The administration, servicing and other affiliated functions of the Specialist Chambers are ensured by the Registrar, who heads the Registry. The Registrar is one of three Principals of the Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor's Office.
The Registrar is the highest administrative authority within the court. She is also in charge of judicial support services, ensuring that all adequate legal and operational support is provided to the Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor's Office. The Registry comprises various support units: legal, court management, language services, witness protection and support, public information and communication, human resources, IT, budget and security. Furthermore, the Registrar is responsible for other functions necessary for the Specialist Chambers' proceedings: defence, victims participation, detention and Ombudsperson.
The Registry’s Witness Protection and Support Office will ensure security arrangements and protective measures for witnesses. Any threats, intimidations and breaches to protective measure orders may be prosecuted by the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office before the Specialist Chambers.
The Registrar is also in charge of the preparation and execution of the Specialist Chambers' budget in line with EU standards and financial regulations. In addition, she is responsible for relations with the diplomatic community, external coordination and implementation of the Specialist Chambers' communication policy.
The Registrar of the Specialist Chambers is Dr Fidelma Donlon.
Defence Office
The Law on Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor’s Office establishes the right of all accused before the Specialist Chambers to defend themselves through “Specialist Counsel”, a lawyer eligible to practice before the Specialist Chambers. A suspect or accused has the right to have such a Counsel assigned to him or her in any case where the interests of justice so require. The Defence Office administers, on behalf of the Registrar, a List of Counsel. The Defence Office will also manage a system of legal aid for representation of indigent or partially indigent suspects and/or accused who do not have sufficient financial means.
On 6 November 2017, upon approval of the President, after consultations with the Judges, the Registrar adopted the Directive on Counsel. The Directive sets out the requirements for Counsel to be included in the List of Specialist Counsel eligible to represent suspects or accused. The call for admission to the List is now open and can be found here.
Victims Participation Office
The Law on Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor’s Office details the victims’ personal interests and rights in criminal proceedings before the Specialist Chambers. The Law provides for the inclusion of a Victims’ Participation Office into the Registry. The Victims Participation Office will offer assistance and advice to victims who participate in the criminal proceedings before the Specialist Chambers.
The Victims’ Participation Office administers the system of victims’ participation before the Specialist Chambers. The Victims’ Participation Office manages a List of Counsel who are specialized and experienced as Victims’ Counsel and who are eligible to represent victims. In addition, the Victims’ Participation Office administers a system of payment for legal representation of victims.
On 6 November 2017, upon approval of the President, after consultations with the Judges, the Registrar adopted the Directive on Counsel. The Directive sets out the requirements for Counsel to be included in the List of Victims’ Counsel eligible to represent victims before the Kosovo Specialist Chambers. The call for Counsel to apply is now open and can be found here.