A/HRC/27/4 17. To step up the fight against human trafficking, a series of measures had been taken to improve the legal framework. In 2013, legal amendments to the Criminal Code had been adopted to address internal human trafficking. Amendments to the relevant laws had introduced a provision for financial assistance to the victims of trafficking, in addition to the social services provided in the reception and reintegration centres. By-laws had been adopted in order to coordinate effectively the work of the central and local structures in their fight against human trafficking. 18. A series of measures, including public awareness-raising campaigns, had been taken to prevent cases of human trafficking. The Government had strengthened its cooperation and partnership with civil society and had established an advisory group comprising civil society organizations that worked on issues related to trafficking. Moreover, it was planned to draft a strategy and a new plan of action in the fight against trafficking in human beings. 19. A plan of action had been drafted in order to fight the phenomenon of blood feuds and revenge. A specialized office had been established to direct, control and coordinate the activity of structures working to prevent and combat cases of blood feud. The Government had increased its cooperation with the local government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to settle disputes by means of reconciliation. 20. In addition to the legal measures adopted to combat discrimination, Albania had developed a plan for 2012-2014 to address discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. It included guidance and directions for educational institutions with a view to creating a safe environment in schools, in which there would be no intolerance or social exclusion on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. 21. The delegation stated that important reforms had been made to protect the human rights of detainees. In April 2014, several amendments had been adopted in order to improve the rights of persons deprived of their liberty, and the conditions and treatment of convicted persons. The new Mid-Term Strategy of the Prison System and its Action Plan had been drafted for 2014-2017, setting a number of priorities, including the harmonization of legislation with the Community acquis, and improvement of the infrastructure and material conditions of the penitentiary institutions. 22. In 2014, the implementation of the new law granting amnesty had resulted in a significant reduction in prison overcrowding. The construction of two penitentiary institutions in 2014 would also contribute to addressing prison overcrowding and improve general conditions in the penitentiary system. 23. Monitoring of places of detention had been carried out by specialized institutions within or outside the prison system. In 2014, the General Directorate of Prisons had signed 14 agreements with NGOs to enable them to carry out inspections. A working group had been set up to develop an anti-corruption strategy for the prison system. 24. Albania had extended a standing invitation to all the special procedures and two special rapporteurs had visited the country during the reporting period. The Government had pledged to continue working with special procedure mandate holders in implementing their recommendations. Albania was considering accepting the individual complaints procedure under all the human rights conventions to which it was a party. 25. Albania had submitted its candidacy for membership of the Human Rights Council for 2015-2017. The protection and promotion of human rights had been a priority of the new Government and it would continue to fulfil its international obligations by implementing relevant legislation and policies, increasing public awareness and strengthening cooperation between different stakeholders in the field of human rights. 5