A/HRC/13/6
unemployment and combating poverty and migration; (b) the main steps taken to fulfill the
rights of the child and the rights of women and to combat all forms of discrimination; (c)
the main steps to address the issue of customary law and traditional codes of Kanun; and
(d) the urgent need identified in the area of cooperation focused on human rights. Brazil
made recommendations.
16.
The Russian Federation noted that the national report demonstrated serious efforts
by Albania in a number of areas. As to the experience of Albania in anti-corruption, it
asked for detailed information on the work of State procurement agencies. The Russian
Federation made recommendations.
17.
Chile recognized Albania’s important efforts to reduce poverty indexes and
underscored its efforts to adhere to the main international human rights instruments. Chile
made recommendations.
18.
Denmark expressed concern about allegations of arbitrary arrests and detentions, illtreatment of detainees in police custody and the use of torture to extract confessions from
suspects. Denmark noted the concern of the Committee against Torture that a climate of de
facto impunity prevails for law enforcement officials who commit acts of torture and illtreatment. Denmark also enquired about the measures taken to counter all acts of torture
and other cruel, degrading and inhumane treatment. Denmark made recommendations.
19.
The delegation noted that the law on gender equality adopted in 2008 introduced a
quota for women, which resulted in a 16.6 per cent increase of the number of women
members of Parliament, and stated that the participation of women in the next municipal
elections is expected to further increase. It reported that the adoption of a law on measures
against domestic violence in 2006 led to 456 cases of domestic violence being brought
before courts and 162 acted on, including by the issuance of orders of protection. The plan
of action for the National Strategy on Gender Equality and Violence 2007-2010 aims at
ensuring the implementation of the legal framework and its review, taking into account
experiences and new challenges. The delegation referred to the implementation of
programmes for gender equality and the promotion of the employment of women, including
from particularly vulnerable groups, in the private and public sectors.
20.
With respect to corruption, the delegation stressed Albania’s determination to
eradicate this phenomenon. Full-fledged strategies with action plans are in place and,
whenever necessary, the legislation is brought into line with relevant United Nations and
European conventions The training of judges, prosecutors and police together with systemic
reforms have led to changing officials’ understanding of their role. The Government is
determined to fight impunity and to ensuring equality before the law.
21.
While the freedom of expression is guaranteed by the Constitution, the Parliament is
considering a law on audiovisual media to bring it into line with the acquis communautaire
with the assistance of the European Union and the Council of Europe. According to a
Government policy, members of the executive should refrain from filing law suits in the
case of slender and libel of journalists and limit themselves to rectifying by explanatory
statements. The decriminalization of libel through amending the penal code requires a
qualified majority.
22.
Albania has ratified most international human rights instruments and intends to
ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Torture is strictly
prohibited and punishable by law, and there are several cases where law enforcement
personnel subjecting detainees to inhuman treatment were discharged from their functions,
prosecuted and convicted. Training programmes are provided for police officers and other
law enforcement personnel.
6
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