The civil society sector, when it was most needed, set itself as a barrier to authoritarianism and was the key factor that fought for the democratization of the country, said Justice Minister Bojan Marichikj addressing the event on regional and domestic experiences ahead of amendments of the Law on Associations and Foundations.

He stressed the role of the Council for Cooperation and Development of the Civil Society Sector, as an advisory body to the government to promote cooperation, dialogue and encourage the development of the civil sector.

“During the past seven to eight months since I have assumed the position of Minister of Justice, civil society representatives have been actively involved in changes to any law. I’m glad that civil society organizations have been provided with grants – providers of primary free legal aid, because the protection of human rights is in the public interest and deserves institutional support,” Marichikj said.

According to the Minister of Justice, in order to further consistently respect the principle of partnership with the non-governmental sector, it is necessary for each ministry to build a participatory culture within its competencies, to include as many civil society organizations as possible in its work and to create incentives for greater involvement of civil society organizations in society.