Last Day of Work
Just finished the final changes to my report on the justice system in Kosovo. Anton wanted me to include more recommendations for civil societies regarding the specialization of their activities, independence from political influence, and collaboration with other NGOs to form a unified voice in government. Done.
CLARD also presented me with a certificate of appreciation today, and we spent several minutes on a mini photo shoot in the meeting room/kitchen.
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I’m sitting at my desk at the office for perhaps the last time, reflecting on my summer in Kosovo. I came here with high expectations of the young nation, believing that Kosovo was doing its best to become an independent democratic nation with a functional justice system. But I’ve found that Kosovo is still very much in its experimental stages and continues to bear the burdens of the previous system.
I’m not sure whether the high level of international presence here is good or bad, whether Kosovo will become dependent on the guidance and finances of those international institutions.
Researching the justice system has been at times demoralizing. Each report I read and each person I interviewed brought up identical issues: corruption, lack of resources, flaws in the laws, lack of transparency and accountability and so on. And the thing is that I think they all realized that Kosovo could change… they could change Kosovo for the better. Of course they would have to disturb the comfort of the political elites that have continued the practices of the previous communist system. They would have to admit their own problems and collaborate with other institutions and the public to create major changes. They would have to take on more responsibilities and wean themselves off the international institutions in Kosovo. The youth in Kosovo would have to become more active in society – they would have to create an influential voice for themselves. And all that may take time. I just hoep that it doesn't take too long. I want to see a better Kosovo the next time I'm here.