31.05.2024. » 17:06 | ACDC

Meeting on the legal practice in Kosovo from the perspective of minority communities

North Mitrovica, May 28th, 2024 - As part of a project supported by UNMIK, the NGO Advocacy Center for Democratic Culture (ACDC) hosted a town hall meeting on May 28th at the CEC premises to discuss legal practice in Kosovo from the perspective of minority communities.

The panelists included lawyers Ms. Jovana Filipović, Mr. Ljubomir Pantović, and Mr. Dušan Radaković, Executive Director of ACDC.

The meeting aimed to discuss legal practice in Kosovo, focusing on the consequences of the departure of personnel from judicial institutions, challenges faced by non-majority community lawyers, and issues related to the Bar Exam.

Mr. Ljubomir Pantović discussed the detrimental effects of the departure of personnel from judicial institutions, emphasizing the urgent need to start the process of returning personnel to improve access to justice. Additionally, lawyer Pantović discussed challenges faced by non-majority community lawyers, including administrative and language barriers, as well as issues with the fairness of trials in cases with inter-ethnic aspects.

Ms. Jovana Filipović shared her experience with legal practice after the departure, highlighting long wait times for court proceedings and the lack of trials within a reasonable timeframe. She also explained Bar exam procedures from a minority community member's perspective, stressing the importance of preparatory courses to bridge the gap between the Serbian and Kosovo legal systems.

Dušan Radaković, Executive Director of ACDC, announced the upcoming presentation of research findings on the operation of the judiciary in northern Kosovo and the development of a Bar Exam Manual for candidates from non-majority communities in Kosovo.

The meeting provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by minority communities in the legal profession in Kosovo and highlighted the urgent need for systemic changes to support their inclusion.