Major advance for disability rights in Albania
The future of disability rights
Some 75,000 Albanians are recognized as disabled, though the actual number is thought to be much higher, since legislation does not address those who developed disabilities from causes (other than labour) outside of employment after the age of 21.
The National Strategy is a big step forward, bridging the gap between people with disabilities and the policy-making that affects them. It aims to improve their living conditions, particularly in the fields of education, employment, support services and free access. Over the next few years, old buildings and transport systems will have to be modified, education and services will need to be made more accessible and a great deal of legislation will need be amended or drafted from scratch.
Everyone is involved
"Taking into account extensive European developments in the field of disability rights, it is only natural that Albania moves in this direction," said Bardhylka Kospiri, head of the Advocacy Group, a forum bringing together people with disabilities and non-governmental organizations at national and local levels. Kospiri, also a member of the Albanian Disability Rights Foundation, one of the main OSCE partners on disability rights in Albania, worked hard to involve the people that the Strategy affects the most. "I am here to ensure that the main driving force in this field is Albania's civil society," she said.
The Strategy pushes through a definite shift in policy-making based on anti-discrimination, self-determination and inclusion. Albania applied a modern approach. "The Strategy document is based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, on international conventions, on UN policies on equal opportunities and on the terminology of the World Health Organization," said Engjell Bejtaj, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs.
The Strategy aims to define active governmental policies and co-ordinate the activities of state institutions, organizations and individuals in the area of disability. "It's a living document that gives clear directions on what to do when dealing with disability in Albania," said Nexhmedin Dumani, Director of the Social Service Department at the Social Affairs Ministry.
Noteworthy is that the Strategy calls for establishing a National Council on People with Disabilities - a monitoring and reporting body through which civil society can voice its concerns.
Important milestone
The adoption and publication of the Strategy marks an important milestone in the history of Albanian disability rights policy. Preparation of the Strategy began in summer 2003, when a working group headed by the Ministry was established. The group included both representatives of other Albanian ministries and NGOs.
The process was actively supported by the OSCE Presence in Albania, which provided an international expert, Ulrike Geith of Germany, to counsel the working group. On the International Day of People with Disabilities, 3 December 2003, the Presence organized a conference in Tirana to introduce the draft Strategy to the Albanian public.
On 16 September 2004, a range of projects were presented at an OSCE-sponsored international donor conference on disability. The Ministry and the Albanian Disability Rights Foundation co-organized the event.
Continued support
A team effort helped push the Strategy through. "We thank especially the OSCE Presence in Albania and the Albanian disability NGOs for their substantial contribution to our Strategy," said Minister Bejtaj.
The OSCE Presence will continue to support the National Strategy in close co-operation with the Ministry, the Disability Rights Foundation and other civil society organizations. The OSCE documented the donor conference, translated the Strategy into English and published it in Albanian and in English.
Some 75,000 Albanians are recognized as disabled, though the actual number is thought to be much higher, since legislation does not address those who developed disabilities from causes (other than labour) outside of employment after the age of 21.
The National Strategy is a big step forward, bridging the gap between people with disabilities and the policy-making that affects them. It aims to improve their living conditions, particularly in the fields of education, employment, support services and free access. Over the next few years, old buildings and transport systems will have to be modified, education and services will need to be made more accessible and a great deal of legislation will need be amended or drafted from scratch.
Everyone is involved
"Taking into account extensive European developments in the field of disability rights, it is only natural that Albania moves in this direction," said Bardhylka Kospiri, head of the Advocacy Group, a forum bringing together people with disabilities and non-governmental organizations at national and local levels. Kospiri, also a member of the Albanian Disability Rights Foundation, one of the main OSCE partners on disability rights in Albania, worked hard to involve the people that the Strategy affects the most. "I am here to ensure that the main driving force in this field is Albania's civil society," she said.
The Strategy pushes through a definite shift in policy-making based on anti-discrimination, self-determination and inclusion. Albania applied a modern approach. "The Strategy document is based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, on international conventions, on UN policies on equal opportunities and on the terminology of the World Health Organization," said Engjell Bejtaj, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs.
The Strategy aims to define active governmental policies and co-ordinate the activities of state institutions, organizations and individuals in the area of disability. "It's a living document that gives clear directions on what to do when dealing with disability in Albania," said Nexhmedin Dumani, Director of the Social Service Department at the Social Affairs Ministry.
Noteworthy is that the Strategy calls for establishing a National Council on People with Disabilities - a monitoring and reporting body through which civil society can voice its concerns.
Important milestone
The adoption and publication of the Strategy marks an important milestone in the history of Albanian disability rights policy. Preparation of the Strategy began in summer 2003, when a working group headed by the Ministry was established. The group included both representatives of other Albanian ministries and NGOs.
The process was actively supported by the OSCE Presence in Albania, which provided an international expert, Ulrike Geith of Germany, to counsel the working group. On the International Day of People with Disabilities, 3 December 2003, the Presence organized a conference in Tirana to introduce the draft Strategy to the Albanian public.
On 16 September 2004, a range of projects were presented at an OSCE-sponsored international donor conference on disability. The Ministry and the Albanian Disability Rights Foundation co-organized the event.
Continued support
A team effort helped push the Strategy through. "We thank especially the OSCE Presence in Albania and the Albanian disability NGOs for their substantial contribution to our Strategy," said Minister Bejtaj.
The OSCE Presence will continue to support the National Strategy in close co-operation with the Ministry, the Disability Rights Foundation and other civil society organizations. The OSCE documented the donor conference, translated the Strategy into English and published it in Albanian and in English.