“TIRANA – On 3rd March 2019 the Parliament of Albania passed a resolution in support of the Activity of Human Rights Defenders towards the promotion, and protection of Human Rights and strengthening of the Rule of Law and Democracy in Albania. This resolution was an initiative of the parliamentarian sub-committee for Human Rights aligned with the constitution of Albania and all duties coming from the international conventions Albania has ratified. The resolution recognises amongst others the challenges human rights defenders face regarding protection of rights of marginalised groups, including women, children, disabled people, victims of violence and trafficking, minorities and persons with different sexual orientation or gender identity (LGBT) or those who belong to these groups, the right of emigrants or displaced persons.

On 12th of May the Sub-committee for Human Right carried out a consultation table on this resolution, gathering many actors from various institutions, UN agencies, international organisations and civil society organisations involved with and working for the protection of human rights. The purpose of the consultation table was to collect input from the human rights activists on the situation, issues, needs and challenges they face on a daily basis. The APPG secretariat in Albania, the Albanian Center for Population and Development, was represented by the Executive Director in this event. Along with her speech the ACPD representative highlighted that the organisations working with key populations in Albania in several cases have been facing attacks and violence from community members when implementing their programs. ACPD and partners have sent reports and concrete cases regarding their challenges to fulfill the mission as human right defenders to the sub-committee for human rights office. Following this consultation table, the Sub-committee for Human Rights of Albanian Parliament shall develop a report regarding the current situation, challenges and recommendations for the future of the work of human rights defenders with the input from all actors and shall submit it to the Parliamentary Committee for Legal Issues, Public Administration and Human Rights.”

Find the original article here in English (European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual & Reproductive Rights).