Dabetic: Free legal aid most needed in cases of illegal use of internally displaced persons' property

Rados Dabetic, the project leader focused on providing free legal aid to internally displaced persons from Kosovo, says that 5,600 cases have been resolved so far, with most people seeking help due to the illegal use of their property.

The project's goal is to inform people and provide direct assistance to IDPs in their places of origin, as well as to returnees under the readmission agreement.

Speaking to Kosovo Online, Dabetic emphasizes that the most common reason people seek assistance is the illegal use of their property.

"So far, we have helped successfully resolve over 5,600 cases. That means 5,600 cases, 5,600 people. If each of them has one or two children, that is 20,000 people. And we still have around 5,100 open cases that we need to resolve and address their problems," Dabetic said.

He stresses the importance of people calling the free phone number 0800 108 208, provided by Telekom Serbia, to receive the necessary information regarding their property.

The team consists of numerous experts, including lawyers and attorneys, located in Belgrade, Kraljevo, Nis, Gracanica, and Kosovska Mitrovica.

"They can inquire and receive all the necessary assistance, whether on the spot or, if their property is threatened by someone illegally acquiring or damaging it, we send our attorneys to court hearings in the places of origin. Whether it's Pec, Pristina, Podujevo, Djakovica, or Zvecan, wherever there is a court, we send our lawyers to represent them to reclaim their property, and all this is completely free," Dabetic explained.

He points out that people are often skeptical and discouraged, especially due to the passage of time, but he urges them not to give up.

"As I tell them, don't give up, because we have top-notch lawyers and legal experts, and we reach all their places of origin, whether it's Djakovica, Pristina, Pec, Podujevo, wherever. We provide free help, and the only thing that matters is that they contact us. Once they reach out, we schedule a meeting, and at that meeting, we don't just encourage them with talk but with real actions and by demonstrating our legal aid," Dabetic emphasized.

He adds that one way they help is by obtaining various types of documents.

"Whether it's from the land registry, birth records, property lists, or school diplomas – any document. If they're unsure about the status of their property, we can check the land registry to see what's happening, who the current owner is, or who is listed as the owner," he explained.

Dabetic also mentions that the project helps people claim 20% of the privatization of social enterprises for those who worked until the day of displacement.

"These are not small amounts. It could be two, three, five, ten, or fifteen thousand euros, depending on the strength of the company at the time. And this affects hundreds of people," Dabetic said.

The free legal aid project began in 2008, financed by the European Union in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Serbia through the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, with whom, as Dabetic noted, they have excellent cooperation.