The two-day event “South East Europe Legal Days ” was opened today in Belgrade. Through debate and trade fair, experts and lawyers from all over the region will have the opportunity to exchange experiences and knowledge in order to systematically improve the functioning of the rule of law.

Procedural rights and legal aid are two instruments of utmost importance for the European Union, notes the head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, Ambassador Sem Fabrizi, and adds that in the last decade many important decisions have been made.

“Five directives concerning the defense of procedural rights of suspects and accused in criminal proceedings have been adopted and this is a very important part of the legislation. Legal assistance is, of course, a key component in access to justice and it is important to adjust regulations in this area,” said Ambassador Fabrizi.

Preventing domestic violence is also an important topic and something that government institutions and the non-governmental sector work together, adds the head of the EU Delegation to Serbia.

“Unfortunately, domestic violence does not know the boundaries. What happens in Serbia happens everywhere. Joint and continuous work is needed,” the ambassador concludes.

Justice Minister Nela Kuburović invites all authorities to strictly enforce the Law on the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Citizens to Report Violence.

“Since the entry into force of this law, adopted in 2016 and implemented in 2017, the court reviewed 90,000 cases by May and 31,438 extensions of emergency measures were imposed,” the minister said.

He points out that Serbia is aware that the rule of law is a key EU area and that it is deeply committed to the reform process. The Law on Free Legal Aid has been adopted and by-laws related to its implementation are being prepared in order to make it easier for people of a weaker status to access justice, Minister Kuburović noted.

Swedish Ambassador Jan Lundin also emphasizes the importance of enacting the Law on Free Legal Aid. It is necessary to work towards creating an efficient and financially sustainable system in that area, says Ambassador Lundin.

The representative of the organizer, Director of Europe Civil Rights Defenders Goran Miletić says that the Days of South East Europe Rights is a unique regional gathering, bringing together all those who deal with the law, as well as institutions that apply legal standards.

“Lately, it happens that these institutions do not cooperate, that lawyers interpret other standards that differ, especially those provided by the European Convention on Human Rights,” Miletić noted.