A/HRC/42/2
the process had been a valuable exercise in taking stock of the implementation of Albania’s
commitments on human rights.
396. Albania was fully committed to protect and promote all human rights, and supported
the integration of the human rights dimension in the agenda of the United Nations. Protection
of human rights, with a focus on gender equality, freedom from domestic violence, fight
against corruption, fight against trafficking, rights of the child, non-discrimination, rights of
national minorities and vulnerable groups, and civil, political, economic, social and cultural
rights were at the core of its priorities within the framework of international obligations and
the integration into the European Union. Albania was undertaking concrete steps to
implement justice reform, rule of law, human rights, consolidation of democracy, and
sustainable political, economic and social development in the country.
397. During the interactive dialogue, 66 delegations made statements and Albania received
197 recommendations. After the review, it had a number of consultations with governmental
institutions in order to prepare its position on the recommendations received. Albania
considered that most of the recommendations were being implemented, some of them had
already been implemented and a number of them were yet to be implemented.
398. In total, 186 out of 197 recommendations enjoyed the support of Albania. These
recommendations had already been or were being implemented. The delegation stressed that
the recommendations were an important tool for the improvement of human rights in the
country and expressed its commitment to implement measures and activities that would
ensure the efficiency of the institutional framework for human rights and full implementation
of all ratified international and national instruments. Albania was a party to all core United
Nations human rights treaties and several protocols.
399. With regard to the justice reform, Albania made progress in two tracks: reevaluation
of judges and prosecutors (vetting process) and the establishment of the new institutions of
justice. It established the Independent Qualifications Commission, which had made rulings
in total on 191 cases of qualification of judges and prosecutors. The delegation also stated
that a number of candidates had applied for the position of the Prosecutor General and for
the Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime.
400. With regard to gender equality and empowerment of women, Albania was focusing
on improving its national and local policies and plans, with the aim of planning and
implementing concrete actions for empowering women and advancing gender equality. It
was also implementing the National Gender Equality Strategy and Action Plan and increasing
specialized support services for the treatment of victims / survivors of domestic violence and
other forms of gender-based violence.
401. The delegation also stated that gender budgeting, capacity building of gender officers
at central and local levels, a coordinated referral mechanism for domestic violence in
municipalities and awareness raising campaigns on gender equality, gender-based violence
and domestic violence were the areas given priority by the Government.
402. Albania adopted several laws in the field of child rights, which were accompanied by
the adoption of strategic documents such as the new Action Plan, referred to in the National
Agenda for Children’s Rights. It was the first policy document prepared in consultation with
children. All the main laws on children had taken into account the best interests of the child,
and provided for the child’s right to be heard, while the National Agenda for Children’s
Rights provided measures for the increase of children’s participation.
403. The delegation highlighted that the adoption of the Code of Criminal Justice for
Children strengthened the judicial system by bringing it closer to international standards. The
new law on the rights and protection of the child provided for the protection of children from
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