Thank you, Madam President.
The United Kingdom appreciates Albania’s contribution as a Member of the Human Rights Council and the significant progress made on judicial reform since Albania’s last Review. We welcome the establishment in 2019 of the Special Structure against Corruption and Organised Crime which has made some good initial progress in addressing serious cases of corruption.
We are encouraged also by the approval of a National Strategy for Gender Equality 2021-2030 to strengthen its gender equality framework.
However, like others, we note that corruption and gender-related violence and harassment remain serious and widespread issues across society. We urge further efforts to address these.
We recommend that Albania:
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Implements fully its National Strategy for Gender Equality 2021-2030, including revising relevant legislation such as Law No. 9970/2008 on gender equality in society.
- Strengthens the independence of its judicial authorities to operate without undue interference or political oversight
- Implements all outstanding OSCE/ODIHR recommendations for improving the conduct of elections in Albania.
Thank you.