4.3 Mission in Kosovo techniques regarding domestic violence cases and interviewing vulnerable victims of domestic violence, with particular focus on child victims. From 22 November to 9 December, the Mission organized seven promotional events in regard to the OSCE-led “Survey on the Well-being and Safety of Women in Kosovo”, which was launched on 22 November. As a follow-up, the Mission conducted six roundtables in Gračanica/Graçanicë, Prizren, Gjilan/Gnjilane, Pejë/Peć, Mitrovica/Mitrovicë North and Vushtrri/Vučitrn, to present the findings of the report and engage with the main local stakeholders, including KP Domestic Violence Unit, in a discussion on improving mechanisms to better address gender-based violence and domestic violence issues. On 18 December, in the framework of the project funded by the Italian Embassy and the Government of Norway, the Mission handed over three domestic violence friendly interview rooms to the KP Regional Directorates of Gjakovë/ Djakovica, Ferizaj/Uroševac and Prizren. To be used during the investigative processes of domestic violence cases, the rooms were designed to provide the victims of domestic and gender-based violence with a safe and friendly environment, equipped with computers, cameras, sofas, beds as well as toys for children. Hate Crime From 7 to 9 May, the Mission organized a ToT workshop on hate crimes for 20 KP officers from different police regions. During the event, participants were equipped with the skills to deliver training regarding the different aspects of identifying and investigating hate crimes. Participants learned about concepts of hate crimes, the legal framework, the impact of hate crimes and role of police. Participants also received new skills on the organization of trainings, including logistic preparations and communications with the audience. From 3 June to 26 July, the Mission facilitated an online course on monitoring hate crimes for 11 members from the Ombudsperson Institution (OI). Various video presentations and learning resources, as well as specifically designed activities consisting of research exercises, quizzes, and discussion forums, enabled participants to develop a better understanding of the nature and impact of hate crimes. They also learned more about the available tools to accurately monitor hate crime occurrences and improve their capacities in establishing effective monitoring systems and responses. From 11 June to 4 July, in co-operation with the KP Training Division, the Mission facilitated eight roundtables on the investigation of hate crimes for 128 officers from all eight police regions and PIK. The sessions provided a platform 66 for a discussion regarding the enhancement of co-operation between the KP and PIK in recording and investigating potential hate crimes. Participants were further familiarized with the recent changes of the Criminal Code in relation to hate crimes. Several recommendations emerged from these events, such as the need for further training on investigation of hate crimes and information sessions on the amended Criminal Code, with focus placed on provisions related to bias motivated crimes for police officers and prosecutors. To support the KP in the implementation of the “Cooperation Agreement in Addressing Hate Crimes in Kosovo”, in partnership with the KP Community Policing and Prevention Directorate, the Mission designed and printed 3,000 pocket size cards on hate crimes bias indicators, which were handed over to the KP in September for distribution to the regional directorates. Prepared in Albanian, Serbian and Turkish languages, the cards contained information that will enable police ‘first responders’ to track bias motivated incidents at the crime scene and provide information for further investigations. The activity further supports the KP in the implementation of the Co-operation Agreement in Addressing Hate Crimes in Kosovo16, which the Mission assisted in developing. On 28 and 29 September, the Mission organized an intercultural youth forum on issues of non-discrimination, hate speech and hate crimes for 37 secondary school students from different communities in the Pejë/Peć and Gjakovë/Đakovica regions. In co-operation with the KP, the Mission delivered the programme, mainly covering conflict resolution and the difference between the freedom of speech and hate speech. Students spoke about the relevant factors for victims of hate crimes and hate speech as a key aspect in this area. At the conclusion of the forum, all participants presented their level of awareness relating to hate crime, which helped to advance their understanding of the components that influence the commission of hate crimes and use of hate speech. From 9 to 10 October, the Mission facilitated a research visit to Zagreb for five KP officers, co-ordinator for hate crime cases in the Chief Prosecutor’s Office, a judge from the Serious Crimes Department in the Basic Court Prishtinë/Priština, and a senior official in the MoIA, involved in implementing the Co-operation Agreement in Addressing Hate Crimes. The visit was supported by the Croatian Government Office for Human Rights and Rights of National Minorities, which facilitated a set of meetings with Croatian institutions responsible for implementing strategies and policies for addressing hate crimes. During the 16 The Co-operation Agreement in Addressing Hate Crimes in Kosovo was signed by the MoIA, KP, Chief Prosecutor’s Office and Kosovo Judicial Council (KJC) in February 2018.

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