For the sixth consecutive year, the European Union and the Council of Europe joint action on Advancing the Protection from Discrimination in Albania is proud to support the "Week against Discrimination", an important awareness-raising initiative led by the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination in Albania.

Under the slogan "Don’t wait for discrimination to happen: Prevent it!" from 17 to 26 February, a series of public events will inform local communities in Albania about key human rights issues, with a focus on protecting the most vulnerable groups. Open discussions will address important topics, including: bullying, hate speech and hate crimes group, the rights of national minorities, and tackle the important role of the Commissioner in ensuring equal rights.

The “Week against Discrimination” includes thirteen awareness-raising activities, kicking of in Kukës on 17 February, continuing in Durrës, Kavajë, Maliq, Pustec, Gramsh, Cërrik, Përmet, Dropull, Sarandë, and ending with the final event in Tirana on 26 February.

This year’s edition holds special significance as it marks the 15th anniversary of the Law on Protection from Discrimination and the establishment of the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination, a milestone in Albania’s commitment to human rights and equality.

This initiative, supported by the European Union and the Council of Europe, is part of the continuous efforts to raise awareness and strengthen the capacities of public institutions and relevant actors in this field, in order to bring forward the effects of the reforms in the field of anti-discrimination and combating hate speech, in line with European standards. In this context the "Week against Discrimination", provides a unique platform for dialogue between key actors, including youth and students, as the driving force for change behind local and central authorities, responsible for enforcing anti-discrimination policies, and civil society organisations, advocating for the rights of vulnerable groups.

The European Union and the Council of Europe, through the joint Horizontal Facility III programme, will continue to strengthen Albania’s anti-discrimination framework by supporting minority rights, protecting and promoting the rights of vulnerable groups, and combating hate speech and hate crimes  in line with European Union and Council of Europe standards.

For more information, take a look at the calendar below: