OSCE Mission to Skopje supports efforts to create awareness about police reforms

SKOPJE, 6 February 2009 - An OSCE-supported project that informs the public about reforms that aims to make the work of police more transparent and in line with international standards was launched today in Skopje.

The four-month project, supported by the OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission in co-operation with the National Ombudsman Institution, is designed to inform the public about how they can report inappropriate police actions, especially during the election campaign period.

"It is important that police officers act in a transparent manner and show neutrality and independence with respect to all political parties during the electoral process," said the Head of OSCE Mission to Skopje, Ambassador Jose Luis Herrero.

Interior Minister Gordana Jankuloska added: "This joint project aims to inform the public about the recent reforms implemented within police work and will send a clear message that the police are a service for the public and the citizens - a service ready for transparency, openness and accountability for its own work."

The project follows police reforms introducing openness and transparency. It includes a public awareness campaign with information on human and minority rights.