USAID Justice Activity in Kosovo Quarterly Performance Report (Year Three)

The program is implemented by Chemonics International, with subcontractors Center for Court Innovation and Advocacy Training and Research Center. The program has three main objectives: Objective One focuses on improving the quality and accessibility of justice services, Objective Two aims to enhance citizen understanding and engagement with the justice system, and Objective Three seeks to develop effective innovations in the justice sector. To achieve these objectives, the program has identified several tasks, including assessing procedural justice practices, developing action plans, multiplying legal aid, and implementing quality assurance standards for civil society organizations. In the first quarter of Year Three, the program made significant progress in implementing its activities. The Procedural Justice Initiative was expanded to the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kosovo and the Court of Appeals, with the courts embracing the initiative and committing to adopting new approaches to improve their work. The initiative aims to increase the trust of court users through the improvement of court services, and an increase in transparency and efficiency. The program also conducted several community and citizen engagement activities, including holding practitioner forums on people-centered justice and establishing a virtual community of practice for Public Information Officers. Additionally, the program issued open justice grants and tailored public awareness efforts to engage media and communities. The program's monitoring and evaluation activities included conducting surveys on citizens' knowledge regarding available justice services and resources, as well as capturing impact through evaluation of the Manual of Legal Aid Practitioners for Civil, Family, and Property Legal Matters by its users. The program also collaborated with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Justice, civil society organizations, and the Kosovo Judicial Council, to ensure effective implementation of its activities. In the next quarter, the program plans to continue its activities, including conducting the annual justice technology competition and supporting a justice innovation network. The program will also focus on strengthening communication skills training for Free Legal Aid Agency legal officers and implementing the Free Legal Aid Agency communication strategy 2022-2025. Overall, the USAID Justice Activity in Kosovo is making significant progress in improving the quality and accessibility of justice services, enhancing citizen understanding and engagement with the justice system, and developing effective innovations in the justice sector. The program's activities are expected to have a positive impact on the justice sector in Kosovo and contribute to the country's overall development.