OSCE Mission trains Kosovo police on child protection

A two-week training course organized by the OSCE Mission on child protection and prevention of juvenile delinquency for 13 police officers concluded on 21 December 2012 at the Kosovo Academy for Public Safety in Vushtrri/Vučitrn.

The training focused on basic causes of juvenile delinquency and preventive measures, child- and youth-related violence and victimization, and investigation of criminal cases involving minors as victims, offenders, witnesses or information providers.

“Kosovo police officers had no previous specialized training on child protection or juvenile delinquency,” said Lieutenant Tahire Haxholli. “This training will help police to better protect the rights of children and will contribute to the ongoing establishment of regional units dealing specifically with child protection and juvenile delinquency.”

Training participants also gained insight in how to detect psychosocial violence against children, online abuse and sexual exploitation.

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is mandated with human rights protection and promotion, democratization and security and public safety sector development. It helps develop public safety strategies and provides advanced training for police and law enforcement agencies.