The European Union and Council of Europe joint action on “Advancing the protection from discrimination in Albania” is supporting the 2024 Week against Discrimination, an initiative of the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination. Under the slogan “Say No to Discrimination!”, a series of events open to the public will inform and raise awareness on various aspects surrounding the protection of human rights in Albania, especially those of the most vulnerable groups, and the important role of the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination in this respect.

The ‘Week against Discrimination’ consists of eight raise awareness activities which will kick off in Tirana on 26 February 2024, and move to Pogradec, Korça, Shkoder, Lezhe, Fier to conclude in Gjirokastra on 1 March 2024.

These events will be an opportunity to discuss with key actors and stakeholders how institutions can support people in addressing cases of segregation, hate speech, bullying and addressing discrimination, notably with a focus on the role of the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination. Activities will be marking the important co-operation with local civil society organisations working in the field of human rights, with a particular attention on vulnerable groups.

The activities of the “Week against Discrimination” will involve many key actors in the field such as youth and students, representatives of local and central authorities, civil society organisations representing different vulnerable groups at high risk of discrimination etc. 

This initiative is supported by the European Union and Council of Europe joint Horizontal Facility III programme and its action on “Advancing the protection from discrimination in Albania” which is contributing in strengthening the capacities of stakeholders to address minority protection and promotion, protection of LGBTI rights and combating hate speech in line with the European standards and key recommendations set by the Council of Europe bodies.

For more details regarding each activity, take a look at the calendar below: