OSCE Presence in Albania marks International Human Rights Day

Ahead of International Human Rights Day, the OSCE Presence in Albania hosted an event in Tirana on 7 December 2015 with high state officials, partner institutions, diplomatic corps, civil society and media, highlighting the nexus between human rights and security and awarding a coalition of trafficking shelters for their work.

Head of the Presence Florian Raunig said that human rights are at the core of the OSCE concept of comprehensive security.

“A safe and secure environment is necessary to fully protect human rights,” he said. “This is why we invest in security sector reform and why we work closely with the Defence Ministry.”

Defence Minister Mimi Kodheli said that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was one of humankind’s greatest achievements over the past century, adding that during the 1990s Albania had a strong conviction to re-join the family to which it belonged and from which it had been absent for decades.

“The OSCE continues to play an essential role in the peaceful future of our area, so we all expect a more concrete, decision-making and stronger role of the OSCE in the service of peace, co-operation and security,” said Kodheli.

Raunig also presented the third annual OSCE Presence award to the National Coalition of Anti-Trafficking Shelters, for their outstanding contribution to fulfilling the broader humanitarian and security goals of the OSCE’s mandate in Albania.

“This award is given to the National Coalition in support of their heroic contribution to combatting human trafficking in Albania and in being on the front line defending the human rights of the victims of this heinous crime,” said Raunig. “It also highlights the very positive example of co-operation among the coalition members, which includes both civil society and state partners.”

The National Coalition, composed of three NGO-run and one state-run shelter, was launched in 2007. The NGOs “Different and Equal” in Tirana, “Vatra” in Vlora, “Tjetër Vizion” in Elbasan, together with the “Linza” state reception shelter, share a common goal to provide protection, support, rehabilitation and reintegration to women and children who have been victims of human trafficking.

Since 1997, these four shelters have assisted around 4,000 women and children – most of whom now enjoy a normal life.