Universal Periodic Review 33: Albania
UK praised Albania’s progress in implementing judicial reform and recommends that the police consistently identify victims of trafficking to ensure those responsible are convicted.
Thank you, Mr President,
The United Kingdom welcomes Albania’s endorsement last June of the Call to Action to end modern slavery. We are also encouraged by Albania’s continued engagement with the Open Government Partnership. Albania has continued to make steady progress on the implementation of judicial reform. Problems remain and the process is taking time, but several new judicial bodies have now been established. Vetting has ensured that a large number of corrupt judges and prosecutors have been dismissed or have pre-emptively resigned.
However, we urge further efforts to address remaining challenges, in particular tackling organised crime gangs perpetrating the trafficking in persons.
We recommend:
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Ensuring that the State Police consistently identify and protect potential victims of trafficking in persons and sexual exploitation, and make sure that the crimes are investigated and that those found responsible are convicted/held to account.
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Adopting an open, merit-based process when selecting national candidates for UN Treaty Body elections.
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Implementing the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations for improving the conduct of elections in Albania.
Thank you, Mr President.