Honourable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice, Ms Donika Gërvalla,
Honourable Director General of the Kosovo Correctional Service, Mr Ismail Dibrani,
Honourable Acting Director General of the Kosovo Academy for Public Safety, Mr Shpend Shabani,
Honourable Deputy Ministers, Deputy Minister of Justice Genc Nimoni and Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Enver Dugolli,
Distinguished representatives of the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo,
Honourable Chairperson of the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council, Mr Arian Gashi,
Distinguished representatives of diplomatic missions in Kosovo,
Honourable Ambassador of the OSCE, Gerard McGurk,
Honourable Deputy Head of EULEX, Emily Rakhorst,
Distinguished guests,
Dear families of the cadets,
Ladies and gentlemen,
And above all, dear correctional officers of the 46th generation,
Today, 100 young men and women are successfully completing their professional training and embarking on their new duties in the service of the state and the citizens of the Republic of Kosovo.
Being a correctional officer is a great responsibility that requires discipline, integrity and commitment to the security, order and dignity of persons deprived of their liberty.
The Republic of Kosovo needs you and expects a great deal from you.
Over the past three years, approximately 400 new correctional officers have been recruited into the Kosovo Correctional Service. This is an important investment in strengthening human resources and building a modern, professional and stable correctional service.
But numbers are not an end in themselves. Behind every recruitment lies a responsibility. Behind every uniform lies a duty. And behind every officer lies the trust of citizens and the support of institutions.
Kosovo is developing a correctional service that is increasingly gaining the recognition and respect of international partners.
Today, the Kosovo Correctional Service is a member of international organisations such as the European Organisation of Prison and Correctional Services – EuroPris and the International Corrections and Prisons Association – ICPA, and is increasingly gaining the trust of partners around the world. Its experiences and practices are valued not only internationally, but also in the region, where an increasing number of countries are taking them as a model for advancing their correctional services. This obliges all of us to uphold even higher standards.
Dear officers,
From today onwards, you represent the state and the institution. In every situation, you must act with professionalism, lawfulness and dignity. Your authority is measured by the fairness and respect you demonstrate in your work. Your service corrects; therefore, it is just; but your service also improves, therefore it is beneficial.
Today, your families and the Republic of Kosovo have every reason to be proud of you. I thank the Kosovo Correctional Service, the Kosovo Academy for Public Safety, the instructors and your loved ones for the support they have given you.
Tomorrow, the real responsibility begins. Wear your uniform with pride, uphold the law and serve with integrity, demonstrating professionalism every day and in every situation.
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, I wish you success in your duties. Congratulations to the 46th Generation! Congratulations to the 100 new correctional officers!
I wish you success in your service in safeguarding the security and institutions of the Republic of Kosovo.
Thank you for the invitation and for your attention!