PUBLIC RECEPTION ACTIVITIES

The seminar participants noted that the problem of free legal aid is acute in Ukraine. First of all, it affects the socially vulnerable segments of the population. If in a criminal case the state necessarily provides the accused with a defense attorney, then in civil cases the entire financial burden of paying for the lawyer’s services falls on the shoulders of the parties. Thus, the position of the one who has greater financial capabilities will be objectively more qualifiedly defended in court. In essence, this is a violation of one of the principles of legal proceedings enshrined in law – the principle of equality of parties. In order to facilitate citizens’ access to justice, a network of public reception centers and legal clinics has been rapidly developing in Ukraine in recent years.

The participants discussed a lot about the organization of clinics and receptions, shared their experience and learned the psychological principles of counseling. The second day of the seminar was devoted to amendments to the electoral legislation and the issue of legal assistance to citizens during the 2006 parliamentary elections.

The main result of the seminar was the understanding of the need to unite the efforts of receptions and clinics operating in Chernihiv, as well as constant contact with similar institutions throughout Ukraine in order to better protect the interests of citizens. This, in turn, should improve the human rights situation in the region.