Human Rights Council
56th session of the Human Rights Council
18 June to 12 July 2024
Statement delivered during the Interactive Dialogue withtheSpecial Rapporteur on the right to education
Geneva, 24 June 2024
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thank you, Mr. President,
 
I would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for her report and considerations regarding academic freedom and freedom of expression in educational institutions.
 
Academic freedom is guaranteed and legally stipulated in international human rights instruments. As it is defined by the Commission on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) the right to education "can only be enjoyed if it is accompanied by the academic freedom of staff and students".
 
The legislation in Albania on education has advanced and has improved significantly in recent years.
 
The Albanian Constitution provides that everyone has the right to access education, as well as guarantees the autonomy of higher education institutions. Academic freedom, financial freedom, and freedom to conduct research are also guaranteed by the law on higher education.
 
Academic freedom is guaranteed through the right to organize teaching, research, innovation, and creative activities; to design and develop study programs and to define the areas of scientific research activity; as well as to organize the process of promoting academic staff.
 
To conclude, Albania would like to underline the importance of increasing international and regional cooperation to exchange best practices on how to improve policies and promote academic freedom.
 
Thank you.