Apostolova: Lack of translators risking judiciary in Kosovo

Despite achievements, Kosovo's judicial system continues to face many problems, such as the lack of translators and the lack of integration of minorities into the judiciary. So said EU Office chief in Kosovo Nataliya Apostolova at the round table “equal opportunities for non-most communities in the judiciary”.

It stated that Kosovo has achieved progress and consolidation in human rights. Apostolova said the judiciary in the north is another achievement, but stressed there are still some substantial shortages.

“has a lack of translators. The gap between languages is growing and this endangers the judicial sector and risks Kosovo having a monolingual judicial system. It is clear that while minority rights are well protected on paper, this is not yet implemented. The problem of integration of minorities into language is a problem. One issue politicians in Kosovo have to address is access to justice. My office stands ready to provide further support”, she said.

Italy's ambassador to Kosovo, Piero Cristoforo Sardi, said that creating equal opportunities for non-plenty communities in the judiciary is essential for a good judiciary. He also spoke of the purpose of this table, where he said that what has been accomplished is designed to develop further.

According to him, it is a special need and clear obligation for communities to remain engaged in the area of the judiciary. We hope that Italy, a negative advantage, will not be a reference to Kosovo or anyone else.

The implementation of the rule of law is the key to Kosovo's development, and then the functioning of the judiciary is linked to promoting the creation of a positive registry in the judiciary and opportunities for communities are key to achieving Kosovo's goals. There is responsibility in pursuing that purpose. The judicial system and rule of law are key and fundamental competent to EU standards, because they are the basis of European integration. If the EU seeks, on the other hand it contributes to reinforceing the judiciary through co-operation”, he said.

Justice Minister Abelard Tahiri said that since 2008, when there were functional courts in northern Kosovo, 2017 marks a new era for the justice system.

He cited some of the achievements that, according to him, were made in the direction of empowering rule of law in the Republic of Kosovo, as he said the package of judicial law allows flexibility of court branches even in small municipalities.

This has been one of the most important agreements that has been reached with Serbia in Brussels, even though there have been many challenges. We now have a better environment for Serbian citizens living in northern Kosovo. Community not majority has had a very important place in our package agenda. Already judges and prosecutors working in the north come from the Serb community that enables citizens easier and better access”, he said.