Citizens' access to justice in Croatia is significantly limited by financial obstacles, both during the phase of getting legal advice and during actual legal proceedings. This brings into question the exercise of the fundamental principle of the rule of law — that of equality of all citizens before the law. Croatia's legal aid system should protect poor citizens, but although the quality regulatory framework exists, it is ultimately ineffective and unresponsive to the needs of those for whom it is intended, stated the Office of the Ombudswoman.