WHO IS WHO – Emily Rakhorst: Acting head of EULEX, International Law expert well acquainted with the work of the Kosovo Specialist chambers in The Hague

Emily Rakhorst is an expert in international criminal justice, with particular expertise in war crimes, strengthening the rule of law, and coordinating comprehensive justice sector reforms. She will serve as the Acting Head of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo in the coming period.

Born in the Netherlands, she holds a law degree with a specialization in criminal justice from University of Groningen.

"I have always felt an inner drive to fight for justice and against inequality by giving a voice to those who are not allowed to have one. I have always firmly believed that justice cannot exist unless you know that everyone around you is able to exercise their rights and is treated equally. The Dutch culture in which I grew up certainly provided fertile ground for that. Growing up, I never felt that I was given fewer opportunities than the boys or men around me," Rakhorst explained.

As an international legal adviser specializing in criminal justice in conflict and post-conflict settings, Emily Rakhorst's professional career has included positions in the European Union's civilian crisis management missions, the United Nations, and international judicial institutions.

"Ultimately, justice means correcting what is wrong. However, justice is also about equality and respect for everyone's human rights," Emily explains, emphasizing that maintaining a constant focus on the human dimension of criminal justice is essential.

"We must not forget that both victims and defendants have rights, and that everyone has specific individual needs. Diversity and equal representation among the various actors within the justice system—whether police officers, prosecutors, judges, or prison officials—is one of the key tools for ensuring a balanced and diverse range of skills, perspectives, and competencies," she said in an interview published on the EULEX website.

Significant Role in the Establishment of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague

Rakhorst served as Head of the Court Management Unit within the Registry of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, making a significant contribution to the initial CSDP planning teams responsible for establishing the Specialist Court.

"The Enjoyment of Human Rights Without Discrimination Is the Ultimate Goal"

Speaking about human rights, the Acting Head of EULEX stressed:

"When discussing international and European human rights standards, we must recognize that they represent only the minimum. The enjoyment of human rights without discrimination is the ultimate goal, and the sustainable and effective implementation of these rights requires a thorough understanding of the actual needs of victims, as well as the local context. European best practices offer examples of how standards can be implemented, but there is no universal solution when it comes to justice," she emphasized.

Referring to a joint EULEX-UNICEF project in Kosovo aimed at improving the handling of cases involving the sexual abuse and exploitation of children within the justice and police systems, as well as in the broader institutional and social framework, she said that it is essential to establish a sustainable protection network.

"When it comes to child justice, the importance of an inclusive and inter-institutional approach is more evident than ever. Children are victims of gender-based violence, and only a gender-sensitive response can contribute to their healing, access to justice, and recovery. We must create a sustainable network of protection around children. I am extremely proud of the work that EULEX is carrying out in this area."

Experience in Armenia, Georgia, and the West Bank

Throughout her career, Rakhorst has held positions of increasing responsibility, many of which required intensive coordination with judicial stakeholders and international donors. Among the key milestones of her career are her contribution to establishing the EU's innovative mission in Armenia, her work on the planning team for the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and Registry in The Hague, and her contribution to establishing a juvenile police service in the West Bank aimed at protecting the rights of young people.