Daniela Gašparíková, UNDP Resident Representative to Montenegro

Opening remarks at the launch of the launch of the Judicial Information sub-system: Go-live phase presentation of the IT system for IECS

It is my great pleasure to attend the go-live phase presentation of the information system for the Institute for Enforcement of Criminal Sanctions today. Until now, exchange of data between prisons was not possible. Introducing this information system will enable exchange of data among prison units, such as final judgements or prisoners’ discharge papers. This unique system will not only simplify the work procedures for prisons administration, and rationalize financial and human resources, but also provide managers of the Institute with reliable statistics and reporting.

The initiative is part of a wider digitalisation intervention aiming to improve efficiency of the justice system, implemented with the financial support of the Kingdom of Norway and the Ministry of Justice of Montenegro.

The Judicial Information system once fully rolled-out will digitally connect Courts, Institute for Enforcement of Criminal Sanctions, Ministry of Justice and State Prosecutors office. The interoperability of these systems will enable more efficient exchange of information and data among these institutions. The ultimate goal of Judicial Information System is to have the concept of ‘paperless judiciary’ in place, avoiding as many paper documents as possible, in order to ensure more efficient and agile data exchange and cooperation with other EU institutions, institutions of EU Member States and international organizations, as well.

Establishing an efficient judiciary is of immense importance, as it is essential to safeguard the rule of law and represents one of the key preconditions for stable and prosperous society. Citizens’ trust in justice system mostly depends on their perception of the efficiency and independence of the system. Living in the area of the accelerated digitalisation trend presents an opportunity to improve performance and trust in the institutions of judicial system.

 As the area of judiciary is a subject of particular attention of the country EU accession process, the importance of the judicial information system is recognized by the Action plan for the Chapter 23 as well as Montenegro’s Strategy for the Information-Communication Technologies in the Justice System. Namely, the data and statistics generated through the system will enable the government in meeting the obligation to ensure high quality judicial statistics and keep the records as required in line with relevant law requirements.

The Project “Strengthening the Judiciary in Montenegro” funded by the Government of the Kingdom of Norway has already contributed to the efforts of Montenegro to meet the targets under SDG 16 through strengthening institutions and promoting effective governance based on the rule of law.

Building on these results so far, we are committed to provide continued support to the Government of Montenegro and thankful for the Government of Norway  support to the advancement of Montenegro’s judicial reforms.

Thank you.