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OSCE promotes victim advocacy network in Kosovo
PRISTINA 6 December 2001
PRISTINA, 6 December 2001 - Initial steps have been taken to fill a gap in Kosovo's criminal justice system through the creation of a victim advocacy network that includes victim sensitive responses from both governmental and non-governmental actors. However, much work still needs to done to develop and co-ordinate services, resources, and a governmental response to fulfil the needs of victims.
Participants at the conference on victim advocacy, organized by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, recognized that providing support and services for victims of crime aims to improve the access to justice by victims while enhancing the overall effectiveness of the judicial system.
International experts presented a number of models and approaches of victim advocacy, which included legislative and policy reform and types of services that support the needs of victims. The sharing of experiences was meant to assist in the development of a response network tailored to the needs for victims of crime in Kosovo.
The issue of victim advocacy attempts to address the needs of victims, ensuring that they do not become re-traumatized through the criminal justice process. The participants - which included over 300 judges, prosecutors, police, women's legal aid and non-governmental organizations, and social workers - looked at advocacy for all victims of crime, with particular focus on efforts to assist those victims considered particularly vulnerable: victims of trafficking, sexual violence, children and victims with mental disabilities.
The United Nations Mission in Kosovo's Pillar I and the Department of Justice have expressed their support in the building of a functioning and effective Victim Advocacy and Assistance Unit whose response will be based on the need of victims in Kosovo.
One of the clear messages from the conference is the need for co-ordination between governmental actors and the creation of high-level commissions and taskforces, which include governmental and non-governmental agencies and organizations to develop policy, compensation mechanisms and further regulations for response, services and support to victims of crime.
As part of the awareness raising effort, the OSCE will compile a victim advocacy resource manual. This guide will be used as a basis for training advocates who specialize in victim support.
The OSCE Mission in Kosovo will also continue to build the capacity of local institutions and organizations to help develop the network of victim advocates. This creates a responsibility for the OSCE, but also for local institutions and organizations to address the needs and rights of victims of crimes and promote the rule of law in Kosovo.
Participants at the conference on victim advocacy, organized by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, recognized that providing support and services for victims of crime aims to improve the access to justice by victims while enhancing the overall effectiveness of the judicial system.
International experts presented a number of models and approaches of victim advocacy, which included legislative and policy reform and types of services that support the needs of victims. The sharing of experiences was meant to assist in the development of a response network tailored to the needs for victims of crime in Kosovo.
The issue of victim advocacy attempts to address the needs of victims, ensuring that they do not become re-traumatized through the criminal justice process. The participants - which included over 300 judges, prosecutors, police, women's legal aid and non-governmental organizations, and social workers - looked at advocacy for all victims of crime, with particular focus on efforts to assist those victims considered particularly vulnerable: victims of trafficking, sexual violence, children and victims with mental disabilities.
The United Nations Mission in Kosovo's Pillar I and the Department of Justice have expressed their support in the building of a functioning and effective Victim Advocacy and Assistance Unit whose response will be based on the need of victims in Kosovo.
One of the clear messages from the conference is the need for co-ordination between governmental actors and the creation of high-level commissions and taskforces, which include governmental and non-governmental agencies and organizations to develop policy, compensation mechanisms and further regulations for response, services and support to victims of crime.
As part of the awareness raising effort, the OSCE will compile a victim advocacy resource manual. This guide will be used as a basis for training advocates who specialize in victim support.
The OSCE Mission in Kosovo will also continue to build the capacity of local institutions and organizations to help develop the network of victim advocates. This creates a responsibility for the OSCE, but also for local institutions and organizations to address the needs and rights of victims of crimes and promote the rule of law in Kosovo.