CROATIA

Two independent theoretical courses on NGO Law have been introduced in Croatia, at the Faculty of Law in Rijeka and at the Faculty of Law in Zagreb.  Each is an elective course available in the final year of study.  Professor Sanja Baric has been teaching the NGO law course in Rijeka for the past three years; in Zagreb, Professor Ivan Sprajc has taught the NGO law course for the past two years.  Interest in the two courses has proved strong.  According to Professor Baric, more than 20% of students in Rijeka choose the NGO law course from among a possible 10 elective courses.

Professor Baric has developed a clinical component of the course at the Faculty of Law in Rijeka.  Students from Professor Baric’s course visit the NGO resource center in Rijeka (Ri-centar) on a weekly basis, where they are able, under the supervision of a lawyer, to provide pro bono advice to NGOs.  In cooperation with the Center for Peace Studies, Ivan Sprajc has recently initiated a similar initiative for his students at the Faculty of Law in Zagreb.

Both Professors Baric and Sprajc have prepared a compilation of materials for instruction in the theoretical course.  Included in these course materials are articles on international law and standards, domestic law, and papers written on the treatment of not-for-profit organizations in Croatia.

In addition, ICNL is working to develop two initiatives in Croatia.  First, we are discussing the possibility of integrating an NGO law course into the curricula of the school of Law in Osijek.  To develop interest in the possibility of an NGO course, ICNL may conduct a seminar on NGO law for students and NGO representatives in Osijek. Second, we will explore potential interest in an NGO law course at the University of Split.

Contact information:

Sanja Baric: sbaric@pravri.hr
(www.pravri.hr)

Ivan Sprajc: schpreiz@yahoo.com 
(www.pravo.hr)