OSCE Mission in Kosovo launches new tool for evaluating work of justice sector

In line with its mandate to promote the independence, impartiality and accountability of the justice system, on 8 October 2014, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo has launched Justice Monitor, a new bi-annual publication presenting qualitative performance indicators for first instance courts in Kosovo. It is the first time this kind of data relating to courts in Kosovo has been compiled.

The publication is designed to serve as a tool for policy-makers and those working in the justice sector in evaluating the compliance of the courts with international fair trial standards including the rights to access to justice and timely trial, protection for parties and witnesses who provide testimonies, and reasoned court decisions.

“Justice Monitor will help both local and international actors to improve the overall performance of the justice system in Kosovo,” said the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador Jean-Claude Schlumberger. “Justice Monitor provides data which will enable us all to more precisely identify thematic areas, regions and judicial departments where further assistance is need, be it in form of budgetary support, administrative reforms, or additional training.”

The first edition of the Justice Monitor covers the period from 1 January to 30 June 2014. During that period the OSCE monitored the work of 83 percent of judges in the Serious Crimes, General, Administrative, and Juvenile Departments, and 1,107 hearings in 763 cases across these departments.

The Justice Monitor will be issued twice a year. It will help track both progress and gaps in compliance. 

The publication is available online in English, Albanian and Serbian. The next edition, covering 1 July to 31 December 2014 is anticipated for release in February 2015.