This document summarizes an analysis of the prosecution of war crimes in Serbia between 2004 and 2013. It finds that achievements have been modest due to the lack of a national strategy and problems with victim and witness support/protection. The analysis contains 75 recommendations to improve the process. It assessed the work of prosecutors and courts, finding issues like insufficient resources, pursuit of less complex cases, and lack of charges against high-ranking officials or in politically sensitive matters.
The document is a report summarizing the monitoring of political and civil rights and freedoms in Ukraine from 2014-2018. Some key findings include:
- Legislative changes have been introduced to limit freedoms of speech, association, and assembly, including language quotas for Ukrainian on TV and radio, and bans on Russian media.
- Independent media and journalists expressing alternative views face pressure from regulators, law enforcement, and nationalist groups.
- Violations of rights and freedoms of minorities like journalists, religious groups, and opposition parties have occurred, with little accountability.
- Upcoming 2019 elections are an important time to increase attention on the situation of political rights and freedoms in Ukraine.
Policy brief “Almost There: The Carrots of Visa Liberalization as An Impetus ...Europe without barriers
Policy brief by Europe without barriers exploring why and how Germany can benefit by visa liberalization for Ukraine as well as how German NGOs and government can help in implementing Ukrainian reforms
This document summarizes GRETA's second evaluation of Slovakia's implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. It finds that while Slovakia has legislation and coordination mechanisms to combat trafficking, its institutional framework and identification of victims could be strengthened. GRETA evaluated Slovakia's efforts to prevent trafficking, protect victims, prosecute traffickers, and cooperate internationally. It concluded that Slovakia has made progress but needs to improve identification and assistance to all victims, including children and those exploited for labor. GRETA urged Slovakia to take further action to fully comply with the Convention.
This document summarizes the work and resolutions of the Parliamentary Assembly regarding countries under monitoring by the Council of Europe for fulfilling membership obligations from January to December 2019. It acknowledges positive developments in countries like judicial reforms in Albania but also expresses concerns about issues undermining democracy in countries like the political crisis in Albania and restrictions on freedom of expression in Turkey. It calls on countries to further implement reforms and urges Russia to reverse actions in Ukraine and Georgia in violation of obligations.
De EU is van plan om 'desinformatie' aan te pakken. Op hun bijeenkomst van 13 en 14 december 2018 riepen de EU-leiders op tot de snelle en gecoördineerde uitvoering van het gezamenlijk actieplan tegen desinformatie dat op 5 december 2018 door de Commissie en de hoge vertegenwoordiger werd gepresenteerd. De ministers bespraken welke onderdelen van het actieplan het dringendst zijn, hoe er samenhang kan worden aangebracht tussen de interne en de externe dimensies, en hoe het grote publiek bewuster kan worden gemaakt van desinformatie.
The Committee of Experts on Terrorism (CODEXTER) held its first meeting from October 27-30, 2003 in Strasbourg. It discussed implementation of Council of Europe counter-terrorism activities, including research on incitement of terrorism and protection of witnesses. CODEXTER welcomed progress on protecting witnesses and endorsed reports on special investigation techniques. It also discussed international cooperation on law enforcement related to terrorism and identity documents. CODEXTER agreed to consider drafting a comprehensive convention on terrorism and requested its terms of reference be extended through December 2004.
The monthly newsletter of the Centre of Policy and Legal Reform is devoted to the analysis of the state reform, in particular in the areas of parliamentarism and elections, constitutional and judicial reform, civil service, anti-corruption, etc.
The purpose of the publication is to raise the awareness among citizens and to strengthen their ability to influence the state authorities in order to accelerate democratic reforms and establish proper governance in Ukraine.
If you want to receive the monthly newsletter by mail, please send an e-mail to busol@pravo.org.ua (Yaryna Busol, communications manager of the CPLR).
Renewed policy brief focusing on visa liberalization as an impetus for domestic reform in Ukraine. Contains description and analyzes of reforms implemented due to visa waiver perspective, EwB recommendations on further cooperation between Ukrainian and German governments as well as NGOs
The document is a report summarizing the monitoring of political and civil rights and freedoms in Ukraine from 2014-2018. Some key findings include:
- Legislative changes have been introduced to limit freedoms of speech, association, and assembly, including language quotas for Ukrainian on TV and radio, and bans on Russian media.
- Independent media and journalists expressing alternative views face pressure from regulators, law enforcement, and nationalist groups.
- Violations of rights and freedoms of minorities like journalists, religious groups, and opposition parties have occurred, with little accountability.
- Upcoming 2019 elections are an important time to increase attention on the situation of political rights and freedoms in Ukraine.
Policy brief “Almost There: The Carrots of Visa Liberalization as An Impetus ...Europe without barriers
Policy brief by Europe without barriers exploring why and how Germany can benefit by visa liberalization for Ukraine as well as how German NGOs and government can help in implementing Ukrainian reforms
This document summarizes GRETA's second evaluation of Slovakia's implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. It finds that while Slovakia has legislation and coordination mechanisms to combat trafficking, its institutional framework and identification of victims could be strengthened. GRETA evaluated Slovakia's efforts to prevent trafficking, protect victims, prosecute traffickers, and cooperate internationally. It concluded that Slovakia has made progress but needs to improve identification and assistance to all victims, including children and those exploited for labor. GRETA urged Slovakia to take further action to fully comply with the Convention.
This document summarizes the work and resolutions of the Parliamentary Assembly regarding countries under monitoring by the Council of Europe for fulfilling membership obligations from January to December 2019. It acknowledges positive developments in countries like judicial reforms in Albania but also expresses concerns about issues undermining democracy in countries like the political crisis in Albania and restrictions on freedom of expression in Turkey. It calls on countries to further implement reforms and urges Russia to reverse actions in Ukraine and Georgia in violation of obligations.
De EU is van plan om 'desinformatie' aan te pakken. Op hun bijeenkomst van 13 en 14 december 2018 riepen de EU-leiders op tot de snelle en gecoördineerde uitvoering van het gezamenlijk actieplan tegen desinformatie dat op 5 december 2018 door de Commissie en de hoge vertegenwoordiger werd gepresenteerd. De ministers bespraken welke onderdelen van het actieplan het dringendst zijn, hoe er samenhang kan worden aangebracht tussen de interne en de externe dimensies, en hoe het grote publiek bewuster kan worden gemaakt van desinformatie.
The Committee of Experts on Terrorism (CODEXTER) held its first meeting from October 27-30, 2003 in Strasbourg. It discussed implementation of Council of Europe counter-terrorism activities, including research on incitement of terrorism and protection of witnesses. CODEXTER welcomed progress on protecting witnesses and endorsed reports on special investigation techniques. It also discussed international cooperation on law enforcement related to terrorism and identity documents. CODEXTER agreed to consider drafting a comprehensive convention on terrorism and requested its terms of reference be extended through December 2004.
The monthly newsletter of the Centre of Policy and Legal Reform is devoted to the analysis of the state reform, in particular in the areas of parliamentarism and elections, constitutional and judicial reform, civil service, anti-corruption, etc.
The purpose of the publication is to raise the awareness among citizens and to strengthen their ability to influence the state authorities in order to accelerate democratic reforms and establish proper governance in Ukraine.
If you want to receive the monthly newsletter by mail, please send an e-mail to busol@pravo.org.ua (Yaryna Busol, communications manager of the CPLR).
Renewed policy brief focusing on visa liberalization as an impetus for domestic reform in Ukraine. Contains description and analyzes of reforms implemented due to visa waiver perspective, EwB recommendations on further cooperation between Ukrainian and German governments as well as NGOs
The report summarizes the monitoring of Ukraine's 2019 presidential election conducted between December 2018 and February 2019. It finds that while the legal framework is sufficient, further efforts are needed to ensure stable and unified election laws. Some new laws have been passed that could negatively impact the vote, such as restricting international election observers from Russia. The candidate registration process complied with the law, but some candidates may be "technical" in nature. Violations have been observed during campaigning. The use of state resources by the incumbent president is a concern. Ensuring free and fair elections will require continued monitoring and addressing issues around voter and candidate rights.
Homophobia, transphobia and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation a...Iim Ibrahim
This report from the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights updates a previous comparative legal analysis of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in EU member states. It finds that while some countries have strengthened legal protections for LGBT rights, in other countries little has changed or there have been setbacks. The report examines issues related to legal gender recognition, employment non-discrimination, and freedom of expression and assembly for LGBT people. It concludes that further improvements are still needed in legislation across Europe to combat LGBT discrimination.
Joint Comments of FPRI and EESRI Foundation to the Questionnaire on Perceptions of the OSCE and Proposals for the Future Work of the OSCE Network of Think Tanks and Academic Institutions. Presented by Mr. Oleksandr Tytarchuk, Member of the EESRI Foundation Board, during the Second OSCE Network’s Meeting held in Hamburg on February 24, 2016.
Digest is dedicated to the process of reform of law enforcement authorities in Ukraine, first of all of police,
prosecution authorities, State Bureau of Investigation and criminal justice legislation. It is published
with the aim to better inform the society, expert community and international institutions on the state of
reforming mentioned authorities and spheres of their activity.
The EU Council expressed grave concern over China's national security law imposed on Hong Kong. The law undermines China's commitments to granting Hong Kong autonomy and erodes rights and freedoms. As a response, the EU agreed to a coordinated package including considering implications for asylum, limiting exports of sensitive equipment, supporting civil society, and not launching new negotiations with Hong Kong for now. The EU will closely monitor the situation and implementation of the law.
This document is a motion for a European Parliament resolution on implementing the EU Association Agreement with Ukraine. It notes that Ukraine has made progress in implementing reforms related to the agreement, but that more work remains, particularly in the areas of rule of law, governance, and anti-corruption. It acknowledges Ukraine's European aspirations but also expresses concerns about recent electoral laws and the pace of legislative reforms. It calls on Ukraine to fully respect human rights and international obligations.
Audit of reforms. Assessment report on changes in regions after visa liberali...Europe without barriers
“Audit of reforms” is the first complex assessment of implementing on the local level in Ukraine the tasks which were set by the EU during visa liberalization dialogue.
Four fields of reforms were explored in 6 regions:
1. Document security
2. Border management
3. Migration&asylum management
4. Countering discrimination
Negocjacje tzw. Brexitu, czyli wyjścia Wielkiej Brytanii z Unii Europejskiej były nie tylko
jednym z największych wyzwań stojących przed Unią Europejską w 2017 roku. Dla unijnych
instytucji – Rady, Komisji Europejskiej i Parlamentu Europejskiego – okazały się też być kolejną odsłoną gry o pozycję w porządku instytucjonalnym Unii Europejskiej. Wszystkie trzy
instytucje aktywnie w tej grze uczestniczyły, jednak to zaangażowanie Parlamentu Europejskiego było najbardziej zauważalne. Niniejszy artykuł analizuje starania PE by wykorzystać
uruchomienie procedury z art. 50 Traktatu Unii Europejskiej do wzmocnienia swojej pozycji politycznej, poprzez celowo sformułowaną komunikację. Autor chce wykazać, że działania Parlamentu wpisały się tym samym w model konstruktywistyczny. Aktywność Parlamentu
Europejskiego jest poddana analizie także w świetle teorii instytucjonalizmu historycznego,
pozwalającej wyjaśnić motywy specyficznego zachowania PE: regularnie powtarzanych prób
zwiększenia władzy.
Jako że w chwili pisania niniejszego artykułu proces negocjacji „Brexitu” nie był jeszcze
zakończony, autor sugeruje konieczność przeprowadzenia dalszych badań dynamiki międzyinstytucjonalnej. Zebrane do tej pory dowody zdecydowanie sugerują, że proces wychodzenia
Wielkiej Brytanii z Unii Europejskiej może trwale wpłynąć na relację sił między głównymi
instytucjami UE.
Analytical report «A lost vote. Is this a lifetime silence?»DonbassFullAccess
The document analyzes violations of electoral rights that occurred during elections in liberated territories of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts in Ukraine. It describes violations during the 2014 extraordinary presidential and parliamentary elections, as well as the 2015 local elections, including obstacles to voting, violence against election officials, and criminal interference. The document highlights issues preventing internally displaced persons from exercising their right to vote and proposes solutions like allowing IDPs to change their voting address without changing their official place of residence, to integrate them into their new communities while preserving electoral rights.
The aim of the article is to analyze the role of the European Council in
negotiations related to the planned withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. European Union law defines the key role of the European Council in
these negotiations. It is this institution that is responsible for shaping the principles
and guidelines on the basis of which the negotiations are being conducted. It is no less
important to regulate the future relations of the UK with the EU after the British leave
the European Union. The role of the European Council will be crucial there as well.
The Committee of Voters of Ukraine (CVU) is a non-governmental organization that promotes human rights and direct democracy in Ukraine. In 2015, CVU observed elections, trained election officials and observers, monitored authorities, promoted electoral reforms, and protected citizens' rights. Key activities included observing local elections in October and November 2015 with over 4,600 observers, monitoring campaign finance, and developing recommendations to improve election legislation. CVU also monitored decentralization reforms and the implementation of anti-corruption measures. Internationally, CVU representatives observed elections abroad and participated in conferences to exchange experiences with other organizations.
The document summarizes Moldova's political system. It describes Moldova as a parliamentary representative democratic republic led by a Prime Minister. Legislative power is shared by the government and parliament, while the judiciary is independent. Key issues include relations with Transnistria and Romania and EU entry. The 101-seat unicameral parliament is elected every 4 years and appoints the President. The Prime Minister leads the government and requires parliamentary approval. Current political parties in parliament are also outlined.
Concluding observations on the third periodic report of the republic of moldovaincluziune
The Committee considered the third periodic report of the Republic of Moldova (CCPR/C/MDA/3) at its 3309th and 3311th meetings (see CCPR/C/SR.3309 and 3311), held on 18 and 19 October 2016. At its 3329th meeting, held on 31 October 2016, it adopted the present concluding observations.
The annual report summarizes the work of the Committee of Voters of Ukraine (CVU), an NGO that promotes democracy and human rights in Ukraine, in 2018. Key activities included educational programs that engaged thousands of citizens, election observers, and officials. CVU also conducted public discussions and research on important issues like judicial and political reforms. Through partnerships with other organizations, CVU worked to increase civic participation, transparency, and accountability in the Ukrainian government. Looking ahead, CVU aims to continue its efforts to strengthen democracy through citizen education, policy work, and public oversight.
The document provides information about the All-Ukrainian non-governmental organization «Committee of voters of Ukraine» (CVU). It includes details about CVU's leadership, staffing, and offices. The organization's activities in 2016 are summarized, including projects on fighting political corruption, monitoring local elections in united territorial communities, and analyzing politicians' statements. The last section describes CVU's observation of elections in united territorial communities on December 18, 2016. Attached reports on this and other projects are requested. Financial reports including an audit are also requested to be attached.
CVU is a registered non-governmental organization in Ukraine with over 125 branches. In 2017, CVU monitored transparency in state support for political parties and held events on party reform and judicial reform. CVU also conducted a voter awareness campaign and observed local elections in newly amalgamated communities, deploying 350 observers. Key donors included NDI, Konrad Adenauer Foundation, USAID, and the Council of Europe. CVU's turnover was $78,443 USD in 2017, $82,524 USD in 2016, and $329,461 USD in 2015. Attached reports include CVU's final analytical report on monitoring state support for parties, press releases on events, and an election observation report.
The recommendations for removing restrictions on freedom of association and assembly for political parties in Ukraine for ensure political pluralism and the principle of competition in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections
This document provides an overview of key concepts and standards for monitoring administrative justice. It discusses why monitoring administrative justice is important to ensure accountability and adherence to fair trial standards. Administrative acts have a major impact on people's lives and rights, so it is essential that individuals can challenge these acts in court. International human rights law and OSCE commitments guarantee the right to a fair trial in administrative proceedings. This handbook aims to support monitoring of administrative justice systems to help strengthen the rule of law.
This white paper identifies five key areas where the Council of Europe could improve efforts to combat transnational organized crime:
1) Enhancing international police and judicial cooperation
2) Improving the use of special investigative techniques
3) Strengthening witness protection programs and cooperation with informants
4) Increasing cooperation with administrative agencies and the private sector
5) Targeting criminal proceeds to discourage crime and weaken criminal organizations
The paper recommends the Council of Europe take actions like promoting implementation of cooperation standards, evaluating use of investigative techniques, and facilitating information sharing between monitoring bodies to address deficiencies and improve the criminal response to transnational organized crime.
EU International Crimes Victims Directive Report 17 October 2014Giada Trucco
This document discusses the rights of victims of serious international crimes in the European Union. It notes that thousands of victims of conflicts and human rights violations from places like Syria, Afghanistan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo now live in EU member states. While the 2012 EU Directive on victims' rights applies to these victims, they face significant challenges in exercising their rights due to trauma, language barriers, and lack of information about legal processes. The document examines how the Directive could help address these challenges and better protect victims' rights when serious international crimes are prosecuted in Europe.
This document provides a final report from the OSCE/ODIHR Election Assessment Mission that observed Latvia's parliamentary elections held on 4 October 2014. Some key findings include:
- The elections were administered in an impartial and transparent manner by the Central Election Commission and other election bodies.
- While the legal framework provides a basis for democratic elections, some aspects such as restrictions on candidacy rights and defamation laws could be further improved.
- The campaign environment was open and peaceful, and candidates represented different political views. However, some media outlets were perceived as not fully objective.
- Voting and counting on election day proceeded smoothly and transparently according to observers, although secrecy of the vote was at
The report summarizes the monitoring of Ukraine's 2019 presidential election conducted between December 2018 and February 2019. It finds that while the legal framework is sufficient, further efforts are needed to ensure stable and unified election laws. Some new laws have been passed that could negatively impact the vote, such as restricting international election observers from Russia. The candidate registration process complied with the law, but some candidates may be "technical" in nature. Violations have been observed during campaigning. The use of state resources by the incumbent president is a concern. Ensuring free and fair elections will require continued monitoring and addressing issues around voter and candidate rights.
Homophobia, transphobia and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation a...Iim Ibrahim
This report from the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights updates a previous comparative legal analysis of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in EU member states. It finds that while some countries have strengthened legal protections for LGBT rights, in other countries little has changed or there have been setbacks. The report examines issues related to legal gender recognition, employment non-discrimination, and freedom of expression and assembly for LGBT people. It concludes that further improvements are still needed in legislation across Europe to combat LGBT discrimination.
Joint Comments of FPRI and EESRI Foundation to the Questionnaire on Perceptions of the OSCE and Proposals for the Future Work of the OSCE Network of Think Tanks and Academic Institutions. Presented by Mr. Oleksandr Tytarchuk, Member of the EESRI Foundation Board, during the Second OSCE Network’s Meeting held in Hamburg on February 24, 2016.
Digest is dedicated to the process of reform of law enforcement authorities in Ukraine, first of all of police,
prosecution authorities, State Bureau of Investigation and criminal justice legislation. It is published
with the aim to better inform the society, expert community and international institutions on the state of
reforming mentioned authorities and spheres of their activity.
The EU Council expressed grave concern over China's national security law imposed on Hong Kong. The law undermines China's commitments to granting Hong Kong autonomy and erodes rights and freedoms. As a response, the EU agreed to a coordinated package including considering implications for asylum, limiting exports of sensitive equipment, supporting civil society, and not launching new negotiations with Hong Kong for now. The EU will closely monitor the situation and implementation of the law.
This document is a motion for a European Parliament resolution on implementing the EU Association Agreement with Ukraine. It notes that Ukraine has made progress in implementing reforms related to the agreement, but that more work remains, particularly in the areas of rule of law, governance, and anti-corruption. It acknowledges Ukraine's European aspirations but also expresses concerns about recent electoral laws and the pace of legislative reforms. It calls on Ukraine to fully respect human rights and international obligations.
Audit of reforms. Assessment report on changes in regions after visa liberali...Europe without barriers
“Audit of reforms” is the first complex assessment of implementing on the local level in Ukraine the tasks which were set by the EU during visa liberalization dialogue.
Four fields of reforms were explored in 6 regions:
1. Document security
2. Border management
3. Migration&asylum management
4. Countering discrimination
Negocjacje tzw. Brexitu, czyli wyjścia Wielkiej Brytanii z Unii Europejskiej były nie tylko
jednym z największych wyzwań stojących przed Unią Europejską w 2017 roku. Dla unijnych
instytucji – Rady, Komisji Europejskiej i Parlamentu Europejskiego – okazały się też być kolejną odsłoną gry o pozycję w porządku instytucjonalnym Unii Europejskiej. Wszystkie trzy
instytucje aktywnie w tej grze uczestniczyły, jednak to zaangażowanie Parlamentu Europejskiego było najbardziej zauważalne. Niniejszy artykuł analizuje starania PE by wykorzystać
uruchomienie procedury z art. 50 Traktatu Unii Europejskiej do wzmocnienia swojej pozycji politycznej, poprzez celowo sformułowaną komunikację. Autor chce wykazać, że działania Parlamentu wpisały się tym samym w model konstruktywistyczny. Aktywność Parlamentu
Europejskiego jest poddana analizie także w świetle teorii instytucjonalizmu historycznego,
pozwalającej wyjaśnić motywy specyficznego zachowania PE: regularnie powtarzanych prób
zwiększenia władzy.
Jako że w chwili pisania niniejszego artykułu proces negocjacji „Brexitu” nie był jeszcze
zakończony, autor sugeruje konieczność przeprowadzenia dalszych badań dynamiki międzyinstytucjonalnej. Zebrane do tej pory dowody zdecydowanie sugerują, że proces wychodzenia
Wielkiej Brytanii z Unii Europejskiej może trwale wpłynąć na relację sił między głównymi
instytucjami UE.
Analytical report «A lost vote. Is this a lifetime silence?»DonbassFullAccess
The document analyzes violations of electoral rights that occurred during elections in liberated territories of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts in Ukraine. It describes violations during the 2014 extraordinary presidential and parliamentary elections, as well as the 2015 local elections, including obstacles to voting, violence against election officials, and criminal interference. The document highlights issues preventing internally displaced persons from exercising their right to vote and proposes solutions like allowing IDPs to change their voting address without changing their official place of residence, to integrate them into their new communities while preserving electoral rights.
The aim of the article is to analyze the role of the European Council in
negotiations related to the planned withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. European Union law defines the key role of the European Council in
these negotiations. It is this institution that is responsible for shaping the principles
and guidelines on the basis of which the negotiations are being conducted. It is no less
important to regulate the future relations of the UK with the EU after the British leave
the European Union. The role of the European Council will be crucial there as well.
The Committee of Voters of Ukraine (CVU) is a non-governmental organization that promotes human rights and direct democracy in Ukraine. In 2015, CVU observed elections, trained election officials and observers, monitored authorities, promoted electoral reforms, and protected citizens' rights. Key activities included observing local elections in October and November 2015 with over 4,600 observers, monitoring campaign finance, and developing recommendations to improve election legislation. CVU also monitored decentralization reforms and the implementation of anti-corruption measures. Internationally, CVU representatives observed elections abroad and participated in conferences to exchange experiences with other organizations.
The document summarizes Moldova's political system. It describes Moldova as a parliamentary representative democratic republic led by a Prime Minister. Legislative power is shared by the government and parliament, while the judiciary is independent. Key issues include relations with Transnistria and Romania and EU entry. The 101-seat unicameral parliament is elected every 4 years and appoints the President. The Prime Minister leads the government and requires parliamentary approval. Current political parties in parliament are also outlined.
Concluding observations on the third periodic report of the republic of moldovaincluziune
The Committee considered the third periodic report of the Republic of Moldova (CCPR/C/MDA/3) at its 3309th and 3311th meetings (see CCPR/C/SR.3309 and 3311), held on 18 and 19 October 2016. At its 3329th meeting, held on 31 October 2016, it adopted the present concluding observations.
The annual report summarizes the work of the Committee of Voters of Ukraine (CVU), an NGO that promotes democracy and human rights in Ukraine, in 2018. Key activities included educational programs that engaged thousands of citizens, election observers, and officials. CVU also conducted public discussions and research on important issues like judicial and political reforms. Through partnerships with other organizations, CVU worked to increase civic participation, transparency, and accountability in the Ukrainian government. Looking ahead, CVU aims to continue its efforts to strengthen democracy through citizen education, policy work, and public oversight.
The document provides information about the All-Ukrainian non-governmental organization «Committee of voters of Ukraine» (CVU). It includes details about CVU's leadership, staffing, and offices. The organization's activities in 2016 are summarized, including projects on fighting political corruption, monitoring local elections in united territorial communities, and analyzing politicians' statements. The last section describes CVU's observation of elections in united territorial communities on December 18, 2016. Attached reports on this and other projects are requested. Financial reports including an audit are also requested to be attached.
CVU is a registered non-governmental organization in Ukraine with over 125 branches. In 2017, CVU monitored transparency in state support for political parties and held events on party reform and judicial reform. CVU also conducted a voter awareness campaign and observed local elections in newly amalgamated communities, deploying 350 observers. Key donors included NDI, Konrad Adenauer Foundation, USAID, and the Council of Europe. CVU's turnover was $78,443 USD in 2017, $82,524 USD in 2016, and $329,461 USD in 2015. Attached reports include CVU's final analytical report on monitoring state support for parties, press releases on events, and an election observation report.
The recommendations for removing restrictions on freedom of association and assembly for political parties in Ukraine for ensure political pluralism and the principle of competition in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections
This document provides an overview of key concepts and standards for monitoring administrative justice. It discusses why monitoring administrative justice is important to ensure accountability and adherence to fair trial standards. Administrative acts have a major impact on people's lives and rights, so it is essential that individuals can challenge these acts in court. International human rights law and OSCE commitments guarantee the right to a fair trial in administrative proceedings. This handbook aims to support monitoring of administrative justice systems to help strengthen the rule of law.
This white paper identifies five key areas where the Council of Europe could improve efforts to combat transnational organized crime:
1) Enhancing international police and judicial cooperation
2) Improving the use of special investigative techniques
3) Strengthening witness protection programs and cooperation with informants
4) Increasing cooperation with administrative agencies and the private sector
5) Targeting criminal proceeds to discourage crime and weaken criminal organizations
The paper recommends the Council of Europe take actions like promoting implementation of cooperation standards, evaluating use of investigative techniques, and facilitating information sharing between monitoring bodies to address deficiencies and improve the criminal response to transnational organized crime.
EU International Crimes Victims Directive Report 17 October 2014Giada Trucco
This document discusses the rights of victims of serious international crimes in the European Union. It notes that thousands of victims of conflicts and human rights violations from places like Syria, Afghanistan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo now live in EU member states. While the 2012 EU Directive on victims' rights applies to these victims, they face significant challenges in exercising their rights due to trauma, language barriers, and lack of information about legal processes. The document examines how the Directive could help address these challenges and better protect victims' rights when serious international crimes are prosecuted in Europe.
This document provides a final report from the OSCE/ODIHR Election Assessment Mission that observed Latvia's parliamentary elections held on 4 October 2014. Some key findings include:
- The elections were administered in an impartial and transparent manner by the Central Election Commission and other election bodies.
- While the legal framework provides a basis for democratic elections, some aspects such as restrictions on candidacy rights and defamation laws could be further improved.
- The campaign environment was open and peaceful, and candidates represented different political views. However, some media outlets were perceived as not fully objective.
- Voting and counting on election day proceeded smoothly and transparently according to observers, although secrecy of the vote was at
Порядок денний асоціації Україна-ЄС (18.06.2013)Ira Smertyha
This document outlines an Association Agenda between the European Union and Ukraine to prepare for and facilitate the implementation of an Association Agreement. It covers strategic priorities, principles, and operational details across various areas of cooperation, including political dialogue on democracy, rule of law, human rights, and other issues. Specifically, it identifies priorities and actions around judicial reform, anti-corruption efforts, elections, media freedom, minority rights, torture prevention, and other topics, with the goal of bringing Ukraine's laws and institutions further in line with European standards.
The document discusses how Brexit may impact criminal law and cooperation in the EU. It describes several EU criminal law frameworks and agencies that the UK currently participates in, such as the European Arrest Warrant, European Judicial Network, Eurojust, and operations they have conducted. Leaving the EU could mean the UK loses access to these systems and procedures, hindering criminal investigations and extraditions between the UK and EU countries.
Report on national courts, social media and convergenceOles Kulchytskyy
The present report examines judicial approaches to social media and convergence. It identifies the jurisprudence of supreme, constitutional and appellate courts in a selected set of European Union (EU) countries that form part of the Compact project. It discusses key characteristics of related jurisprudence, and it examines judicial reasoning by exploring the interpretative efforts of judges and their contribution to the protection and balancing of distinct fundamental rights and interests in the realm of social media. The report also delves into patterns of judicial interaction between courts.
The information is prepared by the team of the COMPACT project (http://compact-media.eu/).
COMPACT is a Coordination and Support Action funded European Commission under framework Horizon 2020.
The objective of the COMPACT project is to increase awareness (including scientific, political, cultural, legal, economic and technical areas) of the latest technological discoveries among key stakeholders in the context of social media and convergence. The project will offer analyses and road maps of related initiatives. In addition, extensive research on policies and regulatory frameworks in media and content will be developed.
This document discusses accountability for human rights violations resulting from Russia's aggression against Ukraine. It outlines the Council of Europe's assistance to Ukraine to deal with alleged crimes, including capacity building for legal professionals. It discusses calls for an international compensation mechanism and register of damage to ensure reparations. The document also examines possibilities for the Council of Europe's role in these initiatives and in a potential special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
Human rights oriented article that examines whether the transitional justice measures implemented in Serbia have had the desired effect of contributing to reconciliation after the Yugoslav conflict in the 1990s.
This document introduces an International Protocol on documenting sexual violence as a crime under international law. It was created through extensive consultation with over 200 experts on documenting and investigating sexual violence in conflict. The Protocol aims to promote accountability by setting out basic principles and standards of best practice for documentation. It is not binding but serves as a tool to support practitioners in effectively and protectively documenting sexual violence crimes. The intended audience is human rights and justice actors documenting these crimes at national and international levels.
Thirteenth UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Doha 12-19 Ap...Dr Lendy Spires
This document provides background information and outlines the agenda for the Thirteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice to be held in Doha, Qatar from 12-19 April 2015. The Congress will discuss integrating crime prevention and criminal justice into the UN's wider agenda to address social and economic challenges and promote the rule of law. Specific agenda items include successes and challenges in implementing comprehensive crime prevention policies, international cooperation to combat transnational organized crime, approaches to emerging crimes, and public participation in strengthening justice systems. Workshops will focus on issues like the treatment of vulnerable groups, human trafficking, cybercrime, and engaging the public.
The Rome Statute established the International Criminal Court, which prosecutes crimes of sexual violence and recognizes acts of sexual and gender violence as crimes. It aims to protect witnesses and victims of such crimes and provide support programs. The statute was a result of debates between organizations and governments. It expanded the definition of sexual violence beyond rape and the ICC has taken on cases involving crimes of sexual violence to end impunity for such crimes during conflicts.
Polish Political Science Yearbook, 2017
The Amsterdam Treaty has established the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (AFSJ). Since then, it is an example of a policy-making area creating its way quickly and comprehensively. However, in this paper the main dilemma is to what extent the Schengen development has modified the framework of AFSJ and how it adapts in this policy while being an example of enhanced cooperation and differentiated integration model. Developments in this area are part of a realisation that European states need to act together to better face new challenges to peace and internal security, while ensuring respect for democracy and human rights. It is important to add, that cooperation in the Area of Freedom Security and Justice has been driven by forces different from that seen in other policy areas.
The document discusses the increasingly international nature of crime and forensic science. It outlines how international organizations like ENFSI, INTERPOL, and IAFS are promoting cooperation across borders to tackle issues like transnational organized crime, terrorism, and the rise of internet-based offenses. The future of forensic science is portrayed as inherently global and interdependent, with practitioners needing their evidence to withstand scrutiny in diverse international legal systems. Standards are being developed to facilitate the sharing of best practices, intelligence, and expertise among forensic institutions worldwide.
Success and challenges in implementing comprehensive crime prevention and cri...Dr Lendy Spires
This document discusses a United Nations congress on crime prevention and criminal justice. It summarizes the links between promoting the rule of law, sustainable development, and comprehensive approaches to crime prevention and criminal justice reforms. Key points highlighted include that well-functioning justice systems and rule of law are critical for development, and that United Nations instruments and policy documents have increasingly recognized the impact of crimes like corruption and organized crime on development outcomes.
Monitoring report on the implementation of the Cross-Cutting Justice Strategy...Ersida Sefa
This document provides a monitoring report on the implementation of Albania's Cross-Cutting Justice Strategy from July 2011 to November 2012. It summarizes the strategy's objectives, methodology, and overall evaluation.
The strategy aimed to reform Albania's justice system to strengthen the rule of law and align with EU standards. However, the report finds issues with how challenges are analyzed in the strategy and a lack of clear links between the analysis and action plan. It provides recommendations like improving objective definitions, increasing qualitative measures, and better defining the monitoring mechanism. Overall, the report evaluates implementation progress but sees room for strengthening the strategy's framework and commitment to reforms.
Digest by Ukrainian Helsinki Human rights Union, April 2019DonbassFullAccess
The document summarizes the activities of the USAID Human Rights in Action Program implemented by the Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union in April 2019. It discusses the program's work on human rights monitoring, advocacy, strategic litigation, free legal aid provision, and human rights education. Key events covered include Russia simplifying citizenship for eastern Ukrainians, and the PACE keeping sanctions on Russia in place.
The document provides answers to 13 questions about the Terrorist Finance Tracking Program (TFTP) operated by the US Department of the Treasury. It summarizes that the TFTP obtains international banking data from SWIFT to identify terrorist financing networks, subject to strict controls and oversight. An agreement between the EU and US governs data sharing and protects privacy and civil liberties. The TFTP has provided valuable intelligence that has helped prevent numerous terrorist attacks in Europe and worldwide since 2001.
1. 1
The newsletter through ACCESSION towards JUSTICE will address the theme of obstacles to and solutions for establishing the rule of law and accountability for the crimes committed in our recent past. individual and societal needs arising from that experience. This bulletin is made possible by the support of the of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the “Civil Society Forward” program, implemented by the Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC). The contents of this bulletin are the responsibility of the Humanitarian Law Center and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID, the United States Government or ISC.
1) The Republic of Croatia recently completed the negotiations for EU membership, during which it had to meet a number of criteria. Was the issue of prosecuting war crimes included?
Prosecution of war crimes has greatly influenced the negotiation process and its dynamics. The importance of this issue is clearly indicated by the fact that, at one point, the negotiation process was even stopped, because the EU felt that
Prosecution of War Crimes as one of Requirements for Accession to EU
Mr. Kristian Turkalj, negotiator for Chapter 23 “Judiciary and fundamental rights” and Chapter 24 “Area of Freedom, Security and Justice” in the Ministry of Justice in Croatia
7/2014
[ ]
Kristian Turkalj
2. 2
Croatia did not meet the required standards. The European Commission, but, even more, certain EU member states, have paid a great deal of attention to this issue, and Croatia was required to deal with all of the identified deficiencies in the investigation and prosecution of war crimes. Moreover, the EU defined the question of investigating and prosecuting war crimes as a closing benchmark for Chapter 23.
2) What exactly did the EU demand from Croatia regarding the prosecution of war crimes?
The EU focused on a range of issues related to the investigation and prosecution of war crimes, such as the resolution of the issue of impunity for those responsible for war crimes, ensuring impartiality in the detection, prosecution and punishment of war crimes, renewal of proceedings for in absentia judgments, strengthening of administrative and judicial capacity during investigation and prosecution, witness protection, compensation of victims of war and ensuring adequate defense for those accused of war crimes. Furthermore, Croatia was requested to adopt and implement a clear strategy for prosecuting war crimes and to engage at a bilateral and regional level in dealing with the related issues. Additionally, it was extremely important to establish an effective cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. With each of these issues, there were many related questions and problems that were the subject of intense dialogue between the competent institutions of Croatia and the EU.
3) How did the EU monitor the implementation of activities in prosecuting war crimes, and how did it verify whether Croatia met the required conditions and commitments?
The EU, in addition to its usual mechanisms for monitoring progress, had at its disposition some additional mechanisms.
To be more specific, the regular mechanisms included conducting political dialogue within the framework of the negotiation process and the work of institutions established under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement – principally, the Council and Committee for Stabilisation and Association, but also the Subcommittee for Justice and Internal Affairs. In addition, the aforementioned issues were discussed in the meetings of the Joint Parliamentary Committee.
For the experts’ check, the EU had experts coming in peer based missions for determining the actual state of affairs, and it also made use of the reports of NGO’s that were following the war crimes trials. In Croatia, for example, Documenta was one of the most active organizations, regularly publishing its reports related to perceived weaknesses in punishing war crimes. It was precisely through the continuous open dialogue with civil society representatives that Croatia managed to identify certain problems and to achieve excellent results in improving the punishment of war crimes.
Furthermore, Croatia created a database of war crimes, which was made
3. 3
available to the partners in the region, for the purpose of monitoring the achievement of the set goals (the so-called track record) in the process of investigating and prosecuting war crimes.
However, in Croatia there was another special mechanism for monitoring progress in the prosecution of war crimes. The Croatian government, in cooperation with the international community, established the so-called Platform for Monitoring the Prosecution of War Crimes, to decisively address and resolve this issue. The Platform was composed of key representatives of relevant institutions in Croatia (the Prosecution, the Supreme Court, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Internal Affairs), along with the representatives of the OSCE, the ICTY Office in Zagreb and the EU Delegation. The OSCE in Croatia had a mandate to monitor war crimes trials and was therefore in possession of direct knowledge of all the weaknesses that appeared in this area. It would report on developments on a regular monthly basis.
Evidently, the EU had a very strong mechanism for monitoring the implementation of all activities related to the prosecution of war crimes in Croatia, and for this reason it could follow very precisely the progress accomplished.
4) What were the key requirements for meeting the conditionality regarding the prosecution of war crimes?
It was essential that the competent institutions accepted the fact that previous practices in investigating and prosecuting war crimes were not on the level of the democratic standards achieved in the European Union with regard to independence, impartiality and professionalism in the conduct of investigations and court proceedings. In addition, at a certain point the judiciary became aware of the negative effects that some „very weak“ judicial decisions had had for the reputation of the entire justice system. That is how the determination critical to resolving this issue was established. The Prosecution should be especially commended here, because it found the strength to review all of its proceedings and to revise court proceedings in every case where the legal standards were not met. In addition, Croatia put victims first in the cases of war crimes; so in order to punish the individuals responsible, the necessary evidence was collected regardless of the ethnicity of the perpetrator or of the victim. Concrete results were achieved in these processes and, of course, the EU recognized these efforts.
5) Which key changes occurred in Croatia regarding the prosecution of war crimes and because of the negotiations for EU membership?
The negotiation process significantly contributed to raising legal standards in the prosecution of war crimes, particularly in terms of impartiality in relation to prosecuting perpetrators, and even more importantly, in relation to the victims of war crimes.
In addition, a witness protection programme that achieved extremely positive results and was later exSend
us your comments
twitter.com/@FHPHLC #towardsJUSTICE
towardsJUSTICE@hlc-rdc.org
4. 4
[ ]
news
tended to the prosecution of all other serious crimes was created. Specifically, this system protects witnesses and victims of crimes from secondary victimization, and it ensures the quality of the probative value of their testimonies.
Finally, thanks to the negotiation process, these very delicate issues could finally be openly discussed and the stakeholders could contribute to the resolution of these matters through public debate.
Analysis of War Crimes Prosecution in Serbia
On September 30th, the Humanitarian Law Center (HLC) published the Analysis of the Prosecution of War Crimes in Serbia in the period 2004 to 2013 (Analysis), which provides an overview of the achievements and problems in the work of the institutions which were responsible for the enforcement of criminal justice in cases of crimes committed during the armed conflicts in the former Yugoslavia. The Analysis also contains 75 recommendations to institutions and other stakeholders aiming to advance this process. The Analysis is based largely on official data and interAnalysis
of the Prosecution of War Crimes in Serbia
5. 5
views which the HLC conducted with the representatives of the institutions and other actors involved in the prosecution of war crimes. The findings and recommendations of the Analysis represent a baseline for expert consultation on the draft Strategy for the Prosecution of War Crimes in Serbia, which the HLC will hand in to the Ministry of Justice of Serbia in late 2014.
The general findings of the Analysis show that the achievements of domestic institutions in the prosecution of war crimes are modest, partly as the result of the absence of a national strategy for the prosecution of war crimes in Serbia. Especially significant are the problems concerning the victims and witnesses support and protection system, which is not in compliance with international standards; while at the same time the institutions do not show an interest in resolving the numerous problems in this area. Nor has the efficiency of the Office of the War Crimes Prosecutor reached the level of the expectations of the professional and interested public. Among the reasons for this are the lack of clear political support for the prosecution of war crimes and insufficient human and financial resources, along with the prosecutorial policy of prosecuting the less demanding cases, the absence of charges against high-ranking police and military officials, and of indictments in politically sensitive cases. Key findings on the work of the War Crimes Department of the Higher Court in Belgrade refer to the lenient penal policy, inadequate protection of witnesses, lack of reliance on the practice of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, and the underdeveloped Public Relations Service.
Speaking at the presentation of the Analysis, the Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, Mr. Oscar Benedict, reiterated that dealing with the past has a great impact on Serbia’s EU accession process and recommended the inclusion of NGOs in the process of identification of the priorities, as well as in the design of strategies and policies in the prosecution of war crimes in Serbia.
Action Plan on Chapter 23 -
Judiciary and Fundamental Rights
The Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Serbia issued a draft Action Plan on Chapter 23, which defines the activities and measures for meeting the recommendations of the European Commission in the Screening Report for this chapter. The Action Plan proposes activities and projected results in the field of criminal justice for war crimes, but completely ignores the right of victims of war crimes to material compensation and other forms of reparation, as well as other mechanisms for the establishing of justice for the crimes committed. In addition, the Ministry of Justice did not take the opportunity to address those shortcomings that are not identified in the Screening Report but are also relevant to the
6. 6
advancement of the rule of law in Serbia - a possibility that had been suggested in the accompanying letter which was received from the Council of the EU along with the Screening Report.1
The HLC had previously submitted its recommendations to the Ministry, in which it identified a series of
1 “Outcome of the Screening – Chapter 23, Justice and Fundamental Rights”, a letter from Ambassador Mr. Stefano Sannino, the chairman of the Committee of the Permanent Representatives (COREPER II) of the Council of the European Union, accompanying the set of documents that were submitted to the institutions of the Republic of Serbia along with the Screening Report for Chapter 23. http://www.hlc-rdc.org/ wp-content/uploads/2014/10/ Outcome_of_screening_ Chapter_23.pdf
actions and measures for the protection of rights of the victims of war crimes, but the Ministry of Justice did not include these recommendations in the published version of the draft Action Plan.
Obstacles to Establishing Transitional Justice in Serbia Presented to Representatives of EU Institutions
The representatives of the HLC, Sandra Orlović, Milica Kostić and Jelena Krstić, as well as Saša Gajin, Human Rights Professor at the Faculty of Law, Union University in Belgrade, met with the representatives of the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to discuss the key issues concerning the legacy of war crimes in Serbia. Problems appearing in the field of victims’ rights, prosecution of war crimes, witness protection and reform of institutions were presented to the interlocutors from the EU institutions.
Among the interlocutors were the members of the European Parliament Ms. Tanja Fajon and Mr. Eduard Kukan, and representatives of the Directorate-General for Enlargement, the Directorate-General for Justice and the EEAS in charge of Serbia and Western Balkans issues.
Meeting with Mr Eduard Kukan, Delegation to the EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee Chair
7. 7
The wars on the territory of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia have left numerous and profound traumas in the “collective memories” of the many national and ethnic communities that were in so many ways involved in this conflict. The territory of Sandžak has definitely experienced the heavy consequences of the wars, especially those in Bosnia and Kosovo, during the last decade of the 20th century. A number of events (murder, robbery, kidnapping, immigration, so-called ‘informative interviews’, police raids, torture, arson, etc.) created an environment in which fear, alienation and distrust became the dominant feeling among Bosniaks towards the state in which they live.
The Bosniak community in Sandžak has paid a very high price for the “war peace”. The fact is that, even two decades after the tragic events, the state institutions and authorities have not yet fulfilled their legal and civil obligations. A very small number of perpetrators have been held accountable for crimes against Bosniaks. Nobody is talking about the reprisals to which they had been exposed, an indication of the tendency towards forgetting the “dark past”. Such an attitude towards the past only increases the anxiety in Sandžak and feeds the suspicion that a small “spark” would be sufficient to ignite the same situation all over again.
It is precisely this passive approach of the state to what happened in Sandžak during the nineties, that benefits both the speculative and manipulative capacities of certain structures and interest groups to act “protectively”, and to pronounce themselves, without any democratic legitimacy, “guardians of the national interest”, in order to install themselves in the vacated seat of “tutors” who can also, at some point, appear in uniform.
The failure by the relevant institutions, primarily the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Justice and the judicial authorities, to fulfill
[ ]
No Justice for the Atrocities Committed by the Police and Army against Bosniaks in Sandžak during the Nineties
Ms. Semiha Kačar, Sandžak Committee for the Protection of Human Rights and Freedoms
Semiha Kačar
8. 8
their obligations to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the violations of human rights committed in Sandžak during the nineties has continued for more than two decades. The cases of massive violations of human rights in Sandžak, for which a very small number of perpetrators have been held accountable, have left huge consequences for its municipalities and cities. Numerous reports and publications by non-governmental organizations, which have been submitted to the relevant state institutions, have provided many documents concerning everything that was going on in the said area, including data on victims, witnesses and perpetrators. But so far, the relevant institutions have not responded, except in a few cases.
According to data from the Sandžak Committee for the Protection of Human Rights and Freedoms and the Humanitarian Law Center (HLC), in the period from 1992 to 1995, several thousand people were illegally detained at local police stations in Prijepolje, Novi Pazar, Tutin and Sjenica. The former Chief of Police for the Novi Pazar Department of the Interior, Suad Bulić, said during the show “Sandžak pita”2, broadcast on Regional TV in 2006, that over 10,000 Bosniaks from Novi Pazar, Sjenica and Tutin underwent the so-called “informative interviews” treatment in the Novi Pazar Secretariat for the Internal Affairs. Reports by the UN Committee against Torture, the report of the Commission established by the municipality of Tutin and the report by the Mu2
TV show “Sandžak asks”
nicipal Assembly of Sjenica, all talk about these events.
The Sandžak Committee, beginning in 1993, brought criminal complaints against those responsible for torture and illegal arrest. We continued with this practice after “the October democratic changes.” In March 1996, extensive material was submitted to the FRY President Zoran Lilić at his request, and in 2000 the material was submitted to the Federal Minister of Justice, Momčilo Grubač. In 2002, the publication entitled “The Testimonies from Sandžak” was submitted to the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of the Interior.
Despite numerous criminal charges, only a few cases have resulted in trials. Guilty verdicts were rendered in the cases of several defendants, who were then sentenced to suspended jail sentences, while in most cases, the length of the procedures led to the obsolescence of the criminal prosecution. The HLC has initiated compensation lawsuits, and in most proceedings the courts have held that the lawsuits were outdated; whilst in cases in which a decision on the merits of the case was rendered, the amount of compensation for the most serious human rights violations were to the amount of 200 to 300 thousand RSD.
In addition to the police repression, a large number of Bosniaks had to abandon Sandžak during the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina on account of the constant threats and pressures. Those who lived in villages along the borders with MonteSend
us your comments
twitter.com/@FHPHLC #towardsJUSTICE
towardsJUSTICE@hlc-rdc.org
9. 9
negro and Bosnia and Herzegovina experienced a particularly difficult fate. With the beginning of the war, members of the Yugoslav Army came to their villages and harassed, threatened, plundered, raided and often abused them on a daily basis. Fearing for their lives, the residents of over 20 villages in the Municipality of Priboj left their homes, after which their properties were burned or looted. In the most drastic example of violence by the Yugoslav Army in Kukurovići on February 19th, 1993, three older residents were killed and their houses burned down. The perpetrators have never been punished. Ethnically motivated killings and forcible removals were documented in other villages.
The whole world has heard about the kidnapping of Bosniaks in Štrpci and Sjeverin. Few of the perpetrators have been convicted, and only five of the victims’ bodies have been found. Nevertheless, the state of Serbia acts as if the families of the victims do not exist. It does not recognize them as civilian victims of war, on the grounds that they became victims on the territory of another state.
In order for the Bosniak community to see themselves as an equal and respected community in Serbia, the state must show its willingness to deal with the fact that a number of violations of human rights were committed in its name. The injured persons are still waiting for the state to initiate the proper procedures - both criminal procedures and compensation lawsuits - in order for them to be recognized as victims, thus ensuring for them the rights that Serbian victims already have. Instead, those responsible for the crimes committed by institutions are still working in those institutions, and frequently advancing in their careers.
If the goal is to strengthen the confidence of Bosniaks in Serbia’s institutions, these institutions need to recognize that the atrocities occurred, and to bring to justice those who have violated the fundamental rights of the people and send a clear message that there is no room for them in the police, military and other state agencies. They also need to provide dignified treatment for all the victims. There can be no doubt that this would help strengthen public confidence in state instituVictim
of Torture in Sandzak
10. 10
tions, as well as the belief that all people are equal. Justice for them and their families will be a sign that the society has matured and accepted the values of the rule of law and the human rights underlying the European Union towards which we are striving. To ignore the obligation to establish responsibility for the nineties is incompatible with the policies of European integration and democratization.
[ ]
In the period September 10th – October 28th there were no war crimes trials
Humanitarian Law Center
12 Decanska St.
Belgrade 11000, Serbia
Tel: +381-11-3349-600
+381-11-3349-766
+381-63-210-536
e-mail: office@hlc-rdc.org
www.hlc-rdc.org
Social networks:
@FHPHLC #towardsJUSTICE
FHP.HLC
presshlc