Civil Rights Program - Kosovo (CRP/K)

🎓🔴 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

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

🚀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.