Civil Rights Program - Kosovo (CRP/K)

05/06/2026

The Civil Rights Program Kosovo (CRP/K), with the support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Kosovo (UNHCR), and in collaboration with Agency for Free Legal Aid (AFLA), organized two training sessions in Prishtine/Pristina and Gjakovë/Ðakova regions for over 20 AFLA legal officers on Asylum and refugee protection.
The training provided an overview of Refugee Status Determination procedures including the use of country-of-origin information, assessment of credibility criteria followed by protection and procedural safeguards. Legal officers from AFLA had an opportunity to obtain practical knowledge in dealing with asylum claims by identifying key legal protection elements and credibility criteria toward granting a refugee status. They have been also familiarized how to access, initiate and represent an asylum seeker throughout the asylum procedure in Kosovo.
This activity within the European Commission-funded regional programme “EU Regional Support to Protection-Sensitive Migration Management Systems in the Western Balkans – Phase III” is implemented by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Kosovo Team Kosovo

14/05/2026

🎓🔴 Happening Now | Closing ceremony of the Legal Clinic “Asylum, Refugee and Statelessness”

The closing ceremony of the Legal Clinic “Asylum, Refugee and Statelessness” is taking place today at the Faculty of Law of the University “Kadri Zeka” in Gjilan/Gnjilane, bringing together students, academia, legal professionals, and partners to celebrate the successful completion of this unique learning journey. 🎉

Implemented through the collaboration of the UN Refugee Agency, Civil Rights Program Kosovo (CRP/K), and the University of Kadri Zeka, the clinic gave law students a meaningful opportunity to turn theory into practice, deepen their understanding of asylum, refugee protection, and statelessness, and take their first steps toward becoming compassionate professionals committed to protecting those most in need. 🤝

Today, UNHCR together with academia, students and partners, marks two key milestones, the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the 65th anniversary of the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. These are not only moments to reflect on the progress made, but also to reaffirm our shared commitment to upholding their principles.

📍 From interactive lectures with practitioners and institutional experts, to hands on simulations of asylum and statelessness determination procedures, and an insightful field visit, students didn’t just learn, they experienced.

🏁 The legal clinic strengthened their practical skills and helped shape the next generation of legal professionals in international protection.

Certificates are awarded to the students to recognize their dedication, active participation, and hard work. This milestone also celebrates the strong collaboration between University, UNHCR and CRP/K and reflects a shared commitment to supporting and inspiring the next generation of professionals devoted to protecting refugees and stateless persons in Kosovo.

The Legal Clinic is implemented with the support of the European Commission IPA III Regional Programme “EU Regional Support to Protection-Sensitive Migration Management Systems in the Western Balkans.” 🎓 Kosovo

09/05/2026

30/04/2026

📚 Learning by Doing – Legal Clinic Simulations
As part of the practical phase of the Legal Clinic programme, students actively engaged in simulation exercises on Refugee Status Determination (RSD) and Statelessness Status Determination procedures.
Through role-play scenarios, students assumed the roles of asylum officers, legal representatives, and applicants, allowing them to experience firsthand how international protection procedures are conducted in practice. 🧑‍⚖️👥
The simulations helped students strengthen key professional skills such as interviewing techniques, legal reasoning, credibility assessment, and decision-making in line with international protection standards. By applying theory to realistic case scenarios, students gained a deeper understanding of the safeguards and responsibilities involved in asylum and statelessness procedures. 🌍✨
The Legal Clinic is implemented with the support of the European Commission IPA III Regional Programme “EU Regional Support to Protection-Sensitive Migration Management Systems in the Western Balkans.”

29/04/2026

🚀 Experiencing the Asylum System in Practice
Following the theoretical lectures of the Legal Clinic programme, students of the Faculty of Law at Kadri Zeka University in Gjilan/Gnjilane continued their learning journey through a study visit to the Asylum Center in Magure.
Seventeen students participating in the Legal Clinic had the opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the functioning of the asylum system, exploring reception conditions, daily operations, and the support services provided to persons seeking international protection. 🏢👥
The visit allowed students to connect classroom knowledge with real institutional practice, offering a deeper understanding of how protection standards are applied in reality and how Asylum Center respond to the needs of asylum seekers.
🙏 A special thank you goes to Mr. Fitim Zariqi, Head of the Asylum Center, for making this visit possible and for enabling students to closely observe reception conditions and operational practices of the Centre.
👏 We also extend our sincere appreciation to the students of Kadri Zeka University for their strong interest, active engagement, and enthusiasm shown throughout this activity.
The Legal Clinic is implemented with the support of the European Commission IPA III Regional Programme “EU Regional Support to Protection-Sensitive Migration Management Systems in the Western Balkans.”

27/04/2026

Judicial Practice Meets Legal Education
In continuation of the lectures held within the Legal Clinic programme with students of the Faculty of Law at Kadri Zeka University in Gjilan, students had the opportunity to attend a lecture on international instruments and the EU acquis in the field of statelessness, including the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.
The lecture was delivered by Mr. Mentor Seferi, an legal professional in the field of statelessness.
Students also attended an inspiring lecture delivered by Ms. Delushe Halimi, Judge of the Supreme Court of Kosovo.
During the session, Judge Halimi shared practical insights into asylum procedures before judicial authorities, focusing on:
⚖️ initiation of asylum-related cases through administrative conflict proceedings,
⚖️ available legal remedies,
⚖️ the finality and legal effect of court decisions, and
⚖️ procedures for the ex*****on of judicial decisions.
The session encouraged active participation, enabling students to engage in discussions and clarify questions related to judicial procedures and court practice.
Through direct interaction with experienced practitioners, the Legal Clinic continues to bridge legal theory with real-life practice, strengthening students’ professional preparation in the field of migration and asylum law.

Kosovo

17/04/2026

🚀 Where Academic Insight Meets Legal Practice
Building on the series of expert lectures delivered within the Legal Clinic programme, students also benefited from academic sessions led by professors from the Law Faculty of the Public University “Kadri Zeka” in Gjilan, further strengthening the bridge between academic knowledge and professional practice.
As part of the ongoing activities, three additional thematic lectures were organized, focusing on national and international legal frameworks governing asylum and statelessness.
👩‍⚖️ Prof. Assoc. Dr. Fatmire Krasniqi delivered a lecture on the Legal and Institutional Framework related to the Asylum Procedure in Kosovo, providing students with a comprehensive overview of national legislation, institutional responsibilities, and procedural safeguards applied during asylum proceedings.
🌍 Prof. Dr. Dukagjin Leka presented the International Legal Framework of Refugee Protection and Human Rights, highlighting key international instruments, fundamental protection principles, and the interaction between refugee law and international human rights standards.
📘 Prof. Assoc. Dr. Selim Daku conducted a lecture addressing the Legal and Institutional Framework related to Statelessness Procedures in Kosovo, introducing students to the concept of statelessness, identification mechanisms, and protection measures available under national and international law.
These academic lectures complemented the practical expertise shared by practitioners and international organizations, enabling students to deepen their understanding of migration and international protection from both theoretical and applied perspectives.
Through continuous collaboration between CRP/K and the Law Faculty of the Public University “Kadri Zeka”, the Legal Clinic remains a dynamic platform where future legal professionals develop practical skills, critical thinking, and a strong commitment to human rights and international protection.
💡 Hands-on learning today, protecting rights tomorrow.
Kosovo Team

14/04/2026

🚀Strengthening Legal Education Through Practice
As part of the Legal Clinic programme, students continued to benefit from interactive and practice-oriented lectures delivered by experts working directly in the field of migration, asylum, and human rights.
During the week, two thematic lectures were organized, further enriching students’ understanding of international protection frameworks.
Mr. Memli Ymeri, the Executive Director of the CRP/K, delivered a lecture focusing on the EU acquis in the field of asylum, UNHCR Statute as well as the 1951 Geneva Convention and its 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. The session introduced students to the UNHCR mandate and provided practical explanations of how international refugee law is applied in practice.
In continuation of the programme, on 2 April 2025, students attended an interactive lecture delivered by Ms. Teuta Prekazi Haxhibeqiri from the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights / UNMIK. The session offered practical insights into transitional justice processes, relevant mechanisms, and the evolution of human rights standards, helping students bridge theoretical learning with real-world applications.
The Legal Clinic, including these lectures, is supported by the European Commission IPA III Regional Programme “EU Regional Support to Protection-Sensitive Migration Management Systems in the Western Balkans” and implemented in cooperation with European Union Agency for Asylum, Frontex, International Organization for Migration, the UN Kosovo Team, and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Through this initiative, CRP/K continues its commitment to empowering future legal professionals and strengthening cooperation with academic institutions and key partners in the field of migration and international protection.
💡 Hands-on learning today, protecting rights tomorrow.

08/04/2026

For Asylum Center - Magure
Under the European Commission’s -funded regional programme “EU Regional Support to Protection – Sensitive Migration Management Systems in the Western Balkans – Phase III”, the Civil Rights Program Kosovo (CRP/K), in cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Kosovo, continues to provide free legal assistance to asylum seekers throughout the asylum procedure.
Through these activities, individuals seeking international protection receive legal assistance and representation during the asylum procedure, enabling them to access protection mechanisms in accordance with national legislation and international standards.
Kosovo Team Kosovo

08/04/2026

The Civil Rights Program Kosovo (CRP/K), with the support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Kosovo (UNHCR), continues to provide immediate free legal counselling and information to new arrivals in Temporary Reception Centre for Migrants in Kosovo. Through its legal support, CRP/K ensures that individuals are informed about their rights and obligations within the asylum procedure in Kosovo, enabling them to access protection mechanisms in line with national legislation and international standards.
This activity within the European Commission-funded regional programme “EU Regional Support to Protection-Sensitive Migration Management Systems in the Western Balkans – Phase III” is implemented by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Kosovo Team Kosovo