On January 9, 2014, the Viti/Vitina Branch Court hosted a celebration to inaugurate its newly refurbished court building.  The court renovations were supported by USAID in cooperation with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Kosovo Judicial Council (KJC).  The ceremony was officiated by USAID Mission Director Maureen A. Shauket, KJC representative Agim Maliqi, and Gjilan/Gnjilane Basic Court President Zyhdi Haziri.

The court’s upgrades are in line with changes that have been made to 22 previous court buildings under USAID’s Model Court initiative.  The new architectural features of the courthouse are designed to promote transparency and efficiency - two key standards of model court administration.  The courthouse now includes customer service-oriented court registry offices, rehabilitated courtrooms, and an improved public reception area with signage and scheduling information readily available. 

“The Viti/Vitina Branch Court building has been completely transformed,” said Gjilan/Gnjilane Basic Court President Zyhdi Haziri. “The physical upgrades reflect the advanced international standards of open and accessible court operations that, along with transparent and efficient service by court staff, will increase public confidence in Kosovo’s judiciary.”

The four-year USAID Effective Rule of Law Program, implemented by Checchi and Company Consulting, Inc., was launched in March 2011 to help build a more effective and independent justice system in Kosovo.  It replaces the Justice Support Program (JSP) which was responsible for ten prior court renovations.  USAID has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 50 years.