TIRANA, 20 JULY 2022 – The Strategic Plan 2022-2026 of the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination (CPD) was presented today in Tirana. It aims to guide the CPD's action towards a more inclusive society, void of discrimination, and safe for the most vulnerable groups.

High-level representatives of public authorities, equality bodies, civil society organisations and international partners took part in the event, which gave them opportunity to discuss the specific roles of each stakeholder in ensuring inclusiveness of the Plan and its efficient roll-out.

The Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination - Robert Gajda emphasised that “The aim of the 5-year plan of the CPD is to set goals, objectives, concrete and achievable measures with the aim of strengthening the institution for a more effective confrontation for the protection against discrimination and the promotion of equality. At the same time, the instrument fulfills the principle of transparency by informing society and public institutions, the plan of the institution and an invitation for inclusive cooperation”.

Jutta Gützkow, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Tirana, expressed the hope that this Strategic Plan will help strengthen the follow-up given to the recommendations of the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination and enhance the effectiveness of his work, in line with the latest recommendations provided to Albania by the Council of Europe’s anti-racism body ECRI.

The Legal Adviser of the European Union Delegation to Albania – Fanny Svensen marked the firm support of the European Union Delegation to the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination, his office and their work. Ms Svensen also complimented on the achievements by the increase of complaint cases filed.

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The document was developed by the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination with the expertise provided by the joint European Union and Council of Europe action “Promotion of diversity and equality in Albania”, part of the joint programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey 2019 - 2022” . This is a co-operation initiative aimed at supporting Western Balkans and Türkiye to comply with Council of Europe standards and the European Union acquis in the framework of the enlargement process, where relevant.