ODIHR, OSCE Presence and Albania’s Interior Ministry train police and civil society to enhance responses to gender-based violence

Enhancing responses to sexual and gender-based violence in Albania was the focus of a capacity building event that brought together police officers and civil society representatives in Tirana on 8 and 9 October 2018. The event was organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in co-operation with Albania’s Ministry of Interior and the OSCE Presence in Albania.

The 35 participants (31 women and 4 men) included 20 police officers and investigators and 15 civil society representatives. They received training and discussed current challenges and lessons learned in responding to sexual and gender-based violence while enhancing co-operation as mandated by the state’s Action Plan on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, peace and security, which was adopted last month.

“The recent adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution1325 Action Plan in Albania sends a powerful message about the willingness of state authorities and civil society to work together to strengthen the country’s peace and security infrastructure. This event is a first step in this direction,” said Graziella Pavone, Human Rights Officer at ODIHR.

Romina Kuko, Deputy Minister of Interior, said: “Women’s involvement in peace and security should become a priority for national governments, international organizations and civil society. Every action to incorporate women as key actors will exponentially and efficiently create a transparent and comprehensive strategy towards lasting peace and security.”

This interactive event covered the root causes and dynamics of gender-based violence, harmful gender stereotypes and their impact on policing, as well as good practices of investigation and co-operation between the police and civil society. During the event, civil society and police participants from various regions of Albania committed to strengthening their co-operation in this area.

The training also focused on civil society oversight of police services to victims of gender-based violence.

“Gender-based violence is intolerable in any society and in particular in a democracy. Police forces play a crucial role in preventing and combating it,” said Bernd Borchardt, Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania. “Albania has made progress, but a lot still needs to be done in addition to adopting legislation: concrete action is needed. Citizens’ trust in the rule of law is also based on police performance and conduct. This training comes at the right time.”