In June 2023, the Free Legal Aid Agency (FLAA), with support from USAID, launched an initiative to revolutionize legal aid in Kosovo. With the goal of boosting access to free legal aid, FLAA developed a new regulation that strengthened partnerships between FLAA and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
This marked a significant shift from the previously fragmented legal aid landscape in Kosovo. The initiative focused on increasing strategic collaboration and data sharing among various NGOs to synchronize efforts and ensure coverage. Furthermore, this partnership aimed to enhance the quality of legal aid services, reach more remote and marginalized communities, and support vulnerable groups, such as victims of sexual violence and ethnic minorities.
“This partnership goes beyond providing traditional legal aid; it’s about tailoring our services to meet the complex needs of the citizens we serve, ” says Fatmire Haliti from the Kosovo Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims (KRCT), one of the network’s new NGO partners.
One of the primary outcomes of this initiative has been the establishment of six new partnerships committed to people-centered justice principles. This collaboration, facilitated by USAID, paves the way for a future where legal aid is responsive and tailored to citizens’ needs. Moving forward, tools like a case management database and online application for legal aid will further improve efficiency and coordination among legal aid providers, and ensure effective support delivery to those in need.
Chemonics for USAIDKosovo