Rural Free Legal Aid Centers operate in Chernihiv region

In Chernihiv district, rural Legal Information and Consultation Centers have been opened, operating on the basis of Krasnyanska and Kyinska village councils of Chernihiv district. The Legal Information and Consultation Centers operate within the framework of the Chernihiv Public Committee for the Protection of Human Rights project with the support of the initiative “Strengthening the Legal Capacities of the Poor” of the International Renaissance Foundation and with the assistance of Volodymyr Chaus, a deputy of the Chernihiv district council.

Lawyers of the Chernihiv Public Committee for the Protection of Human Rights work in these rural Centers, and computers, printers, and sets of legal literature have been provided to the village councils free of charge.

The main issues with which citizens address the Centers for Legal Information and Consultations are problems of pension provision and social protection, issues of land and lease relations, problems of assigning housing subsidies, issues related to the registration of inheritance, etc.

As part of the work of the Centers, both legal consultations and assistance in drafting procedural documents, representation of interests in courts in high-profile and strategic cases, and general legal educational activities are provided.

As noted by the Head of the Public Council under the Chernihiv District State Administration, Deputy of the Chernihiv District Council Volodymyr Chaus: “According to the Law of Ukraine “On Free Legal Aid”, local governments can establish specialized institutions for the provision of free primary legal aid at the expense of their local budgets. But, unfortunately, due to financial instability, local authorities currently do not have the opportunity to ensure the creation and financing of such institutions. It is in this situation that human rights NGOs come to the rescue, which, thanks to their experience and resources, are able to provide effective and high-quality free legal assistance to citizens, in particular rural residents.

Citizens who believe their rights have been violated or who have difficulties in exercising their rights can also apply for free legal assistance to the Chernihiv Public Committee for the Protection of Human Rights at the address: Chernihiv, 14000, Gorkogo St. 57; make an appointment by calling the hotline: (022) 612-532.