15.06.2024. » 17:06 | ACDC

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Conference on the State of the Judiciary in Northern Kosovo

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Pristina, June 14, 2024 - The Advocacy Center for Democratic Culture (ACDC) organized a conference on June 14th at the Sirius Hotel in Pristina to explore the current state of the judiciary in northern Kosovo.

Pristina, June 14, 2024 - The Advocacy Center for Democratic Culture (ACDC) organized a conference on June 14th at the Sirius Hotel in Pristina to explore the current state of the judiciary in northern Kosovo. The event included Mrs. Melihate Rama, Head of the Continuing Training Division at the Kosovo Academy of Justice, Mr. Valon Totaj, President of the Court of Appeal, and Mr. Dušan Radaković, Executive Director of the NGO ACDC, who discussed the challenges and developments following the withdrawal of Kosovo Serbs from all judicial institutions in the region.

Dušan Radaković, Executive Director of ACDC, opened the conference by presenting the findings of recent research on the functioning of the judiciary and legal professions in northern Kosovo. He provided a comprehensive summary of the status of the judiciary and legal practice, highlighting critical issues that have been overlooked. Radaković also offered several recommendations to address these challenges and improve the judiciary's effectiveness in the region.

Melihate Rama, from the Kosovo Academy of Justice, discussed the academy's role and its training programs. She emphasized the academy's independence and detailed the three training programs offered: Initial training for newly appointed judges and prosecutors, ongoing training for judges and prosecutors currently in office, and training for other state officials.

Rama highlighted that all training materials are prepared in both Albanian and Serbian.

"In all of the academy's trainings, non-majority community judges are always included. All materials are prepared in both languages, and each judge receives certification in both Albanian and Serbian," she said.

She also mentioned that the academy collaborates with various partners, including the American Embassy and the European Union Office, to ensure high-quality training facilitated by experienced judges and prosecutors.

Valon Totaj, President of the Court of Appeals, addressed the impact of the withdrawal of judicial staff from northern municipalities. He explained that the resignations have significantly complicated the functioning of institutions and the delivery of justice to citizens.

"We have made efforts to distribute cases throughout the entire territory of Kosovo, including the Court of Appeals. We have two translators, but they are insufficient; we are overloaded with cases. There is a trend of cases arising from collective contracts, and since these have not been resolved by the employer, they have all been directed to the judge, which has caused us difficulties," he emphasized.

The conference underscored the importance of continued efforts to enhance the judiciary in northern Kosovo despite the significant challenges.

The event was supported by UNMIK.

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