UNMIK/PR/1004
Sunday, 6 July 2003

SRSG Michael Steiner Promulgates the Criminal Code of Kosovo and Criminal Procedure Code of Kosovo

PRISTINA - SRSG Michael Steiner today promulgated the Criminal Code of Kosovo and Criminal Procedure Code of Kosovo.

“The signing of these two regulations will bring criminal law in Kosovo into greater conformity with international and European standards” said SRSG Michael Steiner.

The Criminal Code clarifies and modernises definitions of criminal offences and incorporates UNMIK regulations and international legal conventions. It takes into account modern principles of international law and, in particular, international human rights law.

The new Criminal Procedure Code strengthens the powers of prosecutors and enhances protection of victims and defendants.

“These are the most modern codes in the Former Yugoslavia,” added Mr. Steiner.

Both codes have undergone an extensive drafting process that began with the work of Kosovan legal experts in the Joint Advisory Council on Legislative Matters in 1999. Experts from various international organizations, such as the Council of Europe, OSCE, UNICEF, among others played a critical role in the drafting of the criminal codes, under the aegis of UNMIK’s Office of Legal Advisor. There was broad consultation with the legal community in Kosovo also. In March this year the draft texts of the two regulations were sent to the Government and the Assembly of Kosovo for review and comments.

Though the codes were signed today, their implementation will be effective from 6 April 2004. This is to allow the training of legal professionals, the re-organisation of the judicial system where necessary and time for a public information campaign on the new regulations.