OSCE Mission to Skopje helps rural communities learn about their rights and police procedures

SKOPJE, 7 December 2005 - Raising public awareness on citizens' rights in police procedure was the aim of a series of workshops completed today in the Tetovo area.

The workshops, supported by the OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje and implemented by the non-governmental organization (NGO) ARKA, and the Centre for Democratic Development, took place in 10 remote villages.

"We are confident that this type of project will contribute to establishing the rule of law in the country and will increase public trust in the legal system," said Victor Ullom, Head of the Rule of Law Unit in the OSCE Mission.

Experienced local lawyers explained the role and responsibilities of the police in a democratic society, and the basics of citizens' rights and duties during police procedures to 30 participants at each of the workshops . They also informed participants about the types of state and non-governmental institutions, such as the Ombudsman offices and NGO-sponsored legal clinics, where citizens can receive legal aid.

Focus was placed on representatives of local government and informal local leaders--the 'opinion makers' of these communities--in order to increase trust and co-operation among the police, local government and citizens.

Participants said that they gained more respect for law enforcement bodies after learning of their own rights, including the rights to legal consultation and timely trials.

This project follows a pilot version that was conducted in the Lipkovo region, during which 10 workshops were also conducted in this former crisis area.