almanac on security sector oversight in the Western Balkans

Kosovo
classification of information until the end of 2011 (EC Progress Report, Kosovo 2011,
p.30).
According to Section 7 of the law, the Office of the Ombudsperson in Kosovo can
receive complaints about alleged refusals to give access to information. The Ombudsperson’s
powers, however, are restricted to requiring reasons from institutions for the
refusal of access or for the lack of reaction (KCSS, 2012).
4 . Horizontal oversight of the security sector in Kosovo
4.1. Parliamentary oversight
Parliamentary oversight over the security sector in Kosovo is newly established and
has limited experience. It was first introduced towards the end of 2006. More comprehensive
consolidation of parliamentary oversight, however, only occurred after 2008.
After the Declaration of Independence, it became possible to put all local security
institutions under the scrutiny of parliament.
Overall, in 2011 and 2012 there are two parliamentary committees with a mandate to
oversee the Kosovo security sector: the Committee for Internal Affairs, Security and
Kosovo Security Forces as well as the Committee for Supervision of Kosovo Intelligence
Agency. The first committee does cover the oversight of police, security force, emergency
management and other related mechanisms within the scope of internal affairs.
The other committee covers, specifically and exclusively, the Kosovo Intelligence
Agency. Indirect oversight of the security sector by general committees was set-up
immediately after the establishment of the Kosovo Assembly in 2001. Among these
committees, which continue to oversee important areas of the security sector, are the
Committee on Budget and Finances, with the competence to oversee the finances
of all institutions funded by the public institutions (including those of the security
sector), the Committee for Community Rights and Interests and for Return, and the
Committee on Human Rights, Gender Equality, Missing Persons and Petitions, with a
responsibility to oversee human rights issues, particularly those related to the security
sector.
Despite initial positive signs, neither the general nor the specific security sector committees
have performed their oversight responsibilities successfully. One exception is
oversight of human rights which has been more advanced compared to other areas.
To achieve this progress, the Kosovo Assembly (AoK) has established different parliamentary
committees responsible for covering human rights issues. It is important to
mention that the Committee on Rights and Interests of Communities and Return is the
only permanent committee within the AoK which is mandated by the Constitution.
The attention of the AoK to human rights issues has had an impact on the security
sector. Security institutions now have greater consideration for human rights protection
and to conditions for equal access to employment. Success related to oversight of
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Almanac on Security Sector Oversight in the Western Balkans