Media criticized by the international community on covering trafficking, domestic violence

TIRANA, Feb. 6 – The international community in Albania last week expressed serious concern about the irresponsible and discriminatory reporting on domestic violence and trafficking in some media. Recent reporting around trafficking and domestic violence shelters has ignored the privacy, dignity and human rights of the victims. With Parliament’s welcome adoption of landmark anti-discrimination legislation on 4th February, we are reminded that such a situation cannot be tolerated, a statement said.
The international community acknowledges the many strong advocates within the media who strive to ensure free, fair and ethical reporting. We encourage these strong advocates to set high standards of ethical reporting for themselves and their peers.
We also encourage the relevant Albanian institutions such as the National Council of Albanian Radio and Television and Parliament to help ensure respect in the media for the dignity, privacy and rights of individuals and families who face sexual, emotional and physical violence.
Domestic violence and human trafficking remain a pervasive problem in Albania. Recent figures released by INSTAT indicate that 50.6 percent of women in Albania have suffered emotional abuse, 31.2 percent have suffered physical abuse and 12.7 percent have suffered sexual abuse; 57 percent of children have faced physical abuse. Trafficking remains a hidden issue within communities. Victims not only suffer physical abuse, but face exclusion by their communities. Shelters are often the only safe havens for victims of abuse. These shelters and support services are of utmost importance and must be assisted and protected as much as possible.
The media has a crucial role in combating the attitudes and barriers in society that tolerate these phenomena. Media that ignore or misrepresent the situation of victims of domestic violence and trafficking, not only aggravate such violence, but can silence victims.
A free and responsible media is a hallmark of a modern European democracy; its existence is a key step in the process of European integration. We call upon all members of the media to take seriously their important role to act responsibly and to advocate for the protection and respect of society’s fundamental values, rights and freedoms.
The letter published in many media outlets was signed by the United Nations Development Programme, Embassy of the United States in Albania, United Nations Development Fund for Women
United Nations Children’s Fund, International Organization on Migration, World Bank, International Labor Organization, World Health Organization, Embassy of Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, France,
United Nations Population Fund, Austrian Development Cooperation and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.