Human Rights Council
56th session of the Human Rights Council
18 June to 12 July 2024
Statement delivered during theInteractive Dialogue with theIndependent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
Geneva, 21 June 2024
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thank you, Mr. President,
 
Albania would like to thank the Independent Expert for his briefing and the report.
Albania notes with concerns that due to restrictions on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, as well as existing social stigma and hostile rhetoric, around the world LGBTI persons continue to face significant obstacles to advocating for their rights and their meaningful inclusion in societies.
Concerning the topic addressed by the Independent Expert in its report, Albania has made significant progress in recent years in recognizing the rights of LGBTI people and has a consolidated and active community that defends their rights.
 
Albania has enacted comprehensive anti-discrimination laws to protect the rights of individuals based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The National Action Plan on LGBTI persons aims at the protection of their rights as well as raising awareness, by focusing on stronger measures against discrimination and hate crimes against LGBTI persons throughout the country.
 
Albania remains committed to ensuring an inclusive society that provides LGBTI+ people with the freedom to be themselves, to guarantee equal opportunities and access to quality public services, as well as their active participation in all areas of life regardless the sexual orientation and gender identity.
 
Albania welcomes the recommendations of the Independent Expert in its report to the UN member states and other stakeholders regarding equality and non-discrimination to ensure the respect and protection of the human rights of all persons and advance the protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
 
Albania would like to express its appreciationfor the work of the Independent Expert, Mr.Reid, on advancing the protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and we look forward to your upcoming visit to Albania.
 
Thank you.