Working Group for Chapter 23 – Integration of Each of Us in Albania and Europe – Protection of Fundamental Rights and Marginalized Communities, 14 May 2024

On May 14, 2024, the European Movement in Albania, in cooperation with the Pro LGBT organization, organized the next table discussion for Chapter 23 – Judiciary and Fundamental Rights, within the National Convention for European Integration, on the topic “Integration of Each of Us in Albania and Europe – Protection of Fundamental Rights and Marginalized Communities”. In this activity, issues related to human rights and especially their protection and promotion were discussed, with special attention to marginalized groups in Albania.

Gledis Gjipali, Executive Director of the European Movement in Albania, in his opening remarks, articulated the importance of the cooperation between the European Union and Albania, emphasizing the main role of the rule of law and the active engagement of civil society. Gjipali highlighted that fundamental rights constitute a specific sub-chapter within Chapter 23, and it is imperative for Albania, as a candidate country, to fully embrace and protect the rights of all citizens, including representatives of communities such as the LGBTQIA+ community. He emphasized the crucial role that civil society actors must play in the process. Additionally, he stressed the essential need for policymakers, civil society organizations, and the wider community to work towards dismantling discriminatory practices and creating an environment where everyone can live openly and authentically.

His Excellency Mr. Silvio Gonzato, Ambassador of the European Union in Albania, on behalf of Europe Week, aimed to convey the spirit of inclusiveness and diversity during this activity. The Ambassador emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community in Albania. He called for comprehensive legal reforms, social acceptance, and concrete actions to guarantee the dignity and safety of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. He also emphasized the need for the Albanian government to prioritize the implementation of existing laws and policies that protect the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals and actively combat discrimination and violence against them. He stressed the importance of preserving human dignity and respect for all individuals. Ambassador Gonzato also highlighted the media’s role in raising awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues and promoting community acceptance. In conclusion, he stated that diversity is not only a basic human value but also a valuable resource for society.

Alba Ahmetaj, Executive Director of the Pro LGBT organization, emphasized the importance of advocacy for the protection and promotion of the rights of marginalized groups in Albania. She highlighted the need for equality, acceptance, and protection from discrimination and violence. Ahmetaj stressed the importance of solidarity and support from allies in creating a more inclusive society for individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community.

Robert Gajda, Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination, reflected on human rights in Albania and the protection of the LGBTQIA+ community. The Commissioner emphasized how discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community violates the fundamental rights of the Constitution of the Republic of Albania, stressing the need to recognize everyone’s right to create a family. He stressed the harmful impact of hate speech and discrimination, emphasizing that it violates the principles of equality and human rights. Gajda underlined that measures should be taken to fight discrimination and promote acceptance and tolerance towards the LGBTQIA+ community, not only through legal changes such as updating the Family Code or the Criminal Code regarding hate crimes but also by promoting these rights, increasing information, promoting awareness, and accelerating the public debate on these issues.

Dea Nini, Legal Expert at the Aleanca LGBT organization, in her speech, conducted an in-depth analysis of the legal issues and prejudices faced by marginalized groups in Albania. She highlighted the high number of hate crimes against individuals based on their sexual orientation, citing cases of physical violence, verbal abuse, bullying, and discrimination. Furthermore, the expert delved into the legal complexities surrounding these cases, noting the gaps in existing laws and the challenges faced by not taking appropriate measures. Moreover, she highlighted the profound impact these crimes have on the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals, often resulting in psychological distress, social marginalization, and a sense of insecurity within the community. She also emphasized the importance of awareness about the rights and experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community within the legal system and wider society. In her closing remarks, Nini argued that civil society should work towards creating a more inclusive and equal society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Nirvana Deliu, policy researcher for integration issues at the European Movement in Albania organization, analyzed in her speech the policies undertaken within the framework of European Integration and the advocacy and monitoring role that civil society plays and should play in protecting the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. Deliu underlined how the European Integration framework serves as a catalyst for the advancement of LGBTQIA+ rights in Albania. Also, she emphasized the importance of civil society organizations in holding authorities accountable and ensuring the effective implementation of these policies through their active involvement in the consultation process, using structures such as the Partnership Platform for European Integration, with its 33 roundtables for each chapter.

The participants discussed with interest and a desire to continue cooperation towards achieving European Union standards. They reflected on the challenges that marginalized groups face, focusing on the importance of continued implementation of reforms, especially in the field of human rights. This activity offered a free space for discussion with interest groups, civil society, activists, and experts with state institutions on issues related to human rights and the protection of marginalized groups. In the end, the participants agreed on the importance of civil society and the active role it should play in the policymaking process.