47th session of the UPR Working group - Review of Albania

President,

Sweden welcomes positive developments in Albania, including improvements related to judicial reform and anti-corruption measures. However, concerns remain, for instance with regard to the right to freedom of expression and independence of media, including attacks against journalists, as well as the constraints faced by civil society in functioning efficiently. Sweden would therefore like to make the following recommendations.

1. Ensure that the judicial system is equipped with sufficient financial and human resources, including magistrates, to enable the judiciary to function efficiently and independently. 
2. Ensure that the current legal framework concerning civil society is fully implemented, in particular regarding the registration procedures as well as consultation processes for civil society organizations.
3. Continue to reform the legal and regulatory framework, in accordance with Albania’s international obligations, concerning the right to freedom of expression and media, particularly by ensuring the safety of journalists and the transparency of media ownership.

Thank you.