Democracy and Governance
Background
The Kosovo Assambly declared it’s independence on February 2008. Most of Kosovo institutions are still fragile and rule of law is one of the most serious issues facing Kosovo today. Judges and court personnel are held in low esteem, and the poor performance of judicial institutions undermines public trust and the willingness of potential domestic and foreign businesses to invest.
On a positive note, with the issue of status more fully resolved, citizen focus has begun to shift to the questions of government policies, practices and performance. NGOs have taken steps toward more proactive roles of advocacy and oversight, but are unable to effectively articulate and represent citizen views. Formal representative institutions embodied in the Central Assembly or municipal councils, do not yet address or respond to citizen interests. While they do not face government pressure, media outlets do not provide fully objective, unbiased or issue-oriented coverage.
Strengthening civil society groups to serve as advocates for citizens’ needs and better informed citizenry has been USAID’s long-lasting effort.
USAID programs have sought to address problems in all these realms, including rule of law, local governance, and civil society/media. Justice sector support is helping to strengthen judicial and legal institutions; improve the professionalism of judges, lawyers and prosecutors, and the performance of courts; and to enhance minority access to justice.
Decentralization activities have evolved from a targeted municipal capacity building program to supporting the legal and institutional framework for local governance; and a broader effort at improving municipal service delivery, revenue collection and public participation. USAID is also supporting the stand-up of six new/expanded Ahtisaari-mandated Kosovo Serb-majority municipalities.
The media program has shifted from a focus on the professionalism and commercial viability of Kosovo Albanian private broadcasters to supporting improved objectivity and coverage by minority broadcasters, and stronger media regulatory environment and institutions.
Current activities
Rule of Law
USAID, through its Rule of Law activities,
aims to strengthen the judicial and legal
system while simultaneously working
to increase the public’s trust.
... read more
Media and Civil Society
Strengthening civil society groups to serve
as advocates for citizens’ needs
and better informed citizenry has been
USAID’s long-lasting effort.
... read more
Governance
USAID is assisting the strengthening of a
transparent and accountable government that
engages its citizens in the decision making process.
... read more
Political and Legislative processes
As Kosovo’s governing institutions are still
fragile USAID has worked to achieve political
stability through developing democratic,
transparent governing bodies
that are responsive to citizen concerns.
... read more
