Corruption risk assessment highlights challenges, enables reform, in justice system

The first-hand accounts and experiences of judges and prosecutors are at the heart of a corruption risk assessment in the justice system by the State Commission for Prevention of Corruption. This assessment, published today with the support of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, sheds a light on the risks and vulnerabilities that hinder the delivery of justice in North Macedonia.

The Assessment explores both external and internal corruption risks that pose threats to judicial independence and prosecutorial autonomy. The publication was prepared in co-operation with the Association of Judges and Association of Public Prosecutors, which helped ensure that nearly half of their members participated in the assessment process.

“Through the voices of judges and prosecutors and their personal experiences this assessment challenges the status quo. It is not merely a document—it is a catalyst for change. It is a call to action, urging us to strive for a judiciary that upholds the principles of fairness, independence, and accountability. It is our collective duty to ensure that public institutions protect the rights of the citizens and strengthen the pillars of democracy and the rule of law,” said the Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Kilian Wahl at the launch event.

"Allegations of corruption are rampant.  Anecdotes of undue influence in the justice sector are real, and they are too numerous.  This is not a time for “business as usual”; this is a time for bold steps and action.  To best direct our collective resources, let us look at what the data tells us.  And let’s work together to combat corruption that exists and eliminate the risks it poses in the judiciary,” said Eric Meyer, Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy.

Biljana Ivanovska, President of the State Commission for Prevention of Corruption, said that the Assessment findings will be followed up with tangible policy recommendations to accompany the country’s key strategic documents concerning the judiciary.

She urged judges and prosecutors to use these findings to improve the integrity of their respective institutions.

“The co-operation with the OSCE Mission to Skopje dating back for years resulted in numerous activities, many documents created, researches and recommendations, aimed to improve the situation in the justice system. The Assessment is part of this co-operation and I hope that it will significantly contribute to the implementation of legal mechanisms for an independent, accountable and open judiciary, as a prerequisite for raising public trust,” said Judge Xhemali Saiti, President of the Association of Judges of North Macedonia.

Elvin Veli, president of the Association of Public Prosecutors, said that personal integrity of public prosecutors is the most important tool for removing any influence in the proceedings.

“All judicial institutions are interconnected and efficient results can only be achieved if each of us personally invests and provides maximum effort to raise the standards and ethics in the proceedings,” he added.