A/HRC/13/6
United Nations human rights instruments and the invitation extended to the special
procedures.
9.
Belgium welcomed the constitutional enshrinement of fundamental rights and the
establishment of the Ombudsman institution. It noted that the lack of statistical data
undermined a definition of effective strategies for human rights purposes. When strategies
were designed, they were not accompanied by implementation plans, financial resources or
appropriate evaluation mechanisms. It also noted that the State structures remained weak
and were often marked by corruption, lack of transparency and effectiveness, lack of
training of officials and interference of political authorities in the judiciary and
administrative matters and lack of implementation of judicial decisions. Belgium made
recommendations.
10.
Egypt commended Albania’s achievements in combating trafficking in human
beings, and efforts made in protecting children’s rights, including combating child labour.
Egypt asked for further information on progress made and lessons learned related to
protection of children’s rights and feedback on how measures on combating child labour
work. Egypt made recommendations.
11.
Algeria, noting the adoption of the national strategy for gender equality and
domestic violence for 2007-2010 and of the law on measures against domestic violence in
2006, enquired about tangible results of the implementation of these measures. It referred to
the fight against smuggling and trafficking of persons as a constant concern for Albania and
welcomed the adoption of a comprehensive legal framework, the establishment of
institutions for the care and rehabilitation of victims, the formulation of strategies and
action plans and tangible results such as the dismantling of more than 200 groups. Algeria
made recommendations.
12.
Canada welcomed recent amendments to the criminal code reinforcing protection for
children and a law on gender equality aimed at increasing the representation of women in
public life. It noted that protection of women against domestic violence and protection of
children against exploitation remained weak and that challenges remained in combating
human trafficking. It further acknowledged Albania’s efforts to consolidate property rights.
It also noted that important challenges remained and more work was required in the area of
prison reform. While welcoming the plan to improve the living conditions of Roma and to
address challenges related to their employment, education and housing, Canada noted that
greater efforts at implementation were required. Canada made recommendations.
13.
France enquired about measures undertaken by Albania to improve equality between
men and women in political as well as in professional life, and to end torture and arbitrary
detentions reported by the Human Rights Council and several non-governmental
organizations. France also asked the Albanian delegation about concrete results of the
implementation of national strategies to promote gender equality and combat domestic
violence and discrimination against Roma. France made recommendations.
14.
Turkey appreciated the consistent efforts of Albania towards the establishment of
democratic institutions and the steady progress in the field of human rights. It noted the
adoption of the National Strategy for Children for 2005-2010 and its action plan, and the
establishment of the Inter-ministerial Committee of Children’s Rights in 2007. In relation to
the establishment of the National Council on Disability Issues in 2005, Turkey enquired
whether Albania considered becoming a party to the Convention on the Rights of People
with Disabilities. It encouraged Albania to maintain its human rights-related efforts,
particularly in the field of gender equality and prevention of child labour. Turkey made a
recommendation.
15.
Brazil enquired about (a) the main steps taken and the shortcomings identified by
Albania regarding economic, social and cultural rights, especially in the areas of
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