The launching event of the National Action Plan on LGBTI people in the Republic of Albania 2016-2020  took place in Tirana on 21 October 2016.

The Minister of Social Welfare and Youth addressed the participants and pointed out that “Albania has made significant progress regarding rights of LGBTI persons” while stressing the importance of co-operation with all stakeholders: governmental authorities, parliament, civil society, media and human rights institutions.

Also, the first meeting of the National Implementation and Coordination Mechanism (NICM), the working group tasked with monitoring the implementation of the above-mentioned Action Plan, was held in Tirana.

On this occasion, the Horizontal Facility Action focusing on combating discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in Albania was presented to the participants. One of the main aims of the Action will be to facilitate the work of the NICM.