Convention on Cluster Munitions / 13 Meeting of States Parties /

Geneve, 16-19 September 2025

Albanian intervention on the matters related to the Victims Assistance, Article 5

 

 

Thank you Mr. President,

Distinguished participants,

Let me start by congratulating you on assuming the role of President of the 13 Meeting of the States Parties to the Convention. I would like to thank the Panama as Coordinator of the Victim Assistance for the report on the status of progress made on the implementation of article 5.

Albania aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the European Union and would like to make the following remarks on the national capacities. The humanitarian goals of the Convention on Cluster Munitions remain the cornerstones in the protection of the civilians from the hard consequences of cluster munitions and in advancing the international peace and human security.

Albania ratified the convention in 16 June 2009 and has never used, produced, stockpiled or transferred Cluster Munitions. In accordance with article 4 Albania has completed clearance of all its contaminated areas by cluster munitions in 2009 and people in northeast Albania can now live and work in a safe environment.

In the area of victim assistance, in accordance with Article 5 of the CCM and Lausanne Action Plan, Albania has provided access to health and social services for persons with disabilities through a legal basis for social inclusion of Persons with Disabilities.

In accordance with the National Plan for Persons with Disabilities 2021-2025, The Ministry of Health and Social Protection coordinates policies on the rights of Persons with Disabilities, to guarantee their accession in social protection, access to justice, education, health, social housing, employment and vocational training.

In the framework of the implementation of the National Health Strategy 2021 – 2030, the National Programs for the Rehabilitation and Modernization of Health Institutions have ensured an improved infrastructure in health institutions. Around 400 centers have improved the infrastructure. The model of socio-health services has been expanded to 103 health centres at the national level.

There are two hospitals in the previously cluster munitions affected region, the regional hospitals in Kukes and Bajram Curri which have surgical capabilities. The University Hospital in Tirana provides specialized medical services for Persons with Disabilities . Cluster munitions survivors require ongoing medical assistance, which they generally receive from the family doctors (GP) and/or nurses working in the village health centres.

Mr. President

Cluster munitions survivors are involved in the planning, implementation and monitoring of the victim assistance activities in the country. At the meeting of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, held on 4 December 2024, the findings and recommendations of the mid-term report of the National Plan for Persons with Disabilities 2021-2025 were also presented.

Albania has taken important steps towards the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. To that regard the Parliament of Albania adopted Law “On Inclusion and Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities”, foreseeing general concepts on social inclusion, accessible services and non-discrimination for all categories of persons with disabilities.

The Mental Health Action Plan 2023 – 2026, is in implementation, which continues to promote the provision of mental health services at the community level, through the decentralization of these services.

The Ministry of Health will soon begin the process of evaluation of implementation of National Action Plan on Persons with Disability 2021-2025 and drafting of the new National Action Plan for Persons with Disability 2026-2030

Through the Social Fund financing mechanism, new community services have been established The new model of bio-psycho-social assessment of disability is carried out based on the criteria approved in the guidelines for adults and children, which use ICF codes.

However, Albania needs more financial support to further address the needs of cluster munitions survivors and other persons with disabilities. Albania has already identified the financial gaps and needs to fulfil obligations under the CCM, other disarmament conventions. and the CRPD.

 

Mr. Chair,

We are confident that mainstreaming gender equality within  CCM will improve our mutual efforts and effectiveness in working towards sustainable peace for all.

Albania remain committed to invest a lot of efforts at national level in order to proceed with the fulfillment of all our obligations under the CCM.

I Thank you.