Equality in law, dignity in life

On the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, the United Nations in Albania and the European Union reaffirm their strong commitment to uphold the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights by LGBTIQ+ persons.

This year’s theme, “At the Heart of Democracy”, reminds us that the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons are not a side issue. They are central to dignity, equality, freedom and participation. As UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has underlined, we must stand together and cherish the freedom to live and love freely[i]. This message also echoes the EU’s commitment, reaffirmed by High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas, to equality, human dignity and the protection of the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons.

On 23 May, Albania will hold its 13th Pride Parade+. Thirteen years of Pride have marked a visible change in Albanian society. Pride has helped open public space for conversations on equality, dignity and inclusion, and has brought forward the voices of LGBTIQ+ persons, their families, allies, civil society, independent institutions and public actors.

Albania has made important progress through its legal and policy framework on equality and non-discrimination. This framework now needs to be implemented properly, so that LGBTIQ+ persons may enjoy their rights in full. Stigma, hate speech, bullying, violence and family rejection must remain in the past. Barriers to justice, education, healthcare, employment and social services must be eliminated. Equality in law must become dignity in life.

The United Nations and the European Union join voices in a common message. We do so from different mandates, but with a shared commitment to human rights, democracy, the rule of law and Albania’s goal of a European future.

For the United Nations, this commitment is grounded in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the international human rights framework and the 2030 Agenda promise to leave no one behind. Through initiatives such as UN Free & Equal, the UN continues to support advocacy, public awareness and protection from violence and discrimination.

For the European Union, equality and non-discrimination are core values enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU[ii]. In the context of Albania’s EU accession process, they are part of the fundamentals cluster, meaning that talks on these topics are opened first and closed last. Albania would need to prove its progress, implementation and track record on the fundamentals before closing accession negotiations. 

The European Union has consistently supported Albania’s efforts to combat discrimination, notably through backing oversight institutions and equality bodies such as the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination and the People’s Advocate. It has also stood alongside civil society organisations and shelters that remain indispensable in providing emergency support to at-risk LGBTIQ+ persons, and human rights activists whose advocacy has been instrumental in advancing reforms and exposing injustice.

LGBTIQ+ persons are often targeted by violence and hate speech both online and offline. This takes place across continents, at the hand of  politicians, state- and non-state actors and others. To combat this, in 2024 alone, the EU ProtectDefenders mechanism supported over 10 000 human rights defenders (both individuals and organisations), 21% of which were LGBTIQ+. Since its inception in 2015, the mechanism has supported more than 95 000 human rights defenders altogether. 

Together, our two institutions utilize complementary frameworks: universal human rights and EU values and accession. . In Albania, these frameworks point in the same direction: laws must be implemented, institutions must protect, and people must be able to live openly, safely and equally.

This requires stronger implementation of anti-discrimination laws, effective responses to hate speech and hate crimes, inclusive schools, workplaces and services, and continued support to independent institutions and civil society.

Our shared message is simple: No one should face violence, exclusion or discrimination because of who they are or who they love. No one should have to hide to be safe. No one should be left behind.

The wave passes. People remain. Communities remain. Rights remain. Together, Albania can continue building a society where equality in law becomes dignity in life.

[i] High Commissioner Türk on the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia: Let us stand together and cherish the freedom to live and love freely | OHCHR

[ii] Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union [2012] OJ C326/391, art 21.