It is essential for the Office for providing free legal aid of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton to become functional as soon as possible, given that the number of potential users is increasing daily due to the poor economic and social situation. This is the opinion of representatives from the legislative and executive branches in the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton at today's round table discussion titled "The Right to legal aid – Mostar."
At the Round table discussion, important issues were raised regarding the alignment of legal regulations, specifically the amendments to the existing Law. Most notably, representatives from the ministries agreed that the process of appointing the director of the Office can be completed in a short timeframe, and that this will soon be put into action. Additionally, it was highlighted that there are already four candidates for the position, and the next step lies with the Government of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, which needs to appoint the director. The Law enacted in 2013 stipulated that the right to free legal aid could be accessed by users of permanent financial assistance, children without parental care, victims of violence, individuals deprived of legal capacity, people with mental health issues, members of the veteran population, recipients of the lowest pension, unemployed individuals with refugee status, displaced persons, returnees, demobilized soldiers, people in poor economic conditions, and individuals in criminal proceedings without residence in the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton. According to unofficial information, more than 20% of the population in the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton requires free legal aid. However, amendments to this law are being prepared to expand the list of potential users.
It is a disappointing fact that the Office was opened in 2014, yet it has not become operational despite the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton government allocating funds for its operation in the annual budget. "We are pleased to have heard clear and unequivocal commitments from representatives of the legislative and executive branches at the round table that the Cantonal Office for providing free legal aid will start working as soon as possible. We believe that decision-makers have now become aware that the quality of life for all citizens depends on their actions, particularly in this case – for citizens who have had no one to turn to until now. Therefore, we hope that the relevant institutions of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton will finally expedite the process and appoint a director for the Office in the shortest possible time, as justice should be accessible to everyone equally, not just to a select few", stated Edisa Demić, coordinator of the initiative "The Right to legal aid – Mostar."
The functioning of the Office for providing free legal aid in the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton is crucial, as emphasized by representatives from various organizations and associations that work daily with marginalized individuals. Danijela Kegelj, president of the "Vedri osmijeh" Association, pointed out that while the Office was officially opened in 2014, it has never started operating. "I find it puzzling that we opened and closed the Office building in half an hour, why certain budget funds are allocated, and yet nothing moves from a standstill. Therefore, I appeal for humanity, as well as a legal obligation, to be accessible to everyone, especially those who lack the means to fight for their rights", stated Kegelj.
The conclusions presented at today's Round table will be submitted to the relevant institutions, which should ultimately contribute to the timely commencement of the Office's operations.
Support for the prompt start of the Office was provided by the Prime Minister of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, Marija Buhač, the Mayor of Mostar, as well as the mayors of Neum, Čitluk, and Stolac, along with numerous prominent figures from all sectors of society.
