OSCE Mission trains Kosovo police in human-rights compliant riot control

A graduation ceremony for 35 police officers who attended a two-week training course on crowd and riot control, organized by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, concluded on 16 December 2011 in Vushtrri/Vučitrn.

The course aimed to improve the ability of the Kosovo police to respond to potential civil disturbances and demonstrations while complying with human rights. It also focused on negotiation and problem-solving techniques, contingency planning and public relations.

“This training is meant to enhance human rights compliance of relevant Kosovo police units dealing with crowd and riots situations. This training was requested by the Kosovo police and shows their commitment to strengthening the protection of the rights and freedoms of individuals and communities,” said Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Edward P. Joseph.

The five best performing training participants were identified as future trainers who can pass their human rights knowledge on to colleagues within the Kosovo police.

The course was built on existing police procedures complemented with expertise from the United Kingdom and EU and international best practices. The training also included case studies, planning exercises and exchange of experience.

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is mandated with human rights protection and promotion, democracy building and public safety sector development. It provides advanced police training and helps build training capacities in the public safety agencies.