Today’s final conference of the Joint European Union/Council of Europe project “Enhancing the effectiveness of the Albanian system of human rights protection and anti-discrimination” summed up the two years of work that have brought about tangible results in the Albanian anti-discrimination system. "Concrete results have been achieved, yet more remains to be done" - Claus Neukirch, Head of Office for Council of Europe stressed in his welcoming speech. Stephen Stork, Head of Operations at the European Union Delegation to Albania, spoke of the importance of Human Rights protection in the integration process to the EU and of EU's commitment to see Albania raise these standards.

The opening panel brought together Deputy Speaker Vasilika Hysi, the Head of Human Rights Policy and Cooperation Department at the Council of Europe, Mikhail Lobov, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Protection Bardhylka Kospiri, People’s Advocate Erinda Ballanca and Robert Gajda, the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination. Panelists highlighted the progress made by Albanian institutions as a result of EU and Council of Europe assistance, pointing at the same time out what needs to be addressed further.

The second panel gave room to representatives of communities facing equality challenges in Albania: Ervis Cota from Levizja Rinore Egjiptiane dhe Rome, Florjan Rojba from the Albanian National Association of the Deaf, Edlira Sallaku, Mother of autist painter Drini Sallaku and Altin Hazizaj from the Pink Embassy. Commissioner Gajda answered to questions from the audience and presented the new website and smart phone application, developed with the support of the project.

During the event People’s Advocate Ballanca and Commissioner Gajda signed a memorandum of understanding between the two institutions. This memorandum will help in handling of cases and better, quicker assistance for Albanian citizens in need of it.

The event featured also an art exhibition with works of Drini Sallaku, Down Syndrome Albania and Vilma Hasula as well as music performances by young Roma musicians.