human trafficking and was delivered in co-operation with the EU and Council of Europe action “Strengthening Anti-Trafficking Action in North Macedonia.” Irena Zdravkova, Council of Europe consultant, presented the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings and its monitoring mechanism, GRETA (Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings). 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.

Several artworks created by participants in the drawing and essay competition “Let’s Bring Justice Closer to the Citizens”, organised by the Council of Europe Programme Office in Skopje, were donated to the Legal Clinic for Criminal Law at the Faculty of Law “Iustinianus Primus” in Skopje. These artworks convey clear and powerful messages, will serve as lasting symbols of equality, justice, and human rights at the clinic’s premises.

Throughout the training, students engaged in practical exercises and case studies, helping to bridge the gap between theory and practice. They explored key legal aid topics, including the distinction between primary and secondary legal aid, as well as the provision of support in cases involving domestic and gender-based violence and child-related cases.

This training session is organised with the support of the action “Towards a consolidated and more efficient Free Legal Aid (FLA) system in North Macedonia” which is part of the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye” in co-ordination with the Faculty of Law “Iustinianus Primus” in Skopje.