Legal Aid Centre

Within the framework of the Legal Aid Centre project, the Foundation provides legal aid to victims of discrimination and violations of human rights at work or in the private sphere, and to witnesses of such violations (e.g. when the government or an employer is one of the parties). Legal advice concerning human rights is provided for also to trade unions and other legal entities.

Our aid includes legal advice, preparation of legal documents and representation in courts and other institutions. The Aid is provided by practising lawyers of EFHR and barristers from renowned law firms cooperating with EFHR.

EFHR neither provides help with the land return process to original owners nor settles conflicts between individuals.

We will provide free legal aid if:

you have been rejected for employment or made redundant because of discrimination (of sex, age, religion, national minority, race, etc.);
you have read or seen something (a comment, article, job offer, television programme, etc.) which offends you or others;
someone tries to limit your right to use your native language in public places;
your name or surname is registered in Lithuanian spelling and you want it to be registered in its original form;
you have an EU diploma which is not recognised in Lithuania;
you have been refused services or services provided for you have been of poor quality and you are certain that the reason is discrimination (of sex, age, religion, national minority, race, etc.);
state institutions neglect their duties or you receive no responses to queries/complaints;
right to privacy has been breached or your personal data are used illegally;
your rights have been breached as a result of changes in the educational system;
you were fined because of discrimination (e.g. for using your native language language);

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!!!

If you receive an official letter, check immediately:

who accepted the decision and when;
to whom the letter is addressed;
if the letter contains factual and legal justification;
its content;
whether there is a possibility to appeal and whether the appeal must be submitted within a particular time frame;
whether the letter contains a stamp and a signature of the official.

Before answering the letter, check:

to whom the letter has to be addressed (addressee indicated on the received envelope);
whether you included the case number;
whether you included the date of reception;
whether you enumerated reasons and arguments for your discontent with the received letter (which of your rights were breached or what was misinterpreted);
whether you indicated a legal basis for your appeal;
whether you included documents on the basis of which you make an appeal;
be sure to send your reply by registered mail or deliver it yourself together with a copy and ask for a stamp, date and the registration number.

REMEMBER!!!

Never give out original documents (only copies).
Do not exceed deadlines for appeals or contests.
Save original envelopes.
Remember: ignoring registered mail is not a solution. After the deadline has passed, the letter is considered to be received. This can entail serious legal consequences.
Never reveal your personal data other than name, surname, address and other contact details.
Remember that public institutions are obliged to answer your letter within 20 working days.

Contact us

If you are unsure whether your case can be resolved by EFHR, contact us. You will be advised how to act in a particular situation and where to search for help.