GENEVA (28 June 2024) – The UN Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, Graeme Reid, will conduct an official visit to Albania from 1 to 12 July 2024.

The expert will assess the implementation of national and international human rights standards to combat violence and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other gender-diverse (LGBT) persons in Albania at a time of considerable economic growth and social change.

Reid will travel to Tirana, Shkoder, Kukes, Vlore, Sarande and Korce to meet with government officials, civil society representatives, the international community and others involved in the protection of the human rights of LGBT persons and others.

By gathering information on violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, Reid aims to identify good practices and opportunities for improvement and develop recommendations to the Government of Albania on how to address any challenges in line with international human rights law and standards.

The Independent Expert will hold a press conference to share his preliminary findings in Tirana on Friday, 12 July at 11:00 a.m. local time, at the United Nations Office located at “Skenderbej” Street, Gurten Building, 2nd floor, Tirana. Access will be strictly limited to journalists. To register for the press conference please email: brian.griffey@un.org and nora.kushti@undp.org.

The final findings and recommendations from the visit will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council.