Statement by H.E. Ms. Eglantina Gjermeni, Ambassador, Permanent Representative

Human Dimension Conference 2025

While Albania aligns itself with the EU statement, allow me to offer several remarks in my national capacity.

We thank the Finnish Chairpersonship-in-Office (CiO), the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), and Poland for the excellent organization of this year’s Human Dimension Conference.

We regret that consensus on holding the annual, mandated Human Dimension Implementation Meeting (HDIM) could not be reached. Nevertheless, we value this opportunity to engage with civil society representatives, whose courage and commitment continue to inspire us. This conference is a clear demonstration of our shared determination to strengthen the OSCE’s ability to defend and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms.

We commend the Finnish Chairmanship for its leadership in today’s complex political environment and for ensuring continued support and resources for the OSCE’s autonomous institutions. ODIHR, the Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM), and the High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) must remain strong, independent, and properly resourced to fulfill their mandates effectively.

The human dimension remains at the core of the OSCE’s mission. Albania is fully committed to safeguarding the independence and mandates of these institutions. Open and inclusive dialogue on democracy, human rights, gender equality, and the rule of law is essential to our shared values and collective progress.

As we meet in 2025, we confront new and evolving challenges. Hybrid threats, disinformation, the misuse of artificial intelligence, and the shrinking space for civil society are eroding trust in institutions and weakening democratic resilience. These developments demand a coordinated response that upholds human rights and fundamental freedoms. Albania stands ready to contribute actively to these efforts.

Promoting gender equality and ensuring women’s full and equal participation in political, social, and economic life remain national priorities. Women’s leadership is indispensable for sustainable peace and democratic resilience. Albania reaffirms its strong commitment to advancing these priorities within the OSCE framework and beyond.

We must also acknowledge the ongoing suffering of the Ukrainian people under Russia’s continued aggression. Albania stands in full solidarity with Ukraine and its people, who continue to endure grave violations of their rights and freedoms. We join others in urging Russia to comply with its international obligations and to end its violations of human rights, Ukraine’s sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Mr. Chair, as this Human Dimension Conference reminds us of our collective duty to uphold human rights and equality, I must draw attention to the persistent challenges faced by Albanians in the Presheva Valley, in Serbia. Despite being an integral part of the region, Albanians in Presheva, Bujanoc, and Medvegja continue to face systemic discrimination, particularly in education, language rights, and political participation — contrary to the principles of equality and non-discrimination.

We remain deeply concerned about the ongoing passivization of residential addresses — an administrative measure applied in a discriminatory and disproportionate manner against the Albanian community. This practice effectively denies access to basic rights and public services, amounting to administrative exclusion. These concerns have been recognized by the Council of Europe’s Advisory Committee, which has highlighted the lack of transparency and the severe consequences, including the loss of voting rights and access to healthcare and education.

Albania calls for meaningful dialogue to end these practices, in full respect of Serbia’s obligations under the Framework Convention and its OSCE commitments.

Colleagues, Albania values this conference as a vital platform for advancing human rights and promoting constructive dialogue. We look forward to continued engagement over the coming days in a spirit of cooperation and shared responsibility.

Thank you.