Albania needs to enhance efforts to protect the rights of its citizens living abroad as well as foreigners arriving to the country who are vulnerable to exploitation according to Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, François Crépeau, while in Tirana, the Albanian capital. “I encourage the Albanian authorities to develop and implement, in partnership with all sectors of society, a national human rights strategy that places the rights and well-being of everyone, including migrants, at the heart of all laws, policies and programs.” Does Albania Recognize its Own Children? Around 1/3 of Albania’s population live outside its borders, with the largest number living in Greece and Italy, many of them without a regular status, making it essential for the Albanian consular offices to have the capacity, resources and expertise to respond adequately to the needs and rights of Albanian migrants living and working abroad, the Rapporteur noted. “I was informed of challenges in ensuring birth registration of children born of Albanian citizens, especially when parents are in an irregular situation. Every child has the right to be registered immediately after birth, acquire a name and a nationality. It is unacceptable that children be born into statelessness in today’s Europe. Both Albania and host countries should consider urgent measures to address this situation.” Albanians Facing Prosecution in Foreign Countries: Mr. Crépeau also expressed concern about the situation of Albanians living abroad who face criminal proceedings or are deprived of their liberty, including children, as their legal defense is often poor, leading to unfair convictions and excessive sentences. Returnees Increasing Mr. Crépeau said the Government should make it a priority to assist Albanian returnees, some pushed by economic crisis in neighboring countries while encouraged by economic growth and poverty reduction in Albania. “The Government of Albania should intensify its efforts to assist and reach out to Albanian returnees, regardless of whether their return is voluntary or forced.” Foreign Migrants to Albania: Mr. Crépeau noted: as Albania’s economy grows, the Government will also have to prepare for an increase in foreign migrants, and ensure their rights are protected and they are not vulnerable to exploitation. “There is urgent need to sensitize all sectors of society on the human rights of migrants and about the responsibility of the State to respect, protect, fulfil and promote their rights.” Much of the recent focus from Washington and Brussels has been on the enmity and confrontation between Albania and Serbia over Kosovo. (Read: -“Albania-Serbia Diplomatic Fire at UN” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/albania-serbia-diplomatic-fire-at-un-by-ambassador-mo/35624) However, both states and others in the region have the same objective of becoming members of the European Union. Perhaps they face similar problems, needs for assistance as well as aspirations. More Technical Assistance to Albania’s Efforts from EU: Mr. Crépeau also encouraged the European Union (EU) to strengthen the human rights component of its technical assistance to Albania to support its path towards European integration. “I invite the EU to consider a specific program for supporting the national human rights protection system, and the protection of the human rights of migrants in particular.” Also Read: - “Financial Crisis- Lost Support for Democracy?” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/financial-crisis-lost-support-for-democracy-by-ambassador-mo/41825 By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook – Become a Fan at “Bosnia TV” and/or “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter - Follow us at DiplomaticallyX “BosniaTV” Channel - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/bosnia