Rule of law

Maria Paschou, Chief of the OSCE Mission Law and Justice Section, presents the report ''The Right to Effective Representation in Criminal Proceedings and the Ex Officio Appointment System'', August 2022. (OSCE/Yllka Fetahaj) Photo details

To support the independence, impartiality and accountability of the justice system, the Mission monitors and reports on the work of the courts through a comprehensive trial and justice sector monitoring program. The program assesses whether the justice system performs in compliance with international human rights and rule of law standards. It engages in activities to improve the performance of the justice sector and to support non-judicial institutions in defending human rights.

The Mission places particular attention on the effective administration of justice in inter-ethnic cases, and those with a disproportionate impact on women or specific communities. Monitoring also focuses on key issues such as terrorism, international crimes and corruption including the responses of the prosecutorial and judicial authorities in these areas.

In addition, the Mission reviews legislation to highlight human rights and rule of law concerns, and helps institutions develop and implement legislation systematically.

To ensure full coverage of public safety and rule of law sector, the Mission also supports the operational and strategic capacities of the Kosovo Correctional Service and Kosovo Probation Service. Specifically, the Mission supports these agencies in developing regulations, such as internal structuring, promotion, as well as training on rehabilitation and re-socialization, de-radicalization linked to terrorism, and expertise and advice at the strategic level.

In addition, the Mission supports the efforts of local institutions to increase awareness of the judiciary to execute alternative measures and sentences.