21.11.2025

Today, the Kosovo Correctional Service marked the 26th anniversary of its establishment in a solemn ceremony attended by the President of the Republic of Kosovo, high representatives of justice institutions, members of the diplomatic corps, international organizations, and long-standing partners supporting the development of the Kosovo Correctional Service.

The Director General of the Kosovo Correctional Service, Mr. Ismail Dibrani, in his address emphasized that this anniversary represents an important moment of reflection on the institution’s journey, which has transformed from a simple post-war structure into a modern, professional system fully aligned with international standards.

“This anniversary represents a moment of reflection on a 26-year journey that has been challenging, but extraordinarily successful,” Dibrani said. He highlighted major achievements, including nearly 600 prevented cases of contraband—an unprecedented record in the institution’s history, directly contributing to increased security across all correctional centers.

He also noted that in the last three years alone, more than 1,800 persons deprived of liberty have taken part in rehabilitation programs, creating waiting lists for the first time as proof of their effectiveness and growing trust. Dibrani recalled that the work of the KCS has been recognized with the Award of Excellence by the International Prisons Organization, as well as membership in EuroPris, positioning Kosovo within the European correctional cooperation framework.

The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Ms. Vjosa Osmani, in her address praised the contribution of the Correctional Service in strengthening order and justice in the country.

“Justice is not limited only to punishment; justice is responsibility, construction, and trust. No state can stand firm without the power of order and justice,” Osmani stated. She emphasized that the work of the KCS is often invisible to the public but of extraordinary importance for the state and public safety. The President expressed special gratitude to the women engaged in the correctional system, highlighting their extraordinary role in the development of the institution.

The Acting Minister of Justice, Mr. Blerim Sallahu, described the Correctional Service as an institution that has demonstrated high professionalism, integrity, and the capacity for profound transformation.

“Over these years, the KCS has demonstrated an exceptional level of professionalism and integrity. The modernization of infrastructure, the strengthening of staff capacities, and harmonization with European standards clearly show that this system is moving in the right direction,” he declared.

Sallahu further added: “What we have achieved is not a coincidence. It is the result of tireless work, a clear vision, and a sincere partnership between the Government and the KCS. The Ministry of Justice has been and remains a strategic partner in this transformation.”

He highlighted government-supported key projects such as: the Lipjan Female Correctional Center, the Mothers with Children Home, the new Prizren Prison, the expansion of capacities at the Institute of Forensic Psychiatry, and the operationalization of Pavilion ‘D’ in Dubrava.

“This correctional system reform is one of the most important of this decade. It is not only an institutional success—it is a success of the rule of law,” Sallahu stated.

He emphasized that through the new legal package, new professional standards, modern technology, and an unwavering focus on human rights, the ministry and the KCS are laying the foundations of a correctional system that guarantees security, justice, and sustainable rehabilitation.

The Head of the EULEX Mission, Mr. Giovanni Pietro Barbano, praised the contribution and commitment of the KCS, describing it as one of the mission’s most reliable partners.

“It is a sincere honor to be part of this anniversary. The KCS has shown exemplary commitment to professional advancement and strengthening rehabilitative capacities, and we will continue to support it through monitoring, mentoring, and advising,” Barbano said. He accepted the Special Appreciation Award on behalf of EULEX as a sign of recognition for the long partnership and successful cooperation.

The OSCE Ambassador, Mr. Gerard McGurk, emphasized that “your achievements speak for themselves.” He noted that in recent years the Kosovo Correctional Service has made significant progress in strengthening operational professionalism, improving staff training, and modernizing security protocols. According to him, the commitment to enhancing healthcare, including psychological and psychosocial support, is a clear indicator of the KCS’s growing dedication to dignity and human rights. The expansion of educational and vocational programs within correctional institutions, he added, has opened new real opportunities for rehabilitation, directly reducing recidivism and improving the prospects of reintegrating inmates into the community.

Meanwhile, the Director of the Albanian Prison Police, Mr. Paulin Rajta, congratulated the Kosovo Correctional Service for its continuous achievements, both in strengthening security and improving the treatment of persons deprived of liberty, as well as in its membership in key international organizations. He emphasized that today the KCS represents a success story for the entire region, thanks to its current management, which has set high professional standards and advanced steadily toward the modernization of correctional services.

The 26th anniversary of the KCS marks an important milestone in the transformation of the correctional system toward a more professional, safer, more humane, and more rehabilitation-oriented structure. The work and dedication of the correctional staff were recognized by all speakers as essential pillars for the functioning of justice and security in the Republic of Kosovo.