Openness of judicial bodies in the region and Albania

In cooperation with partners from the regional network CSO “ActionSEE”, MJAFT! Movement prepared a policy paper, in which we analyze a level of transparency, openness and accountability of judiciary in the region of the Western Balkans.

A goal of our activities is to define a real state in this area and to give recommendations for the improvement through objective measurement of openness of judiciary in the region. The improvement of respecting principles of good governance, in which openness takes a significant place, represents also one of our goals.

Openness of judicial bodies was measured by using basic performance indicators. However, the situation in the region is bad i.e. judicial bodies did not adopt a policy of openness, which represents a basis for building of institutions. Regional courts meet 48% of performance indicators while prosecutor’s offices meet 40%. Such results indicate that urgent action for the improvement of openness is necessary and after the achievement of basic level of openness increasing of requirements, in accordance with standards of openness, is necessary as well.

A level of openness of judicial bodies was measured in the period from October to the end of December 2016 within the Regional index of openness of institutions. The openness was measured on the basis of more than 100 performance indicators, divided into 4 dimensions: transparency, accessibility, integrity and efficiency.

Taking into consideration a low level of public trust into judicial bodies in the region, a strong political will for the improvement of openness is needed, expressed through a proactive approach to publishing of information and improvement of operation of public relations service.

Our policy paper is addressed to decision-makers in courts and prosecutor’s offices in the regional countries. It may be useful for representatives of international institutions and NGO colleagues, who tackle with these issues.

We remain at your disposal for all suggestions, benevolent critics and discussion regarding our policy paper.