After a period of intensive and dedicated work of all relevant stakeholders, the Kosovo* Correctional Services (KCS) finalized the Strategic Development Plan 2023-2027. The Council of Europe contributed to the process by conducting an in-depth expert analysis of the initial draft of the Plan, prepared by the KCS, for compliance with the Council of Europe standards. The expert recommendations were then discussed at a Working Group meeting which enabled the KCS to finalize the document. The Council of Europe has also supported the publication of 120 copies of this strategic document, which were officially handed over to the KCS director on 13 November 2023, marking the end of its development process. As a result, the KCS is now equipped with a Strategic Plan which will serve as a roadmap for the work of the KCS in the next few years.

In this manner, the Council of Europe continues to play a proactive role in assisting the Ministry of Justice of Kosovo* in its endeavor to create a more effective and humane corrections system, developed in line with the Council of Europe standards and best European practices, and at the same time continues its excellent cooperation with the KCS, as one of our most valuable strategic partners in Kosovo* in a number of issues, promoting the Council of Europe values and standards and ensuring adherence to the human rights of prisoners at the highest level.

The activity was implemented under the auspices of the Council of Europe Project “Improvement of the treatment of persons deprived of liberty”.

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* All references to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions, or population, in this text shall be understood in full compliance with United National Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.