Publication: Raising Awareness and Improving Access to Justice: Lessons from Serbia
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2019-11
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2019-12-27
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The importance of ensuring access to justice is universally acknowledged as a global priority. A system that does not ensure effective access leaves citizens in situations where they are unable to exercise their fundamental rights and protect their best interests. The European Union (EU) places the rights to an effective remedy and to a fair trial at the heart of its member states' priorities. Access to justice is a prerequisite for states wishing to join the EU (EU 2012). Around 4 billion people worldwide live outside of the legal system, without enough knowledge about their rights and the legal tools available to protect them (OECD and OSF 2016). As a result, insecurity and lack of trust in the judiciary dissuade citizens from engaging in economic activities. Communities experience negative impacts, and the situation worsens for low economic status and socially excluded groups (UNDP 2005). Every state has an obligation to ensure access to justice in a way that protects and promotes the right to a fair trial and effective legal assistance. Better access to information is one way of improving access to justice for citizens. This Governance Note shares lessons learned from a technical assistance package implemented in partnership with stakeholders and the government of Serbia that could be applied in other countries.
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“Matic, Marina; Senderayi, Runyararo Gladys. 2019. Raising Awareness and Improving Access to Justice: Lessons from Serbia. Governance Notes;No. 19. © World Bank. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/33107 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”
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