OSCE Presence strengthens dialogue between Albanian national human rights institutions and local authorities and civil society
Strengthening the dialogue between national human rights institutions and representatives of local authorities and civil society organizations was the aim of a series of roundtables that the OSCE Presence in Albania organized together with the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination. The roundtables took place in Peshkopi, Tropoja, Kuçova and Roskovec, from 13 November to 11 December 2024.
The meetings focused on promoting joint strategies against discrimination and on the protection of human rights. They also served as a platform for creating a functional network among the participants and discussing joint activities during 2025. Some of the recommendations that emerged from the roundtables include the establishment of regional offices of the Commissioner’s institution and amending the law “On state-guaranteed legal aid” to include individuals from Roma and Egyptian minorities as a distinct category of beneficiaries.
The Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination, Robert Gajda, introduced the attendees to the role of the institution he leads, the legal framework and the procedures for investigating discrimination cases. He called for co-operation with representatives of municipalities and civil society to strengthen dialogue, develop joint strategies and create a functional network. Gajda also answered questions regarding topics such as defining discrimination, its various manifestations, strategies for avoiding discriminatory practices in public office and approaches for handling specific cases of discrimination.
Participants discussed concrete cases and learned how to properly address them to the Commissioner’s office. Some of the issues raised by them related to accessibility for people with disabilities, discrimination against minorities and women and unequal treatment in the workplace or in public spaces. They emphasised the need for greater awareness and education to prevent discrimination in all spheres of society.
Through such activities, the OSCE Presence supports the Commissioner – as one of the main national human rights institutions – to promoter their mandate and relevant legal framework throughout the country.