The legal clinic on strategic litigation focusing on local and international standards on privacy and access to public documents took place on 29-30 March 2018 in Pristina. Around 13 young male and female lawyers participated in the training. The legal clinic was delivered by Council of Europe international expert and two certified local experts on freedom of expression.

Initially the trainers provided to participants an overview of what is strategic litigation, why it matters and how could they engage in such litigation. The lawyers had many questions on specific aspects of strategic litigation and showed interest to take such cases in the future. Considering that strategic litigation could be organised in various aspects of the right to freedom of expression, the trainers focused mainly on privacy and access to public documents. 

There was provided an overview of local legislation on privacy and access to public documents and how some problematic aspects of such legislation could be tackled through strategic litigation

Afterwards, the experts continued to elaborate the role of Ombudsperson and Data Protection Agency and encouraged lawyers to consider also these two institutions for strategic litigation. The decisions of both institutions were used as example how the right to freedom of expression has been balanced (or not) with the right to privacy. 

Last part of the legal clinic was delivered by the international expert. The session was focused on ECtHR standards and provided numerous cases of the Court. In addition, the expert used many international cases of international organisations which filed request to the ECtHR as part of strategic litigation. 

Lawyers showed a great interest in the case law and were active throughout the training with questions and comments.

This event was implemented with the financial assistance of the European Union and the Council of Europe. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union.