The AHC’s main mission is the observation of respect for
the freedoms and rights of citizens and the reaction to
violations for the purpose of their reinstatement;
sensitising citizens about the protection of their
freedoms and rights; improving legislation and the
practice of law enforcement through opponence and
recommendations in the phases of the drafting of laws as
well as of their enforcement.
"Role of the
civil society in protecting and sensitizing the public
about the rights of national minorities"
Implementation
period:
January -December 2004
Funded by:
“SOROS” Foundation
The improvement of minorities’
rights and the encouragement of using mechanisms for their protection were one
of the AHC’s areas of activity.
The goal of the project
was to sensitize the public and state bodies about minorities and their rights.
Concrete project
objectives
Better informing
the public in general and minorities in particular about the
Framework-Convention for the protection of national minorities.
Encouraging the
Albanian government to fulfill obligations arising from the
Framework-Convention for the protection of national minorities in general and
the successful implementation of the national strategy for improving the
situation of the Roma.
Encouraging local
government bodies (in areas where minorities are concentrated) to increase the
access of minorities to these bodies.
Activities
carried out in the context of the project
Sporadic monitoring
on respect for the framework convention.
Frequent meetings
with central and local authorities.
Organization of
four round table discussions. These included three local round table
discussions and one national conference to assess the progress of the
implementation of the framework-convention for the protection of national
minorities in
Albania.
Preparation of
informative materials about minorities’ rights (guide published in Albanian,
Greek, Macedonian; leaflet on minorities’ rights, poster);
Legal advice and
juridical opinions for improving legislation in this area.
Project Results:
Enabling
constructive dialogue between representatives of the state and of minorities
and communities;
Minority
representatives became aware of mechanisms for the protection of their rights
in cases of violations of these rights;
The local media
became more sensitized about minorities;
Local government
bodies exchanged positive experiences on handling problems of groups such as
the Roma and the Egyptians;
Minority
representatives who do not speak/know Albanian had the opportunity to learn
about their rights guaranteed in the Framework Convention and Albanian
legislation, in their own language.
The AHC
strengthened its role toward pressuring state institutions for better respect
for the rights of minorities in the country.
The Albanian
Helsinki Committee assures the anonimousity until the moment
when the person desires to publish his data
MOB: 068 20
23 699
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