As part of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, Albania has accepted several key recommendations regarding the rights of the LGBTI+ community in the country.
Among the accepted recommendations are commitments to legally recognize same-sex marriages and partnerships, strengthen accountability mechanisms for the National Action Plan for LGBTI Persons (2021–2027), ban forced surgeries on intersex children, and enhance measures against hate speech and hate crimes.
These recommendations were put forward by countries such as Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Malta, Iceland, Mexico, Colombia, Spain, France, and the United States, demonstrating broad international support for LGBTI rights in Albania.While their acceptance marks a positive step, it must be accompanied by concrete measures for implementation and a firm commitment from all Albanian institutions responsible for protecting and representing the LGBTI+ community.
Despite these positive developments, it is disappointing that Albania has rejected the recommendation to legally recognize gender based on self-identification, a proposal made by Iceland. This means that trans and non-binary people in Albania continue to face significant barriers in obtaining documents that reflect their true identity. This constitutes a human rights violation and a refusal to follow international best practices in this area.
Nevertheless, the LGBTI Alliance, in collaboration with its international partners, will continue working to hold Albanian institutions accountable for their commitments.
Together, we will keep pushing for tangible changes that ensure full equality and dignity for all LGBTI individuals in Albania, including transgender and non-binary people.The fight for equal rights for the LGBTI+ community continues with strength, persistence, and solidarity!
UPR Process Recommendations in English: