Quarterly Report: Justice System Strengthening Program in Kosovo

The program, implemented by Millennium DPI Partners, focuses on three main objectives: strengthening the efficiency and effectiveness of the administration of justice and delivery of quality services by the Kosovo Judicial Council (KJC) and courts, enhancing the accountability and professionalism of justice system institutions and actors, and supporting the functioning and integration of judicial structures in the North of Kosovo. Component One of the program focuses on strengthening the administration of justice and delivery of services by the KJC and courts. During the reporting period, JSSP provided technical support to build capacity of the KJC, supported committees, and offered technical assistance for drafting regulations. Key achievements include the closure of over 2,750 backlog cases, the finalization of a report on backlog remedies and prevention strategies, and the institutionalization of improved regulatory development processes within the KJC. Additionally, JSSP developed additional operating procedures for use by KJC leadership, secured approval for changes to the regulation on the performance evaluation of judges, and continued work on a court personnel database. Component Two activities are designed to enhance the accountability and professionalism of justice system institutions and actors. Quarterly achievements include the conduct of regional ethics training sessions for 89 judges, the evaluation and proposal of improvements to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel's business processes, and the provision of guidance to the Ministry of Justice on the possible structure and substantive provisions of the law on the ODC. JSSP also began design work for a public integrity initiative, conducted training for court public information officers, and prepared a circular note reminding court presidents of their obligation to publish all final judgments on the KJC web portal. Component Three focuses on supporting the functioning and integration of judicial structures in the North of Kosovo. Key achievements include the launch of a pilot program for expanding the use of the Electronic Case Registry (ECR) system and the development of a position paper recommending that the current Secretariat staffing structure remain in place until a law on judicial administration is adopted. JSSP also assisted the KJC in convening meetings to obtain input from the Supreme, Appellate, and Basic Courts for their 2017 budget requests and secured KJC and Ministry of Justice support for drafting a new law on judicial personnel administration. The program has made significant progress in achieving its objectives, with key achievements including the closure of backlog cases, the institutionalization of improved regulatory development processes, and the launch of a pilot program for expanding the use of the ECR system. Additionally, JSSP has provided technical support to build capacity of the KJC, supported committees, and offered technical assistance for drafting regulations. The program's success is a testament to the commitment of the Kosovo government and the international community to strengthening the justice system in Kosovo.