HUMAN RIGHTS IN ALBANIA, CREATING A CULTURE THROUGH EDUCATION

Abstract

The Republic of Albania is a parliamentary democracy. Its Constitution contains an extensive catalog of fundamental rights and freedoms, which are to be guaranteed by the State. In view of the country’s European perspective, human rights and protection of minorities play a central role in EU-Albania relations. Although Albania has an adequate legal framework to ensure the respect of human rights, existing legislation and policies are implemented unevenly due to shortcomings in law enforcement and widespread corruption, as well as to the lack of political will. Other human rights problems included enforced disappearances, unlawful killings, torture, domestic violence and discrimination against women, child abuse, and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The present study focuses on the importance of creating a human rights culture through education in order to tackle these problems in Albania. The study argues that human rights can be protected and promoted effectively only if an understanding of, and commitment to, those rights are a part of everyday life for all members of the community. Improving people’s understanding of what human rights are, how they are protected appears to be vital to developing a human rights culture. The international community has increasingly expressed consensus on the fundamental contribution of human rights education to the realization of human rights. Improving human rights education in the Albanian context will contribute to the long-term prevention of human rights abuses and violent conflicts, promotion of equality and sustainable development and the enhancement of participation in decision-making processes within a democratic system.