Comparative research on Albanian legislation and practices and UNCRC
We’re excited to announce that the first ever comparative study about Albanian Legislation & Practices and UNCRC has been completed and was launched on October 30, 2007. This research was supported by SCiA, in the framework of its Institutional Strengthening project with the Office of People’s Advocate (OPA), and conducted by the Centre of Integrated Legal Practices and Services (CILPS).
The major objective of this study was to understand and report the achievements so far and gaps of Albanian legislation in relation to children’s rights.
Through a thorough analysis, practical and specific recommendations were made. This study will now serve as a basic instrument for all the governmental and nongovernmental institutions in their work to improve the Albanian legislation.
During the launch of this study, the Head of People’s Advocate and CILPS legal experts gave their speeches and presented the methodology, findings, and recommendations of this research. The ceremony was well attended by parliamentarians, high level officials, People’s Advocate Office legal experts, Court legal experts, the Head of Magistrate School, national and international organizations’ representatives, psychologists, law students and the media.
The Head of the Peoples’ Advocate told the audience
“This study is of special importance and will help OPA and other organizations in the work to improve the Albanian legislation and to advocate for the protection of children’s rights and an ultimate impact on children’s lives.” He continued his speech by dedicating, on his behalf and other OPA and CILPS legal experts, a special thank you to the Save the Children Albania Programme.
“It supported this study not only financially but also with expertise and materials by so helping to conduct a better and comprehensive legal research”.
An overall analysis was presented by CILPS legal experts. It focused on the gaps in Albanian legislation, contradictions that exist among several legal acts, issues related to the implementation of laws, possible and indispensable changes and new legal initiatives that should be undertaken for law improvements.
Based on the complexity that this analysis encompasses in itself, the methodology used included these approaches:
1. Evaluation and consolidation of the international standards for children’s rights;
2. Review of all the Albanian Legislation (constitution, laws, sub legal acts, instructions, and regulations) and strategic political documents of the Albanian state.
3. Examination of legal and administrative practices.
4. Receiving the information by children, as holders of these rights guaranteed by UNCRC, through questionnaires, focus groups and interviews.
One of the innovations of this inclusive and analytical study was to have children participate. Children’s thoughts, experiences and ideas were obtained on how children see the implementation of their rights in daily life and how informed they are about their rights. This child focus information offers a more accurate overview, helps analyze children’s rights in Albania, and also shows the impact the legislation has on the quality of children’s lives.
The results of this research will now be used by the OPA/Subsection for Children’s Rights, for improving and changing laws that protect children’s rights