The latest edition of the study “Beyond Definitions: A Call for Action Against Hate Speech in Albania” reveals significant patterns of hate speech in the country, showing both progress in awareness and gaps in action.
According to the findings, 97% of respondents are now familiar with the concept of hate speech, a slight increase from 94% in 2021. This indicates growing awareness across different communities. However, the study also highlights a crucial misconception: many people still equate hate speech with simply “offensive words” and fail to grasp its broader social and legal implications.
The study found that six out of ten people believe hate speech is widespread in Albania, with seven out of ten saying it has grown more prevalent in public spaces over the past four years, particularly on social media, in news outlets, and during TV talk shows.
Conducted by the No Hate Alliance and supported by the EU and Council of Europe’s joint initiative “Advancing the Protection from Discrimination in Albania”, the study is based on interviews with 1,000 respondents nationwide. Despite increased awareness, hate speech remains common and is perceived to be on the rise.
Certain groups continue to bear the burden of this phenomenon. LGBTI persons report the highest rates of exposure to hate speech, with 62% citing discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Meanwhile, Roma and Egyptian minorities face hate speech primarily related to ethnicity or race, with 37% reporting such incidents. Though 57% of Albanians are now aware of laws against hate speech (a notable increase from 41% in 2021), yet not enough persons report it to the authorities. Instead, victims often turn to family and friends for support.
The study concludes that while Albania has made progress in raising awareness about hate speech, better law enforcement, better protection for vulnerable groups and more effective legal actions are essential moving forward. This study was prepared in the framework of the action on “Advancing the protection from discrimination in Albania” part of the EU and Council of Europe joint programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”.
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