Municipalities commit to the advancement of LGBT rights

PINK Embassy, Municipalities and human rights institutions commit to the improvement of the lives of LGBTI people at community level

13 November 2014 – PINK Embassy / LGBT Pro, signed today Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with the Municipalities of Tirana, Durrës, Elbasan, Vlorë, Korçë and Shkodër. This was an historical day for the protection and advancement of LGBT rights because it made possible the integration of the LGBT cause at local government level, which brings it closer to the community.

This initiative, which is being implemented by PINK Embassy in collaboration with the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination (CPD) and the People’s Advocate (Ombudsman) and the support of the European Union aims to improve the quality of life of LGBTI people at community level. The meeting was attended by representatives of central institutions such as Mrs Nora Malaj, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Education and Sports (MES), Mrs Merita Xhafaj, Director of Social Policies at the Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth (MSWY), Mr Igli Totozani, Ombudsman, Mrs Ardiana Hala Advisor to the CPD and Municipality representatives, Mr Arben Beqiraj, Deputy Mayor of Vlorë, Mrs. Antoneta Prifti, Deputy Mayor of Elbasan, Mrs Afërdita Zëri, Advisor to the Mayor of Tirana, Mrs. Meme Xhaferaj, Director of Social Servies, Municipality of Durrës, Ms Jeta Xhabija, Specialist of External Relations, Municipality of Shkodër, Ms Mamica Muko Specialsit at the Office for Protection of the Community, Municipality of Korçë etc.

The signing of agreements was the results of several working meetings and consecutive trainings held with officials and representatives of the Municipalities. Since the first working meetings, the Mayors and other officials acknowledged the fact that at community level there are still huge challenges regarding the LGBT cause. Among the most important are difficulties with the mentality and the invisibility of the community. For this reason they have all welcome the initiative being aware that the big changes and reforms undertaken for LGBT people will now be reflected at community level in the biggest urban centres of the country. In his remark Mr Beqiraj emphasised the commitment of the Municipality of Vlorë to guarantee the recognition and understanding of the LGBT topic in the city, which was also emphasised by representatives of other municipalities at the meeting. At the ceremony it was agreed to sign cooperation agreements also with the MSWY and MES as two central institutions that will facilitate some of the activities of the initiative.

The initiative will aim within the next two years to strengthen the capacities of administration officials at Municipalities in relation to the LGBT topic, to transfer know-how and information through materials, to implement action plans for the advancement of the LGBT cause in the community, raise awareness on LGBT rights, train teachers and psychologists etc. 

Another important aspect of the initiative is the addressing of the topic of discrimination and bullying in high schools and training of teachers over the issue. In her speech, Mrs Malaj emphasized that in order to properly address the issue we should work not only in this sector but also in reviewing the curricula and including the LGBT topic in preparing future teachers, crediting present teachers and design an entire reform platform.

Some of the most important results of this initiative will be: improved services towards the LGBT community from local governments, effective protection of LGBT youth from discrimination and bullying and the integration of LGBT cause at community level. The initiative will produce information materials which will be used by the other Municipalities in the country.

Meanwhile in cooperation with the MSWY and MES trainings will be held with Social Services and Employment Services and will hold awareness activities with the education system of the cities. The Director of Social Policies at the MSWY Mrs Merita Xhafaj mentioned the efforts that have been made to advance the LGBTI cause and gave full support for the further integration of the LGBT cause in social programs and policies. Also, Mrs Ilda Bozo, Director of Social Inclusion at the MSWY emphasised the role that such initiatives as well as legal improvements have played in the integration of the LGBT topic at institutional level and designing of policies and strategies at the benefit of this community.

At the end of the activity were signed the cooperation agreements between PINK and the Municipalities.

PINK Embassy wishes to thank all Municipalities and institutions included in this initiative and wishes for this to be a good start for the full integration of the LGBT topic in all Municipalities of the country.