YEARS TOGETHER FOREWORD Over the last 25 years Kosovo has made remarkable strides through establishing democratic institutions, creating a pluralistic media landscape, developing accountable public safety bodies and putting a legal framework in place to protect the rights of non-majority communities.
This booklet to mark the 25thanniversary of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo chronicles powerfully, in images and words, the contributions which the Mission has made at every step of this extraordinary journey, staying true to the mandate it received from the OSCE's Permanent Council.
Building on these achievements, the OSCE Mission will continue to support the consolidation of Kosovo's democratic institutions, the implementation of its framework for protecting human and community rights, and the engagement of public safety bodies with all communities.
As we celebrate 25 years of the OSCE Mission, we would like to thank all our partners and friends in Kosovo, including current and former staff of the Mission itself, who have made this journey possible.
Ambassador Michael Davenport Head of OSCE Mission in Kosovo MILESTONES THROUGH THE YEARS 1999-2024 1 JULY 1999 The OSCE Permanent Council, at its 237th Plenary Meeting, adopted Decision no. 305 to establish the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, giving the Mission the leading role in matters relating to institution and democracy building and human rights. HIGHLIGHTS OF PERMANENT COUNCIL DECISION NO. 305 Following the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244, on 1 July 1999 the OSCE Permanent Council adopted Decision 305 setting up the OSCE Mission in Kosovo and tasking it with the lead role in matters relating to institution and democracy building and human rights.
In particular, the Decision set the following tasks for the newly established OSCE Mission in Kosovo: 1. Human resources capacity-building, including the training of a new Kosovo police service within a Kosovo Police School which it will establish and operate, the training of judicial personnel and the training of civil administrators at various levels, in co-operation, inter alia, with the Council of Europe; 2. Democratization and governance, including the development of a civil society, non- governmental organizations, political parties and local media; 3. Organization and supervision of elections; 4. Monitoring, protection and promotion of human rights, including, inter alia, the establishment of an Ombudsman institution, in co-operation, inter alia, with the UNHCR; “ The OSCE Mission in Kosovo will in its work be guided by the importance of bringing about mutual respect and reconciliation among all ethnic groups in Kosovo and of establishing a viable multi-ethnic society where the rights of
” each citizen are fully and equally respected. WHO WE ARE The Mission in Kosovo is an OSCE field operation headquartered in Prishtinë/Priština and maintains five regional offices located in Gjilan/Gnjilane, Mitrovicë/Mitrovica, Pejë/Peć, and Prizren, as well as in Prishtinë/Priština itself.
WHAT WE DO The OSCE Mission in Kosovo, currently the largest OSCE field operation, runs a wide array of activities in the fields of human rights, democratization and public safety. Over the years, the role of the OSCE Mission has been instrumental in establishing and supporting the functioning of democratic institutions and promoting civic participation in decision-making. The Mission focuses a major part of its work on the promotion and protection of human rights and the wellbeing of non- majority communities.
Maintaining an effective and democratic public safety sector is another continuing priority. The work of the Mission continues to evolve within the framework of its mandate, OSCE Permanent Council decision 305 (1999), and in cooperation with partners, beneficiaries and stakeholders. SUPPORTS ESTABLISHMENT OF THE JUSTICE SYSTEM The support included helping to establish the Joint Advisory Council on Provisional Judicial Appointments, court monitoring and facilitating the appointment of the first judges and prosecutors.
1999 ESTABLISHES THE KOSOVO POLICE SERVICE SCHOOL, NOW KOSOVO ACADEMY FOR PUBLIC SAFETY Developed and provided extensive training for police cadets. Today, Kosovo Police is a highly trusted, democratic and professional law enforcement agency serving all communities in Kosovo.
1999 ESTABLISHES RADIO TELEVISION OF KOSOVO (RTK) As a public broadcaster, RTK's objective is to ensure professional standards in the interest of the public.
1999 ESTABLISHES THE KOSOVO LAW CENTRE (KLC) The KLC is a non-governmental organization promoting democratic principles and the rule of law.
ESTABLISHES THE KOSOVO BAR ASSOCIATION The Association is a self-governing organisation advocating for equal representation for all under the rule of law and supporting legal reforms that benefit the public.
ESTABLISHES THE KOSOVO JUDICIAL INSTITUTE, NOW KOSOVO ACADEMY OF JUSTICE The Academy is an independent public institution providing training for judges and prosecutors, administrative staff and legal professionals.
2000 ESTABLISHES THE OMBUDSPERSON INSTITUTION The Ombudsperson Institution is a legal mechanism for the protection, monitoring and promotion of human rights and freedoms. It investigates human rights violations and issues decisions for improvements.
2000 ADMINISTERS THE FIRST DEMOCRATIC MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS IN KOSOVO
2000 ESTABLISHES THE CENTRAL ELECTION COMMISSION (CEC) The CEC is the body responsible for organization and implementation of elections in Kosovo. It was chaired by the OSCE Mission until 2008.
ESTABLISHES THE ELECTIONS COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS PANEL (ECAP) AND ITS SECRETARIAT ECAP is a permanent body that reviews and decides on complaints and appeals related to the electoral process.
2000 ADMINISTERS THE FIRST DEMOCRATIC ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS IN KOSOVO
2001 SUPPORTS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FIRST MUNICIPAL RETURN AND COMMUNITY RIGHTS MECHANISMS The Municipal Community Officer, Municipal Returns Officer, Municipal Working Groups and Task Forces on Returns support the return and reintegration of displaced persons.
2001 DAAN EVERTS (NETHERLANDS) HEAD OF MISSION 1999-2001 SUPPORTS THE LAUNCH OF DOKUFEST FESTIVAL DokuFest started as an initiative of a group of friends wanting to create a cultural event that would re-establish links between movie makers in the region. It has since grown into the Kosovo's largest documentary film festival that attracts international artists and audiences.
ADMINISTERS THE SECOND DEMOCRATIC MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS IN KOSOVO
2002 ©OSCE
ESTABLISHES THE KOSOVO MEDIA ASSOCIATION KOSMA is a network of Serbian-language radio stations, still functioning today.
ESTABLISHES THE CENTRAL ELECTION COMMISSION SECRETARIAT (CECS) As its operational arm, the Secretariat assists the CEC in its electoral duties, providing expert advice and recommendations.
2003 ORGANIZES AND SUPERVISES THE SECOND DEMOCRATIC ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS IN KOSOVO 2004 SUPPORTS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INDEPENDENT MEDIA COMMISSION (IMC) The IMC regulates the audio-visual media services and safeguards ethical reporting and freedom of expression in Kosovo. It also plays a crucial role in monitoring the compliance of media coverage during election campaigns.
SUPPORTS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PRESS COUNCIL OF KOSOVO (PCK) The PCK is a self-regulatory body for print and online news media and a defender of the rights of citizens and journalists. It promotes the Press Code of Kosovo, adherence to professional journalism ethics, and protects the public from false information and reporters from undue criticism.
ESTABLISHES THE KOSOVO MEDIA INSTITUTE (KMI) The KMI serves as a mid-career training centre to enhance the professional skills of journalists in Kosovo.
2005 SUPPORTS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE WOMEN’S CAUCUS IN THE ASSEMBLY OF KOSOVO The caucus helps to strengthen the voice and role of women inside the Kosovo Assembly and in general.
2005 PASCAL FIESCHI (FRANCE) HEAD OF MISSION 2002-2005 ESTABLISHES THE POLICE INSPECTORATE OF KOSOVO (PIK) The role of the PIK is to inspect police management areas and investigate potential criminal offences committed by Kosovo Police officers, regardless of rank or position.
STARTS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MUNICIPAL COMMUNITY SAFETY COUNCILS (MCSC) AND LOCAL PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEES (LPSC) These local public safety mechanisms bring together community representatives, the police, municipal administration, and the non- governmental sector to identify and address key local community problems.
2006 ORGANIZES AND SUPERVISES MUNICIPAL, MAYORAL AND KOSOVO ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS
2007 WERNER WNENDT (GERMANY) HEAD OF MISSION 2005-2007 SUPPORTS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL FOR COMMUNITIES (CCC) The CCC is a central level body for community participation in the Kosovo legislative and decision making processes. It serves as a forum for dialogue between government and minorities on relevant issues, enhancing inter-community cohesion.
2008 SUPPORTS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE YOUTH CAUCUS IN THE ASSEMBLY OF KOSOVO The Caucus serves to improve youth involvement in the decision-making processes and inclusion of youth interests within the legislation.
2008 TIM GULDIMANN (SWITZERLAND) HEAD OF MISSION 2007-2008 SUPPORTS KOSOVO GOVERNMENT STRATEGY FOR THE INTEGRATION OF ROMA, ASHKALI AND EGYPTIAN COMMUNITIES (2009 – 2015) The Mission supported the development and implementation of the first-ever Kosovo Government strategy for these communities. The strategy established institutional mechanisms to co-ordinate efforts and outlined actionable policies and activities to foster their integration.
2009 FACILITATES THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CAREER CENTRE AT THE PUBLIC UNIVERSITY IN MITROVICË/MITROVICA NORTH The centre aims to enhance employment prospects of Kosovo Serb graduates. graduates
PUBLISHES “A CATALOGUE OF REMEDIES AND ASSISTANCE FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS” The catalogue provides information on available remedies to safeguard fundamental rights, and serves as a practical reference tool for members of all communities.
2010 PUBLISHES “KOSOVO'S WAR CRIMES TRIALS: AN ASSESSMENT TEN YEARS ON (1999-2009)” The report provides a review and assessment on how war crimes cases have been addressed in the criminal justice system in Kosovo between 1999 and 2009.
2010 SUPPORTS THE KOSOVO FORENSIC AGENCY The Mission began its support to the Agency in 2011 and continued throughout the years. This has included training in forensic techniques, accreditation of its laboratories, and donating a significant amount of forensics hardware and software.
2011 LAUNCHES THE “FOLLOW US” INITIATIVE The initiative brought together prominent women from Prishtinë/Priština and Belgrade to promote dialogue and co-operation. Over 20 meetings were held under its auspices, which paved the way for future inter-community activities.
2012 SUPPORTS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OFFICE OF THE LANGUAGE COMMISSIONER The Language Commissioner, part of the Office of the Prime Minister, oversees the implementation of the Law on the Use of Languages and promotes multilingualism in Kosovo.
2012 FACILITATES THE FIRST COLLECTION OF BALLOTS IN THE SERBIAN PARLIAMENTARY AND PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS IN KOSOVO
2012 WERNER ALMHOFER (AUSTRIA) HEAD OF MISSION 2008-2012 FACILITATES KOSOVO MUNICIPAL AND MAYORAL ELECTIONS IN THE FOUR NORTHERN MUNICIPALITIES
2013 JOINS THE IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING COUNCIL The Council ensures proper implementation of the Law on Special Protective Zones, which safe- guards Serbian Orthodox churches and other heritage sites.
CONTRIBUTES TO THE FUNCTIONALIZATION OF THE COUNCIL FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE OF PRIZREN AND THE COUNCIL FOR VELIKA HOCA/HOÇË E MADHE The Councils provide protection to significant cultural centers, preventing the destruction of historic buildings.
2013 LAUNCHES THE SKOPJE PROCESS The Skopje Process is a platform for regional dialogue and co-operation on durable solutions for displaced persons from Kosovo. In subsequent years, the Mission facilitated the establishment of implementation mechanisms for the Skopje Process action points for durable solutions.
2014 LAUNCHES THE FIRST OSCE DIALOGUE ACADEMY FOR YOUNG WOMEN FROM PRISHTINË/PRISTINA AND BELGRADE As part of the “Follow Us” initiative, the OSCE helped to establish the flagship Dialogue Academy for young women (DA), an annual 10-day leadership development programme supporting positive societal change and advancing the Women and Youth Peace and Security agendas in the region. Upon completion of the Dialogue Academy, participants join its Alumnae Network, which now counts over 200 members.
2015 LAUNCHES THE CIVIL SOCIETY FORUM The Civil Society Forum is an annual platform for civil society representatives to tackle topical issues that the Kosovo civil society sector faces.
2016 JEAN-CLAUDE SCHLUMBERGER (FRANCE) HEAD OF MISSION 2012-2016 LAUNCHES THE MEDIA FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM The program brings young and emerging journalists from different communities together and pairs them with established journalists, who serve as their mentors. Each year, fellows attend seminars and visit media institutions, gaining first-hand experience in the functions of journalism.
2017 SUPPORTS CO-OPERATION AMONG JOURNALISTS' ASSOCIATIONS In 2018, the European Federation of Journalists adopted a resolution, jointly proposed by associations of journalists in Prishtinë/Priština and Belgrade, requesting that the cases of missing and murdered journalists from the 1998–2005 period are addressed. The OSCE Mission facilitated co-operation between the two associations with a focus on missing and murdered journalists.
2018 SUPPORTS AND ADVOCATES FOR REGULATION ON DISPLACED PERSONS Regulation 01/2018 is the first legislative document addressing displacement issues in Kosovo.
2018 FACILITATES INTER-AGENCY AGREEMENT ON HATE CRIMES The agreement between the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Kosovo Police, Prosecutor's Office, and Kosovo Judicial Council upgrades the system for treatment of hate crimes in Kosovo.
2018 LAUNCHES ITS FIRST YOUTH ACADEMY The Youth Academy is a platform for young women and men from different communities, linguistic and social backgrounds to raise awareness about human rights, active citizenship and civic responsibilities, build trust and dialogue among young people and promote diversity.
2019 LAUNCHES JOINT OSCE/EU INITIATIVE ON STRENGTHENING ELECTORAL PROCESSES All Kosovo Assembly caucuses signed a joint declaration through which they initiated a process of implementing EU election observation missions' recommendations.
2019 PUBLISHES THE “SURVEY ON WELL-BEING AND SAFETY OF WOMEN IN KOSOVO”
2019 PUBLISHES REPORT “PROPERTY RIGHTS MASS-CLAIM MECHANISM: KOSOVO EXPERIENCE” The report evaluates 20 years of functioning of property rights mass-claim mechanisms in Kosovo.
2020 PUBLISHES THE “GUIDEBOOK ON STANDARDS FOR DRAFTING CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLANS” The Guidebook contributes to the understanding of how a management plan functions, the principles that need to be taken into consideration during the drafting process, and an overview of instruments for drafting such a plan.
2020 JAN BRAATHU (NORWAY) HEAD OF MISSION 2016-2020 SUPPORTS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF BALKANISTICS STUDY PROGRAMME IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PRISHTINA The Balkanistics Study Programme prepares students to become professionals in linguistics and translation in the official languages in Kosovo and other Balkan languages, and in intercultural teaching of local languages in their future careers.
2021 PUBLISHES “THE INFORMATION GUIDE FOR PRACTITIONERS ON ACCESS TO PROPERTY RIGHTS IN KOSOVO” The Guide provides information on main concepts related to property rights. It explains the process of property registration step by step, and offers an updated directory of main stakeholders that can facilitate exercising one's property rights on the municipal level.
SUPPORTS KOSOVO POLICE DEVELOP FIRST GENDER EQUALITY AGENDA AND ACTION PLAN 2021-2023 The Gender Equality Agenda aims to improve the position and the career development of women at all levels and positions within Police.
2021 PUBLISHES THE “PROTECTION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE IN KOSOVO” REPORT The report provides insight into the policy, legal and administrative frameworks of cultural heritage protection, analyses close interconnectivity between heritage protection, security, infrastructure and spatial planning issues, and makes recommendations concerning specific features of heritage protection in Kosovo, such as the Special Protective Zones (SPZs) and the Implementation and Monitoring Council (IMC).
2022 SUPPORTS THE ASSEMBLY OF KOSOVO'S DEVELOPMENT OF NEW RULES OF PROCEDURE Following more than a decade of targeted technical support and advice from the Mission, along other actors, the Assembly of Kosovo adopted the updated Rules of Procedure in 2022.
ADVOCATES SUCCESSFULLY FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF AD HOC ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON IMPROVING AND STRENGTHENING THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR ELECTIONS
2022 SUPPORTS THE WORK OF THE AD HOC ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON ELECTORAL REFORM, CULMINATING IN ADOPTION OF A NEW LAW ON GENERAL ELECTIONS REFLECTING RECOMMENDATIONS FROM SUCCESSIVE INTERNATIONAL ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSIONS
2023 SUPPORTS THE ADOPTION OF STRATEGY FOR THE PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF THE RIGHTS OF COMMUNITIES AND THEIR MEMBERS 2023–2027
2023 BUILDS TRAINING POLYGON FOR KOSOVO POLICE K-9 UNIT As part of efforts to prevent proliferation of small arms, light weapons and explosives, the Mission supported the building of a new training polygon for the Kosovo Police Canine Unit (K-9) and donated specialized training equipment for the police.
2023 PUBLISHES REPORT “OVERVIEW OF LEARNING CENTRES IN KOSOVO AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTION 19/2018”
PUBLISHES “GUIDELINES FOR EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE OF MUNICIPAL COORDINATION MECHANISMS AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (MCMDV)” By 2024, the Mission supported the establishment or revitalization of 26 MCMDVs. In 2023, the Mission published the MCMDVs Guidelines, a practical tool for their members to be used in training and capacity building.
2023 PUBLISHES THE REPORT “THE MITROVICË/MITROVICA JUSTICE SYSTEM STATUS BEFORE AND AFTER THE MASS RESIGNATION OF KOSOVO SERB JUDGES, PROSECUTORS, AND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF” The report analyses publicly available statistical data and factual observations collected about the functioning of the Kosovo justice system institutions in the Mitrovicë/Mitrovica region before and after the mass resignation of Kosovo Serb judges, prosecutors, and administrative staff in November 2022.
2024 PUBLISHES THE “SCHOOL DROPOUT REPORT: BEHIND THE NUMBERS OF DROPOUTS FROM COMPULSORY EDUCATION IN THE KOSOVO SYSTEM 2020-2023”
DEVELOPS AN INTEGRATED SOFTWARE FOR THE CENTRAL ELECTION COMMISSION The software focuses on vote counting and results, while also incorporating additional features to enhance transparency, integrity, efficiency and accuracy throughout the electoral processes.
2024 MICHAEL DAVENPORT (UNITED KINGDOM) HEAD OF MISSION SINCE 2021 FACTS AND FIGURES PRODUCED OVER 280 REPORTS on criminal, civil and administrative justice in Kosovo, bilingual legislation, property rights, expropriations, cultural heritage, returns, communities access to education, shelters for victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, performance of the Assembly, independent institutions, budget processes in municipalities, freedom of media, community safety, and language compliance in Kosovo Police.
SUPPORTED AROUND 100 STRATEGIES AND ACTION PLANS on a wide range of topics, including against organized crime, violent extremism that may lead to terrorism, domestic violence, gender equality, integration of vulnerable communities, youth, local self-government, media digitalization, and conservation of cultural heritage of non- majority communities. FACILITATED OVER 45 CAMPS FOR YOUTH OF DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES on cultural heritage, journalism, inter-community relations, religious tolerance, community safety, basketball, and Para Olympic Games for persons with disabilities.
APPROXIMATELY 25,735 COURT CASES MONITORED for compliance with fair trial and human rights standards, involving around 37,311 hearings.
The Mission reviewed and provided comments to around
450 PIECES OF LEGISLATION Out of 37 MUNICIPAL COORDINATION MECHANISMS AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (MCMDV) covering 38 municipalities throughout Kosovo,
26 WERE ESTABLISHED OR REVITALIZED WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE OSCE MISSION Advocated for sustainable financial support to the
SHELTERS FOR VICTIMS/SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE THROUGHOUT KOSOVO through inter-municipal memoranda on financial support to the shelters.
SUPPORTED INTER-MUNICIPAL DECLARATIONS for Promotion of Inter-Community Dialogue and Co-operation were signed by 29 municipalities across five regions.
TRAINED MEMBERS OF 80 LOCAL PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEES (LPSCS), of 85 established to date. THE OSCE MISSION ORGANIZES NUMEROUS TRAINING SESSIONS, WORKSHOPS, CONFERENCES AND PUBLIC INFORMATION CAMPAIGNS AND PUBLISHES THEMATIC AWARENESS RAISING MATERIAL ON REGULAR BASIS. YEARS TOGETHER OSCE.ORG/KOSOVO @OSCEKOSOVO