OSCE Mission Head welcomes adoption of Kosovo civil service board’s code of ethics
PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 4 May 2011 - Ambassador Werner Almhofer, the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, welcomed today the adoption of a code of ethics by the Independent Oversight Board for the Civil Service.
The new Code, which was developed through a series of working group sessions organized by the OSCE Mission, sets out principles guiding the work of the Board, and addresses such issues as the impartiality of the Board members and the legal basis for its work. It also envisages procedures for dealing with conflict of interest situations and alleged violations of the Code by Board members.
“The OSCE Mission welcomes the adoption of the code of ethics as an important step towards strengthening the role of the Board and promoting the rights of civil servants Kosovo-wide. Before ruling on complaints from civil servants, the Board has to make sure that it upholds the same values it stands for,” said Almhofer.
“The Mission will continue to support the activities of the Board in achieving highest attainable standards of civil service.”
Mehdi Geci, the Chairman of civil service board, said; “The adoption of the code of ethics for the board will bring the institution in line with the legal requirements specified in the Law on an Independent Oversight Board for Civil Service of Kosovo and will ensure its professionalism, which is a positive development.”
The board is made up of seven members from different communities appointed by the Assembly of Kosovo, and is responsible for reviewing and determining claims by civil servants against institutions.
The OSCE will support the board this year to improve its operational capacities through full implementation of its legal framework, and enhancing communication with external stakeholders. The OSCE Mission has provided technical support and advice throughout the drafting stages of the code of ethics and will monitor its implementation.
The OSCE Mission in Kosovo helps strengthen the independent institutions in Kosovo with the aim of increasing accountability and good governance.