Kosovo criminal justice system improved but more changes needed, OSCE Mission report says

PRISTINA, 31 March 2006 - The OSCE Mission in Kosovo today released a report on the implementation of recommendations the Mission has offered to Kosovo's legal and judicial institutions since 1999 to remedy shortcomings and ensure compliance with human rights standards.

"During this time-frame, we have seen real progress, however, much still remains to be done in order to have a modern criminal justice system in Kosovo, with respect for human rights," said Henry McGowen, Director of the Mission's Department of Human Rights and Rule of Law.

Part 1 of the report, "Reforms and residual concerns," illustrates the impact of OSCE recommendations and acknowledges the progress made over the last six years in establishing new institutions, conducting major legislative reforms and raising the standards of professional practice of judges and lawyers. It also highlights the positive results of the introduction of international judges and prosecutors to deal with sensitive inter-ethnic cases and organized crime.

The second part analyses the recommendations that have not been implemented satisfactorily, such as the creation of new institutions or the improvement of old ones, salary increases for local judges and prosecutors, and amendments to the laws.

"While a great number of our recommendations have been taken into account, many still have not, which demonstrates the need for all who work for justice in Kosovo to redouble their efforts in order to continue to build a better judicial system," added Henry McGowen.

"As many of the legal and judicial responsibilities are handed over from the United Nations Mission in Kosovo to the Kosovo Provisional Institutions of Self-Government, this report can serve as a reminder of what can be achieved to establish a functioning justice system which effectively serves all the people of Kosovo."

Copies of the report in English, Albanian and Serbian are available on the Mission website.