CoE urges Albania to achieve concrete results from reforms

STRASBOURG, June 18 – Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Thomas Hammarberg, who made a visit to Tirana last October, on Wednesday presented a report on the human rights situation in Albania underlining the positive steps undertaken by the Albanian authorities to improve the protection of human rights, but also expressing some concerns on structural problems which still affect the country.
The report made a number of recommendations on the functioning of the judiciary, police behavior, conditions of detention, minority rights, protection against discrimination, rights of disabled persons, children’s and women’s rights, trafficking in human beings and freedom of expression.
The Commissioner observed that shortcomings in legislation and implementation, as well as widespread perceptions of corruption, continue to jeopardize the effective functioning of the judicial system.
He was concerned about cases of police misbehavior and the lack of effective investigations into allegations of ill-treatment.
The Commissioner also highlighted “unacceptable human and material conditions” in places of detention and recommended the adoption of effective measures to overcome this situation.
Commissioner Hammarberg noted that, although Albania has made some impressive efforts in the protection of the rights of minorities, “some structural problems still exist and the situation of Roma minority deserves more attention.”
Furthermore, he stated that the existing prevention, protection and prosecution mechanisms concerning various forms of discrimination remain weak and recommended adopting, as a matter of priority, a comprehensive anti-discrimination law in line with international standards.
On children’s rights, the Commissioner stated that persistent physical and economic obstacles exist, hindering access to education for vulnerable groups, particularly Roma and persons with disabilities.
“There is a need to ensure that all children complete a full cycle of compulsory primary education, and that vulnerable groups be integrated into mainstream schooling as far as possible.” The Commissioner also noted that further improvements are needed in relation to the detention of minors, children involved in forced labor and violence against children at home and in institutions.
Discrimination and violence against women was also addressed as an underreported problem in the country.
“Violence, particularly domestic violence, and victims’ needs are not addressed effectively,” said the Commissioner, stressing the need to increase women’s representation in Parliament and in other decision-making bodies. (Tirana Times Staff)