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Statement
Italy-Albania agreement adds to worrying European trend towards externalising asylum procedures
“The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Italy and Albania on disembarkation and the processing of asylum applications, concluded last week, raises several human rights concerns and adds to a worrying European trend towards the externalisation of asylum responsibilities,” said today the...
Statement
Albanian authorities must prevent further police violence and uphold the right to freedom of peaceful assembly
The Albanian authorities must show restraint in policing demonstrations and ensure thorough, independent and effective investigations into all allegations of excessive use of force,” said the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović in a statement today, expressing concern...
Statement
Commissioner urges Albania’s Parliament to review bills which restrict freedom of expression
“ I am deeply concerned to learn that this week the Albanian Parliament pursued the examination of two draft laws, known as the 'Anti-Defamation Package' ", said today the Commissioner in a statement. “These laws are in need of urgent improvement. Several provisions are indeed not compatible with...
Country visit
Albania should step up protection of children and inclusion of persons with disabilities
Today the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, concluded her five-day visit to Albania which focused on children’s rights, the rights of persons with disabilities, and access to free legal aid. Concerning children’s rights, the Commissioner welcomes the authorities’...
Letter
Letter to the Minister of Justice of Albania, concerning free legal aid
Letter from the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Nils Muižnieks, to Mr Ylli Manjani, Minister of Justice of Albania, concerning free legal aid Read the letter CommDH(2016)44
Letter
European countries must stop forced evictions of Roma
“Many Roma continue to face serious forms of discrimination and human rights violations by authorities at both national and local levels. In particular, forced evictions without due process and provision of adequate alternative housing continue unabated across Europe, in violation of member...
Country visit report
Corruption and political interference burden Albania's judicial system
"The high level of corruption in the judiciary seriously impedes the proper functioning of the judiciary and undermines public trust in justice and the rule of law in Albania. The authorities have to step up their efforts to ensure that all cases of corruption in the judiciary are effectively...
Country visit
Albania needs to improve rule of law
"Justice and law enforcement in Albania are beset by long-standing, structural problems that have led to an almost zero level of trust by the public. The new government is faced with a historic challenge and opportunity to bring about the necessary changes in order to strengthen the rule of law...
Statement
Albania: Commissioner urges quicker progress to establish the truth on 2011 events
Two years have passed after the regretful events in Tirana during which four demonstrators were shot dead and a number of policemen and protesters were injured. I remain very concerned at the fact that a number of the persons responsible for these violent acts and human rights violations have not...
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* On 16 March 2022, the Committee of Ministers adopted a decision by which the Russian Federation ceased to be a member of the Council of Europe, after 26 years of membership.
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