Needs analysis visit in Albania

6 May 2015. Albania was the second country to visit during needs analysis visit in Western Balkans. We had a chance to discuss various issues with our partner organization – Albanian Helsinki Committee – and to gain better understanding of their needs and country situation.

Albania is an extremely interesting example of the country having different experiences and history from other countries in the region. The politically polarized climate in Albania in which the judiciary has been operating in recent years has had a negative impact on the functioning of the justice system, and thus on the rule of law itself. On the other hand, the reform of judiciary is ongoing, with strong involvement of international experts – the government’s intention is to reform the judiciary and its administration according to European standards.

Albanian Helsinki Committee was not the only organization we had opportunity to meet – interesting discussions were held with representatives of active NGOs: Tirana Legal Aid Society, ResPublica and Center for Legal and Civic Initiatives . We were also invited to the National School of Judiciary and Public Prosecution (engagement of NGOs in creating curriculum can be a good example of cooperation) and for the meeting with the chairman of the Board of the Union of Albanian Judges.  

The project is funded by International Visegrad Fund and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea.