Remarks delivered by Ambassador Eglantina Gjermeni, Permanent Representative of Albania to the International Organizations in Vienna,
35th Session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
General Debate, Vienna, 1 June 2026
Thank you, Mr. Chair, Ambassador Rüdiger Rainer Bohn,
I congratulate you and the Secretariat for the excellent organization of this session. I also warmly felicitate UNODC Executive Director Monica Juma on her appointment and assure her of Albania’s firm partnership.
We highly appreciate the valuable work and strong mandate of UNODC in support of our countries in addressing evolving criminal threats and strengthening justice systems.
As a member of the CCPCJ, Albania reaffirms its commitment to actively contributing to its work and to advancing the 2030 Agenda through peaceful, just, and inclusive societies.
In this regard, we strongly support the Commission’s role in promoting global partnerships, evidence-based policies, and meaningful community participation to address the evolving nature of crime through shared and forward-looking responses.
Through the establishment of specialized prosecution offices and courts to investigate and adjudicate cases of organized crime and corruption, Albania has laid the foundations for a stronger and more credible justice system. These reforms reflect our commitment to strengthening the rule of law and building public trust: essential elements of SDG16.
With the National Strategy against Organized Crime 2023–2030, Albania has adopted a comprehensive, evidence-based framework informed by threat assessments and data analysis.
Albania has undertaken legislative and institutional reforms to strengthen international judicial co-operation on transnational organized crime, corruption, terrorism, asset recovery, extradition, and cross-border and regional co-operation.
Likewise, my country’s full compliance with Financial Action Task Force recommendations, leading to its removal from the FATF grey list, demonstrates our dedication to integrity and transparency.
The recently adopted National Action Plan on Youth and Crime Prevention, places particular emphasis on inclusive prevention, through education, digital literacy, and community engagement. These efforts aim to address root causes and help build safer and more just communities.
In addition, Albania has adopted the Intersectoral Strategy on Crime Victims’ Rights for 2024–2030. Progress has also been made in improving and safeguarding the rights and treatment of detainees, guided by the Nelson Mandela Rules.
Albania has established a comprehensive state-guaranteed legal aid framework aimed at ensuring equal and effective access to justice, especially for vulnerable and marginalized groups.
As Albania advances on its path toward EU accession, we remain committed to full alignment with international standards in the rule of law, including the implementation of UNTOC and UNCAC and the objectives of the 2030 Agenda.
Our priorities remain strengthening the criminal justice system, ensuring equal access to justice and due process rights, and integrating gender perspectives and human rights throughout our policies and institutions.
Mr. Chair,
Emerging crime trends further highlight the importance of crafting collective and coordinated responses. We therefore look forward to a meaningful exchange of ideas and strengthened co-operation among Member States, intergovernmental organizations, and civil society.
In closing, we thank the United Arab Emirates for hosting the 15th UN Crime Congress and look forward to a successful Congress in September.
Thank you!
