Starting from today, the most vulnerable residents of Žitorađa will be eligible for free legal assistance in order to exercise their rights whether that includes procurement of documents or greater access to services within municipal competence. “Citizens Advisory Service“ Project which resulted from the cooperation of the local self-government and Centre for Roma Resources Development, will be realized in this Toplica municipality with financial support of the European Union and Government of Switzerland through The European Partnership with Municipalities Programme – EU PROGRES, during the following 12 months.
The project that is in line with the Strategy of the Republic of Serbia for Provision of Free Legal Aid is worth EUR 33,000. The municipality of Žitorađa took upon itself the obligation to provide the budget for the continuation of this service after the completion of the project.
“The most vulnerable groups, such as the Roma, persons with disabilities, rural population and illiterate persons were so far not able to adequately fulfill their requirements concerning the procurement of personal documents, social and health protection, judiciary or the police. The Advisory Service will provide them with good-quality and free of charge assistance by legal professionals and give these people the opportunity to feel like citizens of this country that have equal rights” said Mr. Vlada Vlajković from the Centre for Roma Resources Development.
“We are always happy to see the cooperation between the municipal administrations and civil society on the projects concerning service improvement. That confirms the sincere commitment to ensure better living conditions for the overall population, equal rights and good municipal service. We hope that the Service in Žitorađa will establish cooperation with the offices that already exist in Novi Pazar and Prokuplje and are supported by EU PROGRES and that exchange of experience will be beneficial for their work” said Predrag Cvetković, Coordinator of The European Partnership with Municipalities Programme – PROGRES.