On 28 February 2018, Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Artemis Dralo, attended the 37th UN Regular Session of the Human Rights Council, where during her address she praised the activity of the Human Rights Council in promoting and protecting human rights around the globe. Based on the assessment of Albania’s experience as a member of the Human Rights Council for the period 2015 – 2017, the contribution of our country was highlighted in this important forum, as well as the role it has played both in the protection of human rights and the attitudes it has held in its decision-making.

Deputy Minister Dralo also dwelt on the deterioration of the human rights situation in certain countries of the world such as Syria, South Sudan, Burundi, Iran, North Korea etc. as well as on the violent extremism phenomenon, which requires the engagement of all member states of the HRC to address this issue. She also expressed Albania’s support in international efforts.

Year 2018 marks the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Vienna Declaration and the Program Action and the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is time to reflect on the commitments undertaken over the years and on concrete results in the promotion and guarantee of universality of human rights.