A workshop focusing on strategic planning and management of Kosovo Correctional Services (KCS) was facilitated by EULEX Strengthening Division from Monday 31 August until Thursday 03 September in Lipjan/Lipljan Correctional Centre and High Security Prison in Podujevë/Podujevo. The aim of the workshop was to provide effective management of remand processes, develop principles and core values for correction service institutions, as well as address weaknesses and strengths of the organisational competence and structure within the KCS. The four day workshop was attended by senior management of KCS Headquarters, Head of Units and Directors of all prisons in Kosovo. 

The Head of EULEX Strengthening Division, Peter Bach and Minister of Justice, Hajredin Kuci opened the workshop by emphasising the importance of the strategic planning as integral component of KCS’s mandate. They stressed the current need for further development of the management staff, while highlighting the key principles guiding the Correctional Services and in particular “the importance of serving sanctions according to the rule of law, respect of the inmates’ rights, as well as adherence to the institutional equality of all inmates”. 

The four day workshop was attended by the senior management of KCS Headquarters, Heads of Units and Directors of all prisons in Kosovo. The aim of the workshop was to provide effective management of remand process, develop principles and core values that correction service institutions should adhere to, as well as address weaknesses and strengths of the organisational competence and structure within the KCS. 

“This training has been very valuable for all of us. This workshop will help us in drafting our own four-year strategy over the following months. We thank EULEX for its continuous support and assistance in building the professional capacity of our services”, said Rasim Selmani, Director of the High Security Prison in Podujevë/Podujevo. 

EULEX will continue co-ordination with KCS to achieve and implement European best practices in regards to sanctions and towards a sustainable future of the service. Further workshops focused on strengthening and sustainability of KCS are planned in the autumn.