PINK Embassy attends regional EU Parliament Conference: LGBT Persons not victims!

21 November 2014 – PINK Embassy / LGBT Pro Albania attended the regional join conference “Fundamental rights, non discrimination and protection of vulnerable groups, including LGBT persons” held in Tirana and organized by the European Parliament, Italian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the European Commission and the Albanian Parliament.

The conference was welcomed by important personalities of Albanian politics such as Mr. Ilir Meta, Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Niko Peleshi, Deputy Prime Minister of Albania and was attended by MPs from all the Western Balkans and Turkey.

In their comments the high ranking officials from Albania sent important messages regarding the fight against discrimination and the protection of human rights including the LGBT community.

In his speech, Mr. Ilir Meta said that “Equality and non-discrimination are fundamental principles of the Constitution. Our common action will be more efficient thanks to the European agenda. Albania has made important steps forward in the protection of fundamental rights where the principles of inclusion hold a particular place, by setting up several sub-committees and parliamentary groups for the protection of women, children, vulnerable communities, including LGBTI. The latter has made progress”!

Meanwhile Mr. Niko Peleshi as number two of the Albanian executive sent strong encouraging messages for the hard but just work made for the protection of LGBTI people. More specifically he gave clear messages against discrimination and the abuse of human rights in Albania. He said that discrimination has its roots in ignorance and prejudice which brings about abuses of human rights. Further he added that: “Albanians have some advantages towards the respect of minorities and religious harmony that exists in Albania, which influences the respect for human rights. In this area there are many challenges we need to face.”

The vice Prime Minister declared that the government has worked for the protection and guarantee of human rights and that LGBTI organizations in Albania work everyday to improve the life of this community.

“One of the successes of protection is the coordination between the government and LGBT organizations for common actions. Media debates, improved legislation and public awareness are some of the steps undertaken and they cannot be compared even to a few years ago.”

Some of the steps taken from the government towards non-discrimination and respect for the rights of LGBTI people are:

• The rights of this community are human rights;
• The situation with human rights are a barometer for our society;
• We have focused to work hard on fighting human rights abuses and create access to education and employment;
• Improve the legislation in accordance with the International Convention on Human Rights.
• A continuous dialogue with Albanian civil society;

In conclusion Mr. Peleshi added that the Action Plan is a safe step forward for the less discriminatory environment and more respect for human rights.

Meanwhile PINK Embassy representative Mr. Amarildo Fecanji put emphasis on some of the challenges that exist for the implementation of anti-discrimination laws and policies and some of the steps that need to be taken to further protect the community especially in the areas of education, employment, media etc. Below you may find the full speech.

The conference highlighted some of the challenges that exist for the protection and advancement of human rights all across the Balkans. A major problem remains the poor implementation of the law as well as high homophobia and transphobia. This conference was also a strong signal for the importance that the EU gives to human rights, including LGBTI. Therefore for Albania and the countries of the region EU integration remains a strong added element for the advancement of LGBTI rights.

<< Click here to read the full speech >>