Centralized Criminal Record System in Kosovo (1)

8-10 June, Pristina, Kosovo(1): The United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), implementing its UNODC portfolio, participated as a panelist in a workshop on “the Centralized Criminal Record System.” The workshop, sponsored by the European Union Kosovo Justice Sector Programme (EUKOJUST) and organized by the Legal Department of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), aimed at drafting lex specialis for the management and protection of data related to the criminal records of persons. It will, inter alia, include provisions addressing the right to request the official criminal record certificate as well as the modalities of issuing such certificates.

The event was also attended by representatives of other international organizations, i.e. the EU Office in Kosovo. The anticipated draft Law on Centralized Criminal Records System of Kosovo(1) will be aligned with best practices in EU member states.

Record keeping is a crucial pillar of criminal justice systems. One of the key objectives of criminal justice is the effective execution of legal sanctions, with an overarching goal of achieving rehabilitation of the perpetrators and deterring recidivism. To accomplish these goals, it is important that inclusive, reliable and accessible records of criminal convictions be maintained by the authorities in an efficient manner.

This activity is part of UNMIK’s strategy of upholding cooperation with the Office of the Commissioner of the Information and contributes to SDG Targets 16.6 to develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.


[1] All references to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of the United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999)