OSCE Following Decision on Serbian Judges: Vacant Posts Should Be Filled Without Delay

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo has taken note of today’s decision by the Kosovo Judicial Council regarding requests by judges and judicial staff from the Serbian community to withdraw their resignations, the Mission said in a statement.

At the same time, the OSCE called on the Kosovo Judicial Council to fill the vacant posts without delay through transparent, inclusive and merit-based recruitment and appointment procedures, in accordance with the applicable constitutional and legal provisions on community representation.

“A justice system that reflects the composition of the communities it serves is essential to ensuring equal and effective access to justice for all,” the statement concluded.

The Kosovo Judicial Council (KJC) today rejected the request by Serbian judges and judicial staff to withdraw their resignations and return to the judicial system.

Acting President of Kosovo Albulena Haxhiu welcomed the decision and announced that she would immediately take steps to dismiss them.