PROJECT DESCRIPTION

 

The overall goal of the project is to support Kosovo institutions to more effectively fight torture and other inhuman and degrading treatment and contribute to improvement of rights and freedoms of persons deprived of liberty. Specifically, it aims at supporting the National Preventive Mechanism of the Ombudsperson Institution, judiciary and law students in strengthening their capacities and understanding of the European Convention on Human Rights and European (ECHR) and European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (ECPT). The project builds on results and achievements of the previous Council of Europe’s project Strengthening the National Preventive Mechanism in Kosovo* implemented in the period May 2017 – April 2019. This follow-up intervention is expected to:

Strengthen the capacities of the NPM staff in conducting monitoring visits and follow up visits to detention facilities and to contribute into improvement of their skills in reporting and communication

Increase co-operation and awareness among relevant stakeholders, particularly between NPM and relevant staff and management of detention facilities towards more effective fight against torture, leading to implementation of the NPM’s recommendations

Enhance capacities of judges and prosecutors to apply standards of the European Court of Human Rights related to prohibition of torture and other inhuman and degrading treatment

Enhance knowledge and understanding of law students concerning prohibition of torture and other inhuman and degrading treatment under Article 3 of the ECHR

The project foresees implementation of series of capacity building and awareness raising activities targeting different professionals in the referral system for prevention of torture and ill-treatment, but also those in charge with investigation of allegations and further prosecution and conviction of perpetrators. They include development and adjustment of relevant training material for NPM, judges and prosecutors, adaptation and dissemination of HELP courses with relevant professionals and law students, workshops on interinstitutional cooperation in prevention of torture and ill-treatment and effective addressing of NPM recommendations, peer-to-peer exchange activities in local, regional and international context and other. The main partners and beneficiaries of the project are Ombudsperson Institution, Judicial Council, Prosecutorial Council, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Law Faculties, Justice Academy, Ministry of Justice/ Correctional Service and Prison Health Department of the Ministry of Health.

Duration: 18 months (1 July 2020 – 31 December 2021)

Budget: 550 000 €

 

 

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

CONTACTS

Ljubisa BASCAREVIC

Senior Project Officer

[email protected]

+383 38 40 77 50 ext.107

 

Hana OBERTINCA

Project Assistant

[email protected]

+383 38 40 77 50 ext.109