Geneva, 5 March 2024

Mr. President,

Albania thanks the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief for her report.

As the Special Rapporteur notes, joint action can play a positive role in combating religious hatred, incitement, and violence. Albania echoes her calls to intensify efforts to counter hate speech and promote freedom of religion and belief.

The fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals should be guaranteed for all people without distinction or discrimination of any kind.

The culture of tolerance and interfaith harmony is anchored in Albanian society.

Albania remains committed to advocating and promoting freedom of religion and belief everywhere, based on the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and universality.

Albania firmly believes that religious coexistence in harmony and the protection of the freedom of religion as well as the protection of equal universal rights guaranteed to every individual without discrimination can help build a society where people can live in peace.

We would like to inform you that the Government of Albania will organize in early fall 2024 a Conference “United Against Hate”. This is an initiative that represents Albania’s commitment to promoting human rights, societal harmony, democracy, and peace; and as a contribution that Albania is making to address a rising global concern through multistakeholder and multilateral engagement.

To conclude, Albania would like to express full support for the mandate of the Special Rapporteur.

Thank you.