On 25 September 2023, OSCE Presence in Albania and the School of Magistrate held a joint ceremony to launch a new course on environmental legislation and judicial enforcement mechanisms.
The one-semester course - part of the initial education program for magistrate students - focuses on administrative, civil and criminal aspects of international and domestic environmental legislation. It was developed by a joint team of international and national experts brough together by the OSCE Presence in Albania.
Addressing the event, Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania Ambassador Bruce Berton said: "The new course will empower the future prosecutors and magistrates to be catalysts for positive change, ensuring that Albania's natural wealth is protected and cherished for generations to come".
Albert Rakipi, Director of the School of Magistrates, thanked the Presence for the support in developing the course, and announced that the School board has approved the course which will kick off this academic year.
Taking into consideration the growing concerns for complex and organized environmental crimes, the new course will support the capacities of upcoming generations of prosecutors and judges to adequately tackle and deal with environmental cases and bring perpetrators to justice. It will equip the future prosecutors and magistrates with the knowledge and tools to address environmental challenges, enforce environmental laws, and safeguard the rights of citizens who seek justice in environmental matters. This will significantly lead to an enhanced effectiveness of law enforcement agencies' response against environmental contraventions and crimes.
The course was developed under the extra-budgetary project to enhance environmental governance and security in Albania implemented by the OSCE Presence in Albania and supported by the governments of Norway, France and Italy.
The OSCE Presence will continue supporting national authorities in enhancing environmental governance and security in Albania.
