The Advocacy Center for Democratic Culture (ACDC) is a civil society organization headquartered in North Mitrovica, founded in 2011. The organization began its work in the specific political, institutional, and social environment of northern Kosovo, aiming to contribute to the protection of human rights, the advancement of the rule of law, the development of a democratic culture, and the building of an open, tolerant, and peaceful society in Kosovo.
Throughout its work, ACDC has gradually built the profile of an organization that connects research and analytical work with public advocacy, cooperation with institutions, and direct work with citizens and local communities.
An open and inclusive society in Kosovo where everyone has equal rights, institutions are accountable to citizens, diversity is respected, and relations between communities are based on cooperation, understanding, and mutual respect, with a responsible attitude towards the environment.
ACDC works with citizens and institutions in Kosovo, with a special focus on northern Kosovo and non-majority communities, to improve the rule of law, active citizenship, inter-community dialogue and cooperation, social inclusion, and sustainable development through research, public advocacy, education, and local initiatives.
The organization's headquarters in North Mitrovica and long-term work determined that ACDC's special focus is on the needs of the Serb community, the functioning of institutions, the provision of public services, and access to justice. ACDC has actively monitored judicial reform, the implementation of laws, and the integration of judges and prosecutors into the Kosovo system.
An important part of the work concerns the relationship between citizens and the police. ACDC creates space for direct dialogue between citizens and security institutions regarding security issues and trust, building cooperation where possible, while maintaining readiness to point out inadequate treatment of citizens' rights.
Over the past fifteen years, ACDC has developed programs in the fields of human rights, anti-corruption, electoral processes, civic activism, inter-community cooperation, youth work, culture, and environmental protection. Through research, analysis, and recommendations, as well as field work, the organization bridges theory and practice.