Geneva, 8 March 2024

Mr. President,

Albania thanks the Special Rapporteur for providing in her report a comprehensive analysis of current issues related to prison management and for identifying several good practices to address them.

I would like to briefly share with you some of the priorities and practices in the Albanian prison system.

The Albanian prison system was completely reformed. The legal framework and the function of the prison system are based on international standards on the rights of persons deprived of liberty. The programs for the treatment of prisoners aim for their rehabilitation and reintegration into society, based on their needs.

In addition to internal mechanisms, such as the National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture – an independent institution and the Commission for Supervision of the Execution of Criminal Decisions, Human Rights NGOs regularly and without any restrictions monitor the police stations, detention centers, and penitentiary institutions, and they provide relevant recommendations and solutions for improving the respect of the rights of persons deprived of liberty.

To conclude, I would like to express Albania’s support for the mandate of the Special Rapporteur, and we look forward to working together for better respect for the rights of the prisoners and improving the management of the prison system.

Thank you.