The OSCE Mission in Kosovo published today its Trial Monitoring Report on the Adjudication of War Crimes Cases in Kosovo .
The report analyses 48 war crimes cases involving 138 accused adjudicated by the Special Department of the Basic Court of Prishtinë/Priština between 2019 and 2025. Drawing on seven years of systematic trial monitoring, it assesses the extent to which proceedings comply with local and international fair trial standards and identifies key developments and challenges in the adjudication of the war crimes cases.
The report notes important progress and highlights examples of good judicial practice and efforts by judges, prosecutors and defence counsel to apply fair trial guarantees in line with international standards. It nonetheless points out that progress in war crimes adjudication must be matched by stronger safeguards, greater procedural consistency and more effective support for victims and witnesses, so that proceedings can contribute to meaningful and rights-compliant justice.
The report furthermore identifies a number of persistent challenges affecting the efficiency and consistency of proceedings. These include prolonged delays linked to witness non-appearance, changes in trial panel composition, delayed disclosure and translation of evidence, as well as logistical constraints. The report also highlights concerns regarding the quality and lack of individualisation of indictments in some cases, evidentiary challenges, and procedural issues arising in proceedings conducted in absentia.
"The credibility of proceedings in complex and sensitive cases depends not only on outcomes, but on the fairness, consistency, transparency and timeliness of the process. Through our trial monitoring, we help turn courtroom observations into practical recommendations, identify systemic challenges and support institutions in strengthening safeguards, public confidence and access to justice for victims and witnesses, while fully respecting judicial independence," said Ambassador Gerard McGurk, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.
The report concludes with recommendations addressed to the responsible institutions, intended to inform further reflection and follow-up on the procedural and practical issues identified in the report. These recommendations are aimed at supporting rights-compliant proceedings, strengthening public confidence and ensuring that lessons from monitoring are translated into concrete improvements in practice.
The full report is available here: Trial Monitoring Report on the Adjudication of War Crimes Cases in Kosovo | OSCE Mission in Kosovo
