The Deputy Minister Mrs. Artemis Dralo during the review of Albania under UPR presentation highlighted that Albania considers the third review under UPR as an opportunity to present the progress, difficulties and challenges situation in implementing the recommendations of the second cycle of UPR. Preparing for the process has been a valuable exercise in taking stock of where we stand on the implementation of our commitments, in integrating human rights in our development policies, and in viewing progress and areas where more needs to be done.

Albania is fully committed to protect and promote all human rights, and supports the integration of the human rights dimension in the agenda of United Nations. As a member of Human Rights Council for the period 2015-2017, Albania has contributed actively in this important forum, and its decision process, including Universal Periodic Review.

The Albanian delegation informed on the measures undertaken during the reporting period from the previous cycle in 2014, to improve the legal framework, policy and institutional framework, in accordance with the human rights conventions and the UPR specific recommendations. Protection of human rights, focused on women`s rights,  gender equality, domestic violence, fight against corruption, fight against trafficking,  the rights of the child, anti-discrimination, national minorities, the rights of vulnerable groups, and other, civil, political and economic, social, cultural are on the core of our priorities towards EU integration, and in compliance with international obligations.  Albania is undertaking concrete steps to implement justice reform which have a direct impact in strengthening the rule of law, human rights, consolidation of democracy, sustainable political, economic and social development in the country.

The protection and promotion of human rights remains a priority of the Government of Albania, and the Albanian authorities will continue to fulfil the international obligations by attaching priority to the implementation of legal and policy framework, the increase of public awareness, strengthening the cooperation among different stakeholders.

During the interactive dialogue 68 states made statements and 197 recommendations. The draft report of  Albania will be adopted on 10 May 2019 during the 33^rd Session of the UPR Working Group of Human Rights Council.