LGBTI Equal Rights Association for Western Balkans and Turkey
On April 14th the European Parliament published its resolution on the 2015 European Commission report on Albania. The resolution recognizes Albania’s steady progress on its path to EU accession while calling on the country to intensify its reforms in the areas of rule of law and fundamental rights as of crucial importance.
With regards to LGBTI rights the Parliament welcomes the parliamentary resolution on the protection of rights and freedoms of persons belonging to the LGBTI community and notes that the second Tirana Pride event was held without major incidents in June 2015. However it recalls the need for effective legislative and policy measures to reinforce the protection of human rights such as the removal from existing legislation of provisions which discriminate against transgender and intersex persons.
Furthermore it calls for the authority, autonomy, efficiency and resources of human rights structures, such as the Ombudsman’s office to be enhanced while it also welcomes the improved cooperation with civil society organizations.