Kosovo

During 2024, UNDP in Kosovo made substantial progress in strengthening the rule of law, justice and human rights. A major focus was on improving access to justice and language rights through digital transformation. In collaboration with the Kosovo Judicial Council (KJC), courts and the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), UNDP digitized approximately 43,000 civil cases and 100,000 minor offence decisions, significantly improving case management and accessibility. A modern archive facility was also established in the city of Gjakovë/Djakovica, enhancing long-term access to legal records.

UNDP also prioritized environmental justice, creating a platform for inter-community dialogue and social cohesion. Through workshops and tailored sessions in the northern municipalities, 86 community members, including 41 women, identified environmental recommendations addressing issues such as water pollution, illegal landfills and deforestation. These initiatives empowered communities to propose sustainable solutions, including eco-patrols, reforestation and improved environmental education. In partnership with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and civil society organizations, UNDP supported the Ombudsperson Institution in developing an Action Plan on Environmental Justice and trained its 20 staff members in environmental rights advocacy. A joint study with UNDP in Bosnia and Herzegovina highlighted the need for more effective enforcement of gender quotas in environmental decision-making, emphasizing the importance of inclusive governance.

In the area of security, UNDP advanced efforts to control small arms and light weapons (SALW), preventing firearm misuse including in domestic violence cases. A comprehensive training curriculum was finalized for police cadets and community policing officers, and a Train-the-Trainer programme equipped 12 police instructors (including two women) with expertise in addressing arms trafficking and intelligence-led policing. Over 500 officers and public safety committee members, including 33 women, received specialized training, while 350 border police officers, including six women, were trained in firearms trafficking detection. These efforts were bolstered by the provision of advanced equipment, including thermal cameras and dismantling tools, enhancing operational capacity at border points.

International cooperation played a key role in these advancements. Kosovo Forensic Agency experts participated in study visits to forensic centres in Austria and Croatia, gaining valuable experience in ballistic analysis. Joint training sessions with Albanian law enforcement facilitated knowledge exchange on weapons categorization and legal frameworks. Additionally, 72 secure weapon storage cabinets were distributed across police stations, reinforcing safe firearms management.

Public awareness campaigns were instrumental in promoting responsible behaviour and reducing firearm misuse. The Celebrate with Heart, Not Your Gun campaign used multimedia outreach to educate the public on the dangers of celebratory gunfire and pyrotechnics. The campaign’s creative elements, including a community mural, were well-received and contributed to a 40 percent increase in reporting of celebratory shootings by September 2024. During the same period, 182 cases were opened, marking a 28 percent increase from the previous year. Complementing these efforts, 993 illegal firearms were destroyed in a public ceremony, with the melted materials repurposed into manhole covers, symbolizing transformation and safety.

UNDP’s work also emphasized inclusion, particularly for persons with disabilities. In June 2024, a Braille Display device was provided to a blind legal professional at the Basic Court of Gjakovë/Djakovica. This assistive technology significantly improved his efficiency and accuracy in legal drafting, enhancing his contribution to the judiciary and setting a precedent for inclusive workplace practices.

1. References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).