A tree planting and plaque unveiling ceremony marked the inauguration of the newly rehabilitated court in Dragash/Dragas. The event also included a lively discussion on the importance of the region’s environmental protection and its role in the general welfare of the area’s population.

“Dragash/Dragaš is the most bio-diverse and forested area in Kosovo, with plenty of ecologically usable resources,” said Ymer Hoxha, President of the Prizren Basic Court, in his remarks to those gathered. “The court can play a key role in enforcing environmental laws.  I believe that cooperation with public authorities and civil society can take us a long way in raising the awareness of the public about the need for environmental protection to improve the livelihood and boost sustainable economic development of this area.”

During the tour through the renovated court building following the ceremony, Hoxha showed guests how the renovated court premises meet the standards of the model court program.  The ground floor boasts three court records management offices and a large reception area. There are also now two new court rooms complete with translation space. The offices of judges and court staff were fully refurbished as well to create better working conditions.

The Dragash/Dragaš court refurbishment was implemented by USAID’s Effective Rule of Law (EROL) Program.  The four-year program, launched in March 2011, is designed to help improve the effective and independent operation of the justice system in Kosovo.