Human Rights Council
56th session of the Human Rights Council
18 June to 12 July 2024
Statement delivered during the Interactive Dialogue withthe Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers
 
Geneva, 25 June 2024
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thank you, Mr. President,
 
I would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for her comprehensive report.
 
Regarding the key issues addressed by the Special Rapporteur, I would like to underline that prosecutors, judges, and lawyers play an active and crucial role in safeguarding democracy and upholding fundamental democratic rights. They must be independent in exercising their duties, assuming their functions, acting, submitting requests, and making decisions, based on the principles of legality, objectivity, and impartiality.
 
In Albania, the law guarantees the independence and the autonomy required by prosecutors and judges to make decisions during the assumption of their constitutional and legal functions.
 
An independent judiciary is key to guaranteeing the rule of law in a democratic society. The Constitution of Albania guarantees everyone the right to a fair and public trial within a reasonable time by an independent and impartial tribunal established by law.
 
Prosecutors exercise their powers by observing the principles of fair, equal, and due legal process and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms and the public interest.  
 
Judges exercise their functions independently, evaluating the facts and interpreting the law, according to their inner conviction, free from any direct or indirect influence from any party and for any reason. Interference in the activity of courts or judges carries responsibility according to the law.
 
To conclude, I would like to express Albania’s support for the mandate of the Special Rapporteur to protect human rights by promoting the independence of the judiciary and the free exercise of the legal profession.
 
 
Thank you.