Just three months after the conclusion of the free legal aid project for internally displaced persons and returnees in Kosovo*, the continuation of this project, implemented by the Government of Serbia with the financial assistance of the European Union, was presented. This project has been providing legal support since 2008.

This project will focus on internally displaced persons and returnees according to the Readmission Agreement, ensuring that all of them will have access to free legal assistance. This includes obtaining documentation from their place of origin, where they often cannot go, drafting and submitting submissions, and representation before the court and other institutions in their place of origin.

Similar to previous programmes, this project will ensure the protection and realization of basic human rights, with an emphasis on the property rights of internally displaced persons and returnees according to the Readmission Agreement.

“Provision of legal aid for most vulnerable population is EU priority as well as protection and execution of the basic human rights, with emphasis on the property rights of internally displaced people and returnees under the Readmission Agreement” said Elvira Angulo Rodríguez, head of the first department of operations at the EU Delegation to Serbia.

She highlighted that the EU has invested 1.9 million euros in this project, as a continuation of the previous phases where the results were outstanding.

During the previous programme’s duration, more than 5,000 cases were resolved, and more than 6,000 beneficiaries were able to exercise their rights and enjoy their basic human rights, Angulo Rodríguez recalled.

“I am pleased that this project has continued without interruption. Thanks to the EU Delegation for recognising the problem and the importance of such a project. Together, we will strive to resolve more cases,” said Jelena Rajčević, head of the department for IPA projects at the Office for Kosovo and Metohija.

The Commissariat for Refugees and Migration of Serbia acts as the link between users and providers of free legal aid services.

“KIRS will endeavour to assist in the implementation of this project as much as possible,” said Dušica Popović, Deputy Commissioner of the Commissariat, at the conference.

The international consulting group NIRAS leads the consortium implementing this two-year project.

“Our focus will be on the end users – the most vulnerable among internally displaced persons and returnees who have the right to justice,” said Milan Simić from NIRAS.

Project team leader Radoš Dabetić ić presented the aid mechanism. Potential users can call the toll-free number 0800 108 208, and a meeting with the expert team will be arranged. Unlike previous programmes, all offices (Belgrade, Kraljevo, and Niš) will have mobile teams for those who cannot visit the office.

* This designation does not prejudge the status of Kosovo and is in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244/1999, as well as the opinion of the International Court of Justice regarding Kosovo’s declaration of independence.