Primary legal aid provided by authorised legal clinics is crucial for guaranteeing that everyone has access to justice, in line with European standards. In a continued effort to strengthen their capacities to provide free legal aid, especially for the most vulnerable communities, 33 law students concluded the fourth cascade training on the “Provision of Free Legal Aid (FLA) in North Macedonia”. The capacity building sessions were 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 State University - Tetovo and South East European University in Tetovo .
The activity aimed to enhance students’ practical skills, equipping them with the essential knowledge and tools to effectively deliver free legal aid.
Professors Arta Mero and Njomza Selimi Osmani, Heads of the Legal Clinics in Tetovo, 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 separate session focused on legal aid for victims of gender-based and domestic violence, underscoring the importance of providing support to the most vulnerable in society.
Delivered in co-operation with the EU and Council of Europe action “Strengthening Anti-Trafficking Action in North Macedonia.” a separate session on legal aid for victims of crime and human trafficking sparked interesting discussions between the participants. Bojana Bozinovska Siljanovska, 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).
Throughout the event, 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.
The capacity building activity took place in two parts: the first on 23 March at the Legal Clinic of the State University in Tetovo, and the second on 29 April at the South East European University in Tetovo.
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