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ADR Activities in 2005-2007and future plans

Partners Kosova has worked since April 2005 for implementation of the project funded by the USAID on Justice Reform System Activities in Kosovo implemented by NCSC as a sub-contractor regarding inclusion of mediation in the legal system. The project combined a support for the Prime Minister’s Legal Office to approve the Mediation Law drafted by Partners Kosova 2002 (approved in principle in 2005) and building capacity for judges and other court staff in offering mediation services within their courts in Kosovo municipalities.

During the first phase of the project PK undertook needs assessment in five regions of Kosovo to identify appropriate court structure to go through mediation training as part of target groups within the project. PK also conducted an outreach and educational campaign to deliver information about the advantages of mediation as an ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) methodology as an effective and faster way for solving disputes In close cooperation with the courts, PK identified Court Presidents, Judges, Prosecutors, Administrators and Legal Associates who were selected for training in basic mediation skills and conflict resolution with the special emphasis on the case referral and overall case management. In each region there were participants from the Municipal, District, Minor and High Offence Court and Economic as well as the Supreme Court in Prishtina.

Partners Kosova is currently in negotiation process in regard to possible continuation with additional ADR activities within the court system as a part of improvement activity for court administration, which is still in need of assistance and out of the court system community reconciliation and other civil cases referred directly to Partners Kosova.