OSCE Mission in Kosovo helps develop new strategies against drug trafficking, terrorism and organized crime
The OSCE Mission in Kosovo supported the development of new 2012-2017 strategies and action plans against drug trafficking, terrorism and organized crime for Kosovo through a series of workshops held in Durres, Albania, between 6 and 23 June 2012.
Over the past six months, the Mission worked with representatives of Kosovo police, relevant ministries, judicial and prosecutorial councils, and EULEX, the United States International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP), UNDP and non-governmental organizations to review the 2009-2012 strategies and help develop new ones, extending their period to 2017. The workshops were used to draft the final provisions.
“These strategies are key to improving the security and safety situation in Kosovo,” said Duško Zavišić, Deputy Director of the OSCE Mission’s Department of Security and Public Safety. “Improved co-operation and co-ordination of all relevant actors is crucial for maintaining and enhancing public safety and that is the very core of the strategies.”
The strategy against drug trafficking aims to maintain public health and prevent drug misuse by reducing both the availability and demand for illicit drugs, while the strategy against terrorism is focused on preventing, pursuing, protecting from and reacting to terrorism activities.
The strategy against organized crime – as an umbrella strategy - outlines the roles of law enforcement agencies and foresees measures to further improve their work. It also includes an awareness raising component to build public support for its implementation.
The draft strategies, which are supported by five-year action plans for implementation, will be submitted to the government for approval shortly.
The OSCE Mission promotes strengthening the security and public safety sector in Kosovo. It provides advice and assistance to public safety agencies including through the development of strategies, advance police training and support to community policing initiatives.