An efficient justice system is not only one of the main prerequisites for the creation of a favorable investment and business-oriented environment, but also a key assumption for the fight against crime and corruption, and a guarantee for basic human freedoms and rights, said Minister of Justice, Igor Filkov, at the opening of the 15th session of the National Convention of the EU in the Republic of North Macedonia. The main aspect of efficiency, according to the Minister, is the length of court proceedings.
"The parties before the courts expect their cases to be resolved by independent and professional judges, with the passing of judgments within a reasonable time. The length of the proceedings, unfortunately, even 25 years after the application of the European Convention on Human Rights by our country, is still one of the most frequent violations of human rights, generated by the courts themselves. So, instead of the courts protecting human rights, they violate them, which has been established by the numerous decisions of the European Court of Human Rights against our country, where the most frequent violations are established precisely for the right to a fair trial within a reasonable time, according to Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms," pointed out Filkov.
Referring to the Report on the progress of the Republic of North Macedonia, Minister Filkov said that there are various ways to solve the identified problems in terms of efficiency, such as: reforming or amending the procedural legislation, establishing deadlines and time frames for certain activities or phases of judicial procedures, modification of the judicial network and jurisdiction of the courts, creation of electronic procedures for certain types of cases.
"We will continue with the reform steps until the perception of the citizens changes, as well as the evaluations of the European Commission that in our country there is a completely reformed and independent justice system, placed on sound foundations. In the past three months, we had a lot to do, and at the same time, we analyzed where the weaknesses were. Based on the inconsistencies, scandals and controversial decisions that have taken place so far, unfortunately, we see almost every day where we need to intervene most urgently," said Filkov.
Reforms in the judiciary are taking place in accordance with the Development Sectoral Strategy for Justice for the period 2024-2028 with its Action Plan. In the coming period, a key priority is to reactivate the Council for Monitoring the Implementation of the Development Sectoral Strategy for Justice.
The Ministry of Justice will continue to work dedicatedly in the coming period to ensure all the prerequisites that are needed to increase the efficiency of court proceedings and the quality of justice.
