Document Type: Progress Reports

Under the Strengthening Tenure and Resource Rights II (STARR II) IDIQ

The Artisanal Mining and Property Rights (USAID AMPR) project supports the USAID Land and Urban Office in improving land and resource governance and strengthening property rights for all members of society, especially women. It serves as USAID’s vehicle for addressing complex land and resource issues around artisanal and small-scale mining in a multidisciplinary fashion with a focus primarily on diamond and less so on gold production in the Central African Republic (CAR), as well as targeted technical assistance to other USAID Missions and Operating Units in addressing land and resource governance issues within the artisanal and small-scale mining sector. The project builds upon activities and lessons from the Property Rights and Artisanal Diamond Development (PRADD I and II) projects. The USAID AMPR contract was signed on September 28, 2018 and will run initially for three base years and with two optional years. Most project activities will be carried out in the CAR.

Executive Summary

This quarterly performance report describes achievements realized under USAID’s Artisanal Mining and Property Rights Project (USAID AMPR) in the Central African Republic (CAR) between April 1 and June 30, 2019. Throughout the quarter, the project implemented successfully it’s Work Plan requirements that focus on carrying out various studies and developing strategies intended to inform the design of subsequent project activities. AMPR also conducted several trainings for government stakeholders, civil society partners, field agents, and the key beneficiaries, notably, the Comité Locales de Paix et de Réconciliation (CLPR) and Antennes Locales de Suivie (ALS). AMPR expanded its relations with local and international actors working on conflict minerals, pastoralism, and peace and reconciliation. The project team met with Enabel, the Belgian cooperation agency mandated to carry out an EU-funded good governance project for the mining sector in CAR. Together the meeting explored strategies for coordination and information sharing, especially on the support for the Kimberley Process Secretariat in the Central African Republic, AMPR also met with the Central African Federation for Herders (Fédération Nationale des Eleveurs Centrafricains) (FNCE), with whom they discussed the increasing incidents of armed pastoralism, and proposed measures to address this problem before it undermines further security in the KP compliant zones.

The USAID AMPR project strengthened strategies to improve the participation, coordination and communication with key project stakeholders, notably the Ministry of Mines and Geology (MMG) and the Ministry of Humanitarian Action and National Reconciliation (MHANR). AMPR shared the technical aspects of the weekly reports with a wide array of stakeholders, involved the technical officers of both ministries in developing terms of references for field missions, and undertook joint field missions. After every mission, AMPR organized meetings to restitute the findings, and obtain feedback from the technical officials of both ministries. In June 2019, AMPR agreed with the MMG to establish a joint technical coordination committee comprised of all AMPR project components coordinators and selected experts of the MMG. The committed started reviewing all studies and strategies developed by AMPR in order to propose concrete interventions that could be considered under the AMPR year two Annual Work Plan. These initiatives were welcomed by both ministries. AMPR continued the interface with senior officials of the US Embassy and USAID in Bangui. Several meetings were organized to brief the officials, and to explore their views in relation to the various interventions carried out by the AMPR project. AMPR management was invited to attend several social events organized by the US Ambassador in Bangui. Below are the highlights of the progress realized under each component.

Objective 1: Assist Government of the Central African Republic to Improve Compliance with Kimberley Process Requirements to Promote Licit Economic Activities
Completed a rigorous and participatory diamond fraud diagnosis on the root causes of smuggling and ways to improve the enhanced monitoring mechanisms required under the Kimberley Process Operational Framework. A draft report was shared with key stakeholders for feedback including USAID, the World Bank and the US Embassy in Bangui. The final report from the diagnosis, summarizing the fieldwork, observations and the recommendations adopted by all stakeholders at the national workshop, was shared with USAID for final approval.

• Former PRADD II Deputy Country Director in Côte d’Ivoire Sabine Jiekak was recruited by the end of June 2019 by AMPR to carry out the Land Certificate Study. She will travel to Bangui in early July 2019 to undertake a study on the impact, relevance/utility and weaknesses of PRADD I certificates of customary land tenure delivered to nearly 3,000 miners between 2007 and 2012.
• Specialist in local revenue management, Sébastien Pennes was recruited by AMPR at the end of last quarter to carry out a study on whether a decentralized revenue management model might work in the mining zones in Carnot, Berberati and Nola. The study focused on whether the SODEMI model of Côte d’Ivoire might be applicable to CAR. The study findings concluded that the model is not transferable. However, a number of other recommendations will inform the AMPR project in developing a workable system to be piloted in one of two local communities covered by the project in CAR in the years to come.
• AMPR launched the first phase of the Knowledge, Aptitude and Practice (KAP) survey in early April with a representative sample of mine claim holders (341). The study focused on the artisanal miner or chef de chantier, drawn from active mining sites in select priority zones of Boganangone, Carnot, Gadzi, Nola, Boda, Sosso-Nakombo and Dede-Makouba. Through the Component II sub-contract with IPIS, the AMPR team also included a form for mapping diamond sites as well as gold. This initiative is right on schedule despite the difficulty of reaching gold mining sites in the middle of the rainy season.
• Communication specialist, Souleymane Ouattara, who prepared the Communication Strategy for the PRADD II project in Guinea worked with the field office team this past quarter to design a comprehensive AMPR project communication strategy that includes key strategies, messages, and tools. The strategy was presented for approval to USAID, but after commentary, it will be subsequently revised by the field office team.
• Worked closely with the World Bank Natural Resources Project mining component team to put in place a policy to support the Kimberly Process Focal Points, the field agents recruited by KP secretariat itself. The Focal Points benefited from various technical training organized by the project and participated in relevant field activities like the collection of data for the Component III gold site mapping initiative. Tetra Tech presented a proposal for a $1 million single-source contract to carry out field support to cooperatives in one to two sites, but final negotiations over the contract terms were still underway at time of quarterly report writing.
• Discussions initiated with the US Ambassador in Bangui, the Political and Economic Officer and the USAID Development Program Specialist on the importance of setting up a Friends of CAR. Relevant documentation of the proposed structure for the Friends of CAR was shared with the US Embassy officials for their review and to provide input.

Objective 2: Strengthen Community Resilience, Social Cohesion, and Responses to Violent Conflict in the Central African Republic

• Participatory assessment of Local Peace and Reconciliation Committees (CLPR) and the Kimberley Process Local Monitoring Units (ALS) in the pilot sites of Balégo, Yamalé, Bania, Wapo, Nassolé and Nandobo now in place for the roadmap spelling out the strategies and actions needed to strengthen the CLPR set up under PRADD II.
• Project team worked closely with the Ministry of Humanitarian Action and National Reconciliation (MHANR) to establish new CLPRs in the sub-prefectures of Carnot and Gadzi. This included supporting the process of voting for members, carrying out initial training for members, and setting up a monitoring system.
• Supported in partnership with MHANR and the MMG, the preparation of the Annual CLPR Action Plans in the 6 pilot CLPR sites of Berberati region, Balégo, Yamalé, Bania, Wapo, Nassolé and Nandobo.
• Consultant Sabine Jiekak worked closely with the project team to complete a diagnostic on the role of women in the diamond mining sector. This included a literature review and a participatory field research phase to identify the gender dynamics and opportunities to support women’s economic empowerment with a focus on promising livelihoods and an entrepreneurial/value chain approach in Nola, Gadzi, and Boganagone.
• Consultant Sabine Jiekak worked with the field team to design the project’s Gender Action Plan with a focus on mainstreaming gender dynamics into all activities. The plan includes the AMPR strategy for gender mainstreaming, the findings from the gender diagnostic, and the proposal for specific activities to promote economic and social inclusion of women.
• Organized the first technical consultative meeting on armed pastoralism and transhumance between the MMG, MHANR, Ministry of Livestock and the General Secretary of FNEC (Fédération Nationale des Eleveurs Centrafricains). The meeting discussed strategies for monitoring, documenting and reporting violent attacks by the armed pastoralists.
• Supported thanks to the collaboration with the CLPR and the ALS, the establishment and signing of a joint declaration with the KP monitoring committees and anti-fraud police (USAF) to commit all actors to jointly fight fraud in the Berberati region, and share in a timely fashion information on security and violent incidents in the compliant zones of Balégo, Bania, Yamalé, Wapo, Nassolé and Nandobo.

Objective 3: Increase Awareness and Understanding of the Opportunities and Challenges of Establishing Responsible Gold Supply Chains in the Central African Republic

• IPIS completed the first cycle of field missions required to collect detailed information on 201 mining sites. IPIS carried out a debriefing workshop and prepared for the second cycle of data collection. Throughout the process, IPIS conscientiously downloaded for review draft questionnaires, shared results of a first round of data analysis and interpretation, worked with the local sub-contractor on data cleaning, and uploaded the initial dataset into the IPIS database.

Objective 4: Improve USAID Programming through Increased Understanding of Linkages Between ASM and Key Development Issues

• Carried out in Ghana a rapid artisanal gold mining assessment combined with a field visit in the Wassa Amenfi West District and the Asankrangwa Stool chieftaincy. This assessment identified options for US government programming in the gold sector.
• Finalized the ASGM Ghana scoping mission report. Shared with the World Bank, US Embassy Accra and the USAID ILRG project team.
• Technical Deputy / Component 4 Coordinator attended the OECD Responsible Minerals Forum in April 2019, where he moderated a panel discussion on diamonds and the new Responsible Jewelry Council’s standards. He also participated and presented on best practices in mining cooperatives at the KP Intersessional and provided technical assistance to the US Delegation.
• Technical Deputy participated in the Kimberley Process Intersessional in Mumbai, India where he gave a well-received presentation on lessons learned from mining cooperatives and especially focused on examples from PRADD II.
  

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USAID’s Property Rights Program (PRP) is a four-year activity that aims to address the property rights challenges and to develop a plan for the stabilization of the property rights regime in Kosovo. The program will work in partnership with the Government of Kosovo (GOK), selected municipalities and other relevant local and international stakeholders. USAID has allocated $8.5 million for the implementation of the Property Rights Program.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The rule of law in Kosovo is constrained by poorly defined and enforced property rights, especially the property rights of women and members of minority communities. The absence of an effective property rights regime weakens democratic governance, impacts human rights, disempowers women and impedes economic growth.

The Property Rights Program (PRP) is a four-year USAID project implemented under four objectives:

Objective 1: Better Coordination and Policy Priorities

Objective 2: Improved Court Procedures Related to Property Claims

Objective 3: Enhance Women’s Rights to Use Property in Practice

Objective 4: Improved Communication, Access to Information and Understanding of Property Rights

The PRP promotes sustainable solutions by building capacity within Kosovo’s institutions and civil society to take ownership of and direct the reforms to strengthen property rights and the rule of law that are required for Euro-Atlantic integration and economic development. PRP facilitates effective donor and government stakeholder coordination such as supporting the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to lead development of the National Strategy on Property Rights through an inclusive and participatory process. PRP provides technical assistance to the Kosovo Judicial Council (KJC) to develop, pilot, and test improved court procedures to efficiently adjudicate property claims and disputes.

PRP is carrying out extensive and varied public outreach activities to spark public discussion of the challenges women face in exercising their property rights and to prompt change in social attitudes and behaviors. PRP is also working with USAID’s E4E partner and sub-grantees to help them support and undertake activities that reinforce PRP’s public outreach efforts.

In addition, PRP is working directly with municipal administrations to enable them to make it easier for their citizens to register their property and exercise their property rights, by streamlining procedures; encouraging the sharing of information among local institutions and making legal information readily available to the public.

USAID’s Property Rights Program (PRP) is a four-year activity that aims to address the property rights challenges and to develop a plan for the stabilization of the property rights regime in Kosovo. The program will work in partnership with the Government of Kosovo (GOK), selected municipalities and other relevant local and international stakeholders. USAID has allocated $8.5 million for the implementation of the Property Rights Program.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

SUMMARY OF RESULTS FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD AND KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

This Quarter was very productive for PRP: it saw important developments in major initiatives in progress – the National Strategy on Property Rights; caseflow management reform in Kosovo courts; the national media campaign and local grassroots activities on women’s property rights; and activities in the municipalities of Viti/Vitina and Shtërpcë/Štrpce designed to help municipal administrations in Viti/Vitina and elsewhere improve their practices and procedures related to property rights and enable their citizens to exercise their property rights more easily and efficiently.

USAID’s Property Rights Program (PRP) is a four-year activity that aims to address the property rights challenges and to develop a plan for the stabilization of the property rights regime in Kosovo. The program will work in partnership with the Government of Kosovo (GOK), selected municipalities and other relevant local and international stakeholders. USAID has allocated $8.5 million for the implementation of the Property Rights Program.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

SUMMARY OF RESULTS FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD AND KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

This Quarter was very productive for PRP: it saw important developments in major initiatives in progress – the National Strategy on Property Rights; caseflow management reform in Kosovo courts; the national media campaign and local grassroots activities on women’s property rights; and activities in the municipalities of Viti/Vitina and Shtërpcë/Štrpce designed to help municipal administrations in Viti/Vitina and elsewhere improve their practices and procedures related to property rights and enable their citizens to exercise their property rights more easily and efficiently.

USAID’s Property Rights Program (PRP) is a four-year activity that aims to address the property rights challenges and to develop a plan for the stabilization of the property rights regime in Kosovo. The program will work in partnership with the Government of Kosovo (GOK), selected municipalities and other relevant local and international stakeholders. USAID has allocated $8.5 million for the implementation of the Property Rights Program.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

SUMMARY OF RESULTS FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD AND KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

This Quarter saw PRP advance its initiatives significantly under all four Objectives. Under Objective 1, implementing legislation for the National Strategy on Property Rights was developed at a steady pace, despite the call for national elections and the resulting caretaker status assumed by the national government. Under Objective 2, PRP began piloting its improved case management reforms in its three Courts of Merit. Under Objective 3, PRP unveiled for broadcasting a new series of PSAs on women’s property rights, launching them with a visibility event featuring remarks by the USAID Mission Director; and prepared for dissemination its Report on the results of the Mid-Term National Survey on Property Rights in Kosovo. Under Objective 4, PRP produced information products for citizens on registering property and moved forward a number of other initiatives in partner municipalities that are designed to improve municipal governments’ services to their citizens.

USAID’s Property Rights Program (PRP) is a four-year activity that aims to address the property rights challenges and to develop a plan for the stabilization of the property rights regime in Kosovo. The program will work in partnership with the Government of Kosovo (GOK), selected municipalities and other relevant local and international stakeholders. USAID has allocated $8.5 million for the implementation of the Property Rights Program.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

SUMMARY OF RESULTS FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD AND KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

This Quarter saw PRP advance its initiatives significantly under all four Objectives. Under Objective 1, implementing legislation for the National Strategy on Property Rights was developed at a steady pace under the caretaker government; and the new government, which came to power on September 9, 2017, has affirmed its commitment to support property rights reform. Under Objective 2, the piloting of the improved case management reforms proceeded apace in the three Courts of Merit, producing real improvements in the courts’ performance, which PRP is documenting. Under Objective 3, PRP continued its public outreach on women’s equal property rights with a range of activities, most notably showing its PSAs in conjunction with the month-long municipal election debates conducted by the E4E sub-grantee BIRN, and securing the inclusion of questions related to property rights during those debates. Under Objective 4, PRP has moved forward a number of initiatives in partner municipalities that are designed to improve municipal governments’ services to their citizens ranging from hardware assets to technical assistance.

USAID’s Property Rights Program (PRP) is a four-year activity that aims to address the property rights challenges and to develop a plan for the stabilization of the property rights regime in Kosovo. The program will work in partnership with the Government of Kosovo (GOK), selected municipalities and other relevant local and international stakeholders. USAID has allocated $8.5 million for the implementation of the Property Rights Program.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The absence of an effective property rights framework in Kosovo weakens democratic governance, impacts human rights, disempowers women and impedes sustainable economic growth. The USAID/Kosovo Property Rights Program assists the Government of Kosovo to develop and implement its National Strategy on Property Rights (the National Strategy) and strengthen property rights legislation; supports the development of improved court procedures to efficiently adjudicate property claims and disputes; conducts public outreach campaigns to prompt changes in social attitudes and behavior concerning the ability of women to exercise their property rights and works closely with civil society organizations to support related activities; and improves service delivery in municipalities to increase the general public’s understanding of property rights and make it easier for citizens to exercise their property rights.

With the GoK adopting the National Strategy in January 2017, PRP is now working closely with all relevant GoK bodies to support the development of the legislation to help the GoK to strengthen the property rights legal framework by ensuring it is harmonized and well-integrated.

PRP is working closely with the Kosovo Judicial Council (KJC) and four Courts of Merit (CoMs) to develop and pilot improved court procedures related to property claims and will also help courts remove constraints in practice that women face in inheriting property. PRP assistance to improve court performance also informs the development of more consistent judicial practice in adjudicating property claims. Results produced by PRP in these areas contribute to achieving USAID/Kosovo’s Country Development Cooperation Strategy Development (CDCS) Objective 1 “Improved Rule of Law and Governance that Meets Citizens’ Needs.” Improved legislation and court procedures also support creation of an Improved Economic Governance and Business Environment under the CDCS Development Objective 2 “Increased Investment and Private Sector Employment.”

PRP is continuing its national media campaign and grassroots public outreach activities in Kosovo communities to prompt changes in social attitudes and behaviors inhibiting women from inheriting and owning property. PRP also provides technical assistance to Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to develop and implement activities aimed at supporting women’s property rights and to complement PRP’s public outreach activities.

At the municipal level, PRP is working with local administrations to improve their own practices and procedures related to property rights; provide useful legal information to their citizens to enable them to more efficiently transact their rights to property; and engage more effectively with their communities on property rights issues.

USAID’s Property Rights Program (PRP) is a four-year activity that aims to address the property rights challenges and to develop a plan for the stabilization of the property rights regime in Kosovo. The program will work in partnership with the Government of Kosovo (GOK), selected municipalities and other relevant local and international stakeholders. USAID has allocated $8.5 million for the implementation of the Property Rights Program.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

SUMMARY OF RESULTS FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD AND KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

This Quarter saw PRP advance its initiatives significantly under all four Objectives. Under Objective 1, PRP secured the new Government’s commitment to implement the NSPR, and assisted it to develop legislation to implement the NSPR’s reform recommendations at a steady pace. Under Objective 2, the piloting of improved case management reforms has produced demonstrable improvements in the courts’ efficiency and effectiveness in adjudicating property rights cases; and has prompted judges to call for the institutionalization of such practices throughout Kosovo’s judicial system. Under Objective 3, PRP continued its public outreach on women’s equal property rights with a range of activities, most notably airing PSAs it developed during municipal election debates organized by the E4E sub-grantee BIRN, and securing the inclusion of questions related to property rights during those debates. Under Objective 4, PRP has moved forward a number of initiatives in partner municipalities that are designed to improve municipal governments’ services to their citizens including delivery of technical assistance and installation of hardware assets.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

USAID’s Property Rights Program (PRP) is a four-year activity that aims to address the property rights challenges and to develop a plan for the stabilization of the property rights regime in Kosovo. The program will work in partnership with the Government of Kosovo (GOK), selected municipalities and other relevant local and international stakeholders. USAID has allocated $8.5 million for the implementation of the Property Rights Program.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD AND KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

This Quarter saw PRP advance its initiatives significantly under all four Objectives. Under Objective 1, PRP secured the new Government’s commitment to implement the National Strategy on Property Rights (NSPR), and has continued to support the timely development of legislation to implement its reform agenda at a steady pace. Under Objective 2, the piloting of improved case management reforms has produced demonstrable improvements in the courts’ efficiency and effectiveness in adjudicating property rights cases; and has prompted judges to call for the institutionalization of such practices throughout Kosovo’s judicial system. Under Objective 3, PRP continued its public outreach on women’s equal property rights with a range of activities that were organized around International Women’s Day. Under Objective 4, PRP has moved forward a number of initiatives in partner municipalities that are designed to improve municipal governments’ services to their citizens including delivery of technical assistance and installation of hardware assets.

USAID’s Property Rights Program (PRP) is a four-year activity that aims to address the property rights challenges and to develop a plan for the stabilization of the property rights regime in Kosovo. The program will work in partnership with the Government of Kosovo (GOK), selected municipalities and other relevant local and international stakeholders. USAID has allocated $8.5 million for the implementation of the Property Rights Program.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

SUMMARY OF RESULTS FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD AND KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

This Quarter saw PRP advance its initiatives significantly under all four Objectives. Under Objective 1, PRP has continued to support the timely development of legislation to implement the National Strategy on Property Rights (NSPR) Under Objective 2, the Caseflow Management (CFM) reforms introduced by PRP in its partner courts have continued to register demonstrable improvements in the courts’ efficiency and effectiveness in adjudicating property rights cases; and Kosovo courts have launched hiring procedures for legal associates in response. Under Objective 3, PRP continued its public outreach on women’s equal property rights with a range of activities, with an emphasis on reaching children and youth. Under Objective 4, PRP has moved forward a number of initiatives that are designed to improve municipal governments’ services to their citizens.

 OBJECTIVE 1: BETTER COORDINATION AND POLICY PRIORITIES                                        

PRP supported Government of Kosovo (GoK) stakeholders to develop draft legislation foreseen under the National Strategy on Property Rights (NSPR) to strengthen the property rights legal framework including: the Law on Public Property; the Law on Construction Land; the Law on Sale of the Apartments in which a Tenure Right Exists; the draft Law on Cadastre; the Draft Law on Allocation for the Use and Exchange of Immovable Property of the Municipality; the Concept Document on the Expropriation of Immovable Property; and an Administrative Instruction on Construction Permitting. Additionally, the “Inheritance Package” of legislation developed with PRP support to create more efficient inheritance procedures and safeguard the rights of women to inherit property has been reviewed by the legislations’ working group and it is anticipated the next iteration of the legislation will be produced in the next quarter.

PRP delivers its legislative support through coordinated efforts with the European Union (EU) Civil Code Project 2 (CCP2) to assist the GoK ensure consistency between property rights legislation supported by both projects. PRP also assists the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to coordinate its property reform activities with other GoK institutions and assists the MoJ to report on its progress to implement property rights reforms to help the GoK meet its obligations under the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) with the EU; to support economic development as foreseen in the GoK’s National Development Strategy (NDS); and to protect the property rights of women as part of the GoK’s Inter-Ministerial Coordination Group on Human Rights.

PRP assisted the Kosovo Property Comparison and Verification Agency (KPCVA) to finalize its draft three-year Strategy and related Action Plan. The Strategy identifies and prioritizes 54 KPCVA activities for the next three years, including the implementation of KPCVA’s new mandate to compare and verify cadastral records upon their return from Serbia; and, as foreseen in the NSPR and the GoK’s Concept Document to amend the KPCVA Law, proposes that the KPCVA serve as an adjudicatory body for addressing large-scale informality.

 OBJECTIVE 2: IMPROVED COURT PROCEDURES RELATED TO PROPERTY CLAIMS            

PRP’s caseflow management (CFM) assistance to the three Courts of Merit (CoM) has continued to achieve efficiency and help address property rights case backlog. Thus far, a total of 9,696 decisions had been issued with the assistance of PRP’s Legal Assistants (LAs) since mid-December 2016. The increased number of decisions promoted greater efficiencies in the courts that have allowed judges to focus efforts on resolving backlogged cases. In the short-term, the focus on backlogged cases has served to increase the average number of days it takes the court to dispose of a case because the

courts’ focus is on the oldest cases. Once these cases are disposed, the average time to disposition should fall significantly. Delivery of CFM assistance through LAs is proving to be a sustainable approach to improving court performance. The Pejë/Peć Basic Court initiated the process to recruit and permanently hire LAs. The Court informed PRP that its two LAs received the highest scores on the competency exam and will be hired in early July 2018.

PRP has collaborated closely with the KPCVA to amend the law establishing the agency and expand its mandate to resolve uncontested property rights requests through expedited, administrative procedures. Adoption of the legislation will help remove uncontested claims from the courts’ dockets, thereby further reducing the backlog of property rights cases. The draft legislation was recently published for public consultation and feedback.

PRP secured agreement with the Supreme Court to collaborate on an initiative under which the Supreme Court will produce guidelines to help achieve consistent judicial practice in the area of property rights. PRP and the Court have agreed on the methodology for developing the guidelines, which begins with the assessment of the approximately 900 decisions the Court has issued on points of law pertaining to property rights.

PRP also secured an agreement with the Kosovo Judicial Academy (KJA) to develop training modules to strengthen judicial capacity and reinforce consistent judicial practice to resolve property disputes. PRP has submitted concept notes for each training module, which are being reviewed by the KJA.

PRP continued to effectively coordinate with USAID’s Justice System Strengthening Project (JSSP). PRP translated its Practical Guide for improving CFM efficiency and shared it with JSSP’s sub- contractor who provided a memorandum describing recommendations for incorporating the

Practical Guide into JSSP’s Bench Book. PRP will continue discussions on the most effective way to produce a joint product to help further institute CFM reforms.

 OBJECTIVE 3: ENHANCED WOMEN’S RIGHTS TO USE PROPERTY IN PRACTICE                 

PRP and the Mitrovica Municipal Gender Officer (MGO) organized a training on gender equality for the newly established Women’s Caucus and Committee on Gender Equality in Mitrovica. The training consisted of a session led by the MGO informing participants on Kosovo’s policies on gender equality and their implications at the municipal level; and PRP’s analysis on issues preventing women from exercising their property rights freely and equally in Kosovo. Additional information and outreach events included a PRP sponsored lecture at the Ukshin Hoti University in Prizren on Constitutional Rights, with emphasis on the provisions on equality before the law and protection of property, and a presentation by PRP on current issues in women’s property rights; and a joint PRP/MGO presentation for high school students in Suharekë/Suva Reka. PRP will assist the MGO to implement the MGO’s activity plan to raise youth awareness on equal rights to property inheritance. PRP also supported the visit of a female judge with Dragash/Dragaš elementary school children to discuss the important questions around the feeling that parents and families often do not treat each of their children equally in matters of property inheritance.

PRP continues its tradition in participating in USAID Engagement for Equity (E4E) new grantee orientations, including its most recent one. The session focused on project implementation rules and procedures. And PRP used the opportunity to inform the new grantees about its work and recommended opportunities for future collaboration with them. PRP will continue to monitor grantee activities to ensure consistency of (and avoid duplication with) USAID technical direction in the property rights space with the E4E implementing partner, ATRC.

PRP and ATRC facilitated a meeting between E4E grantee “Gruaja Hyjnore” from Gjilan/Gnjilane, and Ms. Ana Luisa Pinto, the USAID Desk Officer, Bureau for Europe and Eurasia, to acquaint Ms. Pinto with PRP’s long history of successful grassroots activities to raise awareness and understanding of women’s equal property rights in Kosovo.

PRP concluded four of its five planned regional workshops designed to focus attention and foster constructive discussion on specific challenges and problematic issues constraining Municipal Cadastral Offices (MCOs) from efficiently delivering service to citizens. The results from questionnaires distributed at the workshops and the lively discussions at the workshops are bringing to light a rich panoply of practice issues that need to be addressed in order to improve MCOs’ service delivery.

PRP assisted the Viti/Vitina Municipality in conducting a visibility event to unveil its new e-kiosk constructed and installed with PRP assistance. The e-kiosk provides citizens the ability to obtain copies of MCO certificates evidencing their property rights, and property tax documents, in addition to civil status documents. The event took place in Pozhoran, where the e-kiosk has been placed to provide easy access to a number of other population centers. Deputy USAID Mission Director Lisa Magno spoke at the event, which was also attended by Ms. Ana Luisa Pinto, USAID’s Desk Officer for Kosovo in Washington, DC. Viti/Vitina municipal authorities expressed their appreciation for USAID’s support and report that citizens are using the e-kiosk very frequently. PRP has issued a request for proposals to upgrade an additional six existing e-kiosks in Pristina, Pejë/Peć, Vushtrri/Vučitrn and Gračanica/Gracanicë municipalities. This will be another step to improve citizens’ ability to obtain official documents and facilitate property registration.

PRP produced a new public information brochure for citizens “How to Register Property Received as a Gift” in the Albanian, Serbian and English languages. The brochure addresses an increasingly common property transaction where immovable property is gifted within families to take advantage of lower registration fees for such transactions.

PRP continued its support to Štrpce/Shtërpcë MCO to register its backlog of around 5,000 unregistered property transactions. To date, over 3,500 cadastral files have been scanned, of which approximately 2,200 have been entered into the Kosovo Cadastral Land Information System.