Albania’s policies and practices to promote and protect the freedom of religion or belief are to be reviewed by United Nations Special Rapporteur Ahmed Shaheed during an official visit from 8-17 May. 

“I look forward to visiting Albania to learn about the coexistence of different religions and beliefs, as well as the positive examples of promoting religious tolerance in the country,” said the independent expert tasked by UN Human Rights Council with assessing and reporting on the situation of freedom of religion or belief in all countries.   

The Special Rapporteur’s mandate also requires him to identify existing and emerging obstacles to the enjoyment of the right to freedom of religion or belief and present specific recommendations to overcome them. 

“It will be a timely opportunity for me to assess the freedom of religion or belief in relation to issues of gender, women, children, and religious or belief minorities,” said Mr. Shaheed, who visits the country at the invitation of the Albanian Government 

During his nine-day visit, the expert will meet with Government officials, religious leaders, faith-based organisations, NGOs, representatives from civil society and UN Agencies in Tirana, Shköder and Körche, among other places in Albania. 

Mr. Shaheed will share with the media his preliminary findings at a press conference on the last day of the mission, on Wednesday 17 May at 12:00, at the Hotel Tirana International (Scanderbeg Square, 8, Tirana), in the Onufri meeting room in Tirana. Access to the press conference is strictly limited to journalists. 

The final report of the Special Rapporteur will be presented to the Human Rights Council in March 2018.