STRENGTHENING AND MODERNIZING THE FORENSIC SERVICES IN KOSOVO

SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT

The Project “Strengthening and Modernizing the Forensic Services in Kosovo” brings together national and international experts in forensic medicine and toxicology, anthropology, archaeology and related disciplines.

Through this Project the Ministry of Justice aims to strengthen the forensic services at the Institute of Forensic Medicine (IFM) under its administration. The work concentrates on developing technical and human capacities, strengthening also the administrative structures of the IFM. The Project assists the Institute to become fully operational and apply European and international standards and best practices in its work.

Enhancement of institutional cooperation at the national level in addition to participation of the IFM in the EU forensic networks and forensic science community are important parts of the activities. Access to international data bases, eBook libraries and eJournals guarantees updated information of the rapid developments in forensic methods. Purchasing new equipment and instruments, including IT equipment for the staff, will improve the working conditions and diminish the occupational health and safety hazards in the future.

The implementation of a comprehensive Training Programme within the Project was initiated in June 2014. Training is mainly targeted to the IFM staff but is also open to other actors in forensic service system in Kosovo. The training has been well received by local experts. The Training Programme has been designed bearing in mind the future challenges when the tasks of EULEX will be handed over to the IFM.

Raising awareness on issues related to forensic medicine among all actors as well as among media and public is one of the goals of the Project. The high level conference ´Missing Persons – Way Forward´ held on 8^th September, 2015, brought together internationally acknowledged experts, having long and extensive experience of jurisprudence, human rights, forensic science and investigations in several countries.

The Project is managed by the EU Office in Kosovo and funded through the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA), by which the EU supports reforms in the enlargement countries with financial and technical help. The IPA funds build up the capacities of the countries throughout the accession process, resulting in progressive, positive developments in the region. This Project supports the general law enforcement and transparent juridical systems and continues the EU assistance to Kosovo in strengthening the institutional capacity in the rule of law sector.

PROJECT FACT SHEET