New law to protect rights of children in Albania

Even though Albania ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1992, abuse in all of its forms towards children is widespread in most Albanian communities.

...this law will empower children to stand up when they suffer abuse and they will have the opportunity for someone to listen to them and to help them, to end their sufferingAccording to UNICEF, one in two Albanian children experience physical violence at home and one in three at school. UNICEF also reports that 13.3% of children attending school experience sexual abuse. Physical and psychological violence continue to be a disciplinary tool for children in Albania.

“This result will not change the lives of children immediately, but will be a good ground to be used for the advancement of children’s rights,” said Brikena Zogaj, World Vision Sector Team Leader.

“Moreover, this law will empower children to stand up when they suffer abuse and they will have the opportunity for someone to listen to them and to help them, to end their suffering,” added Ms Zogaj.

BKTF coalition (Together Against Child Trafficking), where World Vision is actively involved and is part of leading committee, has actively participated in the drafting process of the Law “For the Protection of the Rights of the Child” by providing a set of recommendations and comments in order to ensure its future applicability in accordance with advanced child protection models and the various initiatives undertaken by local authorities at both the commune and municipality levels. Moreover, BKTF has advocated the approval of this law from Albanian Parlament.

“The Law provides all the necessary measures for guaranteeing the survival, life and the development of the child through a coordinated approach amongst various child rights and child protection stakeholders” said Danjela Shkalla, BKTF Coordinator.

“It is expected that this law will significantly improve the child protection system in Albania by institutionalising the Child Protection Units,” she added.

Child Protection Units (CPUs) have been successfully piloted over the last three years by civil society organisations and are already functioning in 13 municipalities and four communes around Albania.

This law is a strong, official and decisive step to say ‘yes’ to the voice of childrenWorld Vision has advocated for and supported the opening of three CPUs in its Lezha and Kurbin Area Development Programme. Recently, efforts are made to support a new CPU in Tirana, for protection of children who work in street situation. World Vision has also provided training sessions, has lobbied and advocated on the importance of the units at the local and national level.

“BKTF remains strongly committed to monitoring the implementation process of this law and the relevant by-laws to follow in order to ensure an effective and holistic protection of the rights of children in Albania”, concluded Mrs. Shkalla.

Also, as part of BKTF, World Vision is empowering children to raise their voices about their rights. This law is a strong, official and decisive step to say ‘yes’ to the voice of children.

-Ends-