Democracy and Governance

Goal Empowering Kosovo’s Citizens to Consolidate a Functioning Democracy.

Background

USAID promotes strong democracy and good governance in Kosovo through a comprehensive strategy that encourages;

1. more effective governance at the national and municipal level;
2. improved delivery of justice through Rule of Law;
3. increased participation of minorities;
4. strengthened mechanisms of citizens to represent their interests and hold government accountable.

Decentralization activities have evolved from a targeted municipal capacity building program to supporting the legal and institutional framework for local governance; and a broader effort at improving municipal service delivery, revenue collection and public participation. USAID is also supporting the stand-up of six new/expanded Ahtisaari-mandated Kosovo Serb-majority municipalities.

USAID programs have sought to address problems in all these realms, including rule of law, local governance, and civil society/media. Justice sector support is helping to strengthen judicial and legal institutions; improve the professionalism of judges, lawyers and prosecutors, and the performance of courts; and to enhance minority access to justice.

The media program has shifted from a focus on the professionalism and commercial viability of Kosovo Albanian private broadcasters to supporting improved objectivity and coverage by minority broadcasters, and stronger media regulatory environment and institutions.


Current activities

Good Governance USAID/Kosovo has worked to improve the capacity of government institutions and promote good governance practices since 1999. Current assistance is focused at the local level working through municipal structures and leadership. Decentralization marks a positive step toward good governance for Kosovo, as it strengthens democratic values and governance, bringing government closer to ...
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Rule of Law All countries need a judicial system that is effective, independent, upholds the law, protects the rights of all of its citizens, and prosecutes powerful and ordinary individuals equally. A judicial system with these characteristics contributes to economic development, stability, and human rights by ...
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Minority Support USAID and the Government of Kosovo (GoK) support the principles of the Ahtisaari plan that call for protecting the rights, identity and culture of Kosovo's non-majority communities, including establishing a framework for their active participation in public life. USAID supports Kosovo Serb, Turk, Roma, Ashkali, Egyptian, Bosnian and Gorani communities by ...
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Media and Civil Society Strengthening civil society groups to serve as advocates for citizens’ needs and better informed citizenry has been USAID’s long-lasting effort ...
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Political and Legislative processes As Kosovo’s governing institutions are still fragile USAID has worked to achieve political stability through developing democratic, transparent governing bodies that are responsive to citizen concerns ...
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