Skopje, 20 November 2025 (MIA) – Access to justice is the foundation of every democracy and the law is not a privilege, but a joint guarantee. Justice should be accessible to everyone at any time, because justice that is available only to those who can afford it is no justice. Free legal aid is no mercy, it’s a right and everyone should have access to law.

This was concluded at an event Thursday marking European Day of Justice and the 30th anniversary of North Macedonia joining the Council of Europe, organized by the Council of Europe’s Skopje office with support provided by the European Union.

Opening the event in a pre-recorded video, Council of Europe’s Deputy Secretary General Bjorn Berge said the 30-year cooperation with the Council of Europe demonstrates the commitment of the authorities to democracy, human rights and rule of law.

“I thank and congratulate all the governments since the declaration of independence, as well as the civil sector for implementing crucial programs on the protection of human rights and democracy,” said Berge.

Deputy Justice Minister Alen Dereban said access to justice is the foundation of every real democracy guaranteeing that no citizens will be left alone to face injustice.

The Justice Ministry, he said, is focused on three priorities, namely improving legislation and increasing legal aid; providing free legal aid for those who need it the most, strengthening of the capacities in the judiciary “because strong institutions create a strong state.”

North Macedonia has achieved a lot in the field of human rights, democracy and rule of law, said Ben Nupnau, Deputy Head of Mission of the EU Delegation in Skopje. “However, bringing justice closer to the citizens is a process that is improving constantly. The EU and the Council of Europe will continue to support further improvements and to help authorities in securing equal access to justice for all,” said Nupnau.

As part of the event, the winners of a drawing and essay competition for children and young adults, aimed at highlighting the importance of equal access to justice for all, were revealed. The competition, which ended on October 25, marked European Day of Justice and aimed at engaging young people to advocate for equal access to justice for all, promotion of human rights, equality and diversity, and the fight against hatred and intolerance.

The event was organized as part of the joint program of the European Union and the Council of Europe “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey”. It is an initiative for cooperation helping beneficiaries in the Western Balkans in fulfilling European standards.

Фото: МИА