Presentation of the Joint Report on the implementation of the National Plan for LGBT People in Albania

Albania analysis for the first time the situation of LGBTI people and the actions taken by the Albanian Government in this regard

Albanian Government and no profit LGBT organisations have brought for the first time a joint Report over Implementation for LGBTI people in Albania for 2016-2020. The report analyses the situation of LGBTI people in our country, also the development and amplification of National Plan for them.

The reports underline 3 main foundations of National Plan of Action:

• Frame law and institutional
• Protection from discrimination and security
• The access on services

The report shows the challenges and amplification of plan during last 2 years, also highlighting aspects where is needed to empower work for its amplification, also other spheres where there are yet no actions taken.

This report also gives the challenge that should be reached by Albanian Government and LGBTI organizations operate in community. The attitude needs to be changed toward LGBTI people also should work on sexual identity recognition. Change required also in Family Code for Civil Union also civil same-sex marriage. Should continue work on the use of hate speech against LGBT persons, especially in social networks, legislators, or public officials, it remains a problematic issue.

Employment of LGBTI people, in focus transgender community where yet should be worked on drafting of work protocol and interior policies of institutions for protection against discrimination of LGBTI in local level from Municipality

In education and health, access should be created without contempt for LGBTI persons and full health services for them

The report also brings about the area of social housing and legal protection for LGBTI people who are victims of domestic violence and who have no financial means to support themselves. In this situation, it seems necessary to improve the Asylum Law according to the standards recommended by the UN.

In his presentation, Mr. Altin Hazizaj stressed that "although Albania has made serious strides, it must again work and offer a society that fights against all forms of discrimination because of sexual orientation and gender identity and ensures the guarantee of equal rights, increasing access to education, employment, health, housing and full integration of LGBTI people in society. "

The National Action Plan for LGBTI Persons aims to improve the legal and institutional framework, as well as raise awareness of non-discrimination and protection of LGBTI people's rights in accordance with international standards.

It also includes the elimination of all forms of discrimination against the LGBTI community. This plan should improve access to employment services, education, health, housing, and sports for LGBTI persons, guaranteeing equal opportunities and opportunities.

The Joint Report on the Implementation of the National Action Plan for LGBTI Persons in Albania was presented in the framework of the Diversity Festival on the International Day Against Homophobia on May 17, 2018.