In an increasingly challenging climate for media freedom in Albania, organizations representing journalists and media workers are stepping up efforts to strengthen the protection of their rights.
Today, representatives from SCiDEV, led by Blerjana Bino, also a researcher with the SafeJournalists Network, together with the Association of Journalists of Albania (AGSH) and the Union of Journalists and Media Workers, held a key meeting with the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination. The aim was clear: to enhance institutional cooperation in support of journalists and media professionals across the country.
In a spirit of open dialogue and collaboration, the organizations raised concrete concerns about the growing challenges journalists face in the field, from discrimination and political or economic pressure to unjust dismissals and the lack of effective mechanisms for reporting violations. It was emphasized that without reporting, there is no accountability, and without protection, there can be no free journalism.
The following key areas of future cooperation were identified:
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Effective reporting of violations of journalists’ rights to relevant institutions.
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Raising awareness about journalists’ legal rights and protections;
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Empowerment through education and information, including coordinated institutional responses to prevent discrimination and unjust dismissals.
The meeting marked a concrete step toward building a broader institutional network to protect journalists in Albania, in alignment with international standards on freedom of expression and the safety of media professionals.
We are thankful to the Commissioner for his openness and commitment to advancing journalists’ rights and to creating a safer environment for the exercise of journalism in Albania.