Prominent Lawyer Vlajic Lectures on Kosovo Legal System to Youth in the North

North Mitrovica, May 16, 2017 – On May 16, AKTIV led its second lecture on the legal system in Kosovo, with the aim of informing high school and university students in the Mitrovica region on the concepts of justice, rights, access to justice, accountability mechanisms and reform. The lecture was held by Nebojsa Vlajic, a prominent lawyer and a former law professor.

Forty students from high schools and universities from Mitrovica North, Zvecan, Zubin Potok and Leposavic attended the lecture. The lecture took place in the premises of the Civic Energy Center in Mitrovica North. The formal education and curriculum in Northern Kosovo does not provide any material on Kosovo’s legal system, therefore AKTIV believes that this lecture will be a valuable and a unique opportunity for students to learn about Kosovo’s legal framework. This project is primarily focused on protecting the fundamental rights and interests of young people by informing them about opportunities on how to exercise these rights within the existing legal justice system.

The lecture serves as a tool to increase knowledge of justice sector mechanisms among youth in order to motivate and empower them to be active, engaged citizens. Vlajic explained the importance of the rule of law and the functions of the justice system by interacting with students and giving tangible examples emphasizing that an independent and transparent judiciary is crucial for a democratic society to function. He also concentrated the lecture on the Kosovo Constitution as the highest legal document in the country, as well as the structure and jurisdiction of the Kosovo court system.

Vlajic’s lecture took on a conversational character, making it possible for students to feel comfortable sharing examples from their everyday life regarding the inadequate work of courts. Nevertheless, they expressed their hope for change taking into consideration that access to the Basic Court in Mitrovica is very limited. Although Vlajic clarified that positive reform is possible, he emphasized that youth engagement is a crucial ingredient to driving sustainable reform. AKTIV described the lecture as a “first step” for youth in the Mitrovica region to demand justice and their human rights. Aktiv has planned student exposure to other justice sector events to solidify youth engagement in their justice system.

Demand for Justice Program aims to empower citizens demand for justice in Kosovo. This program is implemented by NCSC and supported by the US Department of State/INL.