UN Country Team Albania Statement on the demolition of the National Theatre building

The United Nations Country Team in Albania has noted with concern the tension caused by the demolition of the national theatre in the early hours of Sunday morning 17 May. The UN in Albania underlines the importance of strengthening national unity of purpose and building trust between authorities and the population, particularly while managing the Covid-19 pandemic. More than ever, extra efforts to ensure dialogue, transparency and extra time to ensure full consistency with the rule of law can help mitigate risks associated with actions that might disrupt national unity. The UN in Albania notes the importance of the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression, in accordance with the law and good democratic practice.