50 Albanian judges and prosecutors were part of the capacity building initiatives conducted in Shkodra and Vlora on 25 and 31 May 2023, on how to better address cases of discrimination and hate crimes. The events were organised in close co-operation with the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination and the School of Magistrates, under the joint European Union/Council of Europe action on “Advancing the protection from discrimination in Albania”.
The events focused on the latest recommendations of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance’ report on Albania on addressing hate crimes. An active participation regarding specific cases and possible legal solutions was the highlight of the events, raising awareness on the need of more specific cased base trainings.

Further support will be provided to police officers, judges, and prosecutors, in order to protect the rights of Albanian citizens, victims of discrimination or hatred, and to ensure trust in the authorities while raising awareness on such cases.

The action “Advancing the protection from discrimination in Albania” is part of the European Union and Council of Europe joint Horizontal Facility III programme and aims at bringing forward the effects of the reforms in the field of anti-discrimination and combating hate speech in Albania. It supports the alignment with European standards to better protect the rights of vulnerable groups and ethnic minorities, further strengthening diversity and equality in Albania.