OSCE Mission in Kosovo hosts annual judicial conference
PRISHTINЁ/PRIŠTINA, 3 December 2011 – More than 250 judges are meeting today at the annual judicial conference to review the challenges the supreme and district courts face in administering justice and to advance strategies to overcome them. The conference is organized by the OSCE Mission, in co-operation with the Kosovo Judicial Council, the Supreme Court and Kosovo Judicial Institute.
"This groundbreaking conference for the first time brings together virtually all judges under the administration of the Kosovo Judicial Council. Kosovo’s judges will have the chance to provide crucial input into the judicial reform process, markedly advancing the strategy for implementation of the new legislative framework,” said the Acting Head of OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Edward Joseph.
"The implementation of this new framework should substantially contribute to judicial independence as it more clearly defines roles of different courts."
Following the process of vetting judges and prosecutors in October 2010, the judicial system in Kosovo is undergoing a complete restructuring as foreseen by the new legislative framework, most significantly the dissolution of the Minor Offences Court and the creation of Branch Courts. Part of the new legislation entered into force in January 2011, while the majority of provisions will enter into force in January 2013, bringing new and systemic improvements and challenges.
“The new legislation on courts will improve the performance of the judiciary as a whole. It will encourage an independent, impartial and efficient delivery of justice,” said the President of the Supreme Court, Fejzullah Hasani. “This will add to our goal to increase public trust in the judiciary.”
The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is mandated with human rights protection and promotion. It monitors courts and helps them overcome systematic shortcomings by providing advice and supporting continuous education of judges and prosecutors.
The Kosovo Judicial Council is expected to take lead in organizing future annual conferences.