OSCE Mission review of Kosovo lawmaking offers scope for improvements in efficiency

PRISTINA, 15 December 2005 - The OSCE Mission in Kosovo today published a new report reviewing the implementation of Kosovo Assembly Laws by the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government (PISG).

The report focuses on laws passed in 2004, and the extent to which they have been implemented through the adoption of subsidiary legislation. It also provides an update on laws passed in 2002 and 2003.

"Properly implemented laws are essential in order to respect the human rights of individuals, all throughout society," said Henry McGowen, Director of the OSCE Mission's Department of Human Rights and Rule of Law. "In practice, a law usually reflects the political decisions taken, but it is only through secondary legislation that the law can be fully applied and become a workable instrument."

According to the report, most ministries continue to make considerable progress in drafting subsidiary legislation. The report, however, reveals that considerable room for improvement in some ministries in making better use of human resources to ensure that deadlines to adopt such legislation are met. It includes recommendations such as the establishment of additional parliamentary oversight over the executive branch.

The report contains an overview of each law passed by the Assembly of Kosovo during 2004 and the obligations expected of the PISG. It is followed by an assessment of these obligations.

"This is designed as a tool to be used by the Government, and is part of our ongoing work with the PISG to better equip them for the job they have been given," added McGowen.

As part of its institution-building mandate, the OSCE Mission is working with Kosovo's Government and the central Assembly to re-enforce the principles of good governance and accountability.

The report is available on the OSCE Mission website at www.osce.org/kosovo.