Strengthening Capacities for the Application of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and Strategic Litigation in Croatia and the EU
The Centre for Peace Studies, together with the Human Rights House Zagreb, Friends of the Earth Croatia, the Justice and Environment network, and the Office of the Ombudsperson of the Republic of Croatia, is implementing a two-year project „SURE - Strategies for Using Rights and Achieving Equality“ aimed at empowering legal professionals, institutions, and citizens to improve the application of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and to use strategic litigation to protect fundamental human rights.
The project is based on the principle that fundamental rights are real and effective only if people know, understand, and are able to exercise them. Therefore, its core activities focus on strengthening the capacities of those who defend rights, such as lawyers, civil society organizations, and institutions, while also informing and empowering citizens so that they are aware of their guaranteed rights and the mechanisms available to protect them.
Through a series of specialized trainings and educational programs, legal professionals and civil society organizations have the opportunity to develop skills for using EU law and the Charter in strategic litigation, both before national courts and the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). In this way, the project enhances capacities to respond effectively to rights violations and to foster societal change in areas such as the right to asylum, non-discrimination, environmental protection, freedom of expression, and the protection of political participation and civil society.
The project also includes the collection and analysis of data on discriminatory practices, which will serve as a foundation for strategic litigation and provide the necessary evidence for legal proceedings. This approach not only builds knowledge but also creates a tangible infrastructure for the protection of human rights.
At the same time, the project targets the general public. Through promotional activities, the production of educational videos, and social media campaigns, citizens will learn about the rights guaranteed by the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, as well as the legal remedies and protection mechanisms available to them.
With this project, we aim to contribute to the creation of a society where fundamental rights are not perceived merely as abstract principles but as real, accessible, and effective safeguards of the freedoms of every individual.
