Monitoring Report on Victims’ Rights in Albanian Courts

Victims’ rights are essential to a fair and equitable criminal justice system, ensuring that those affected by crime are
protected, informed, and actively involved in legal proceedings. Historically, Albania’s criminal justice system, like
many others, was primarily offender-focused, with limited recognition of victims' needs and their role in
proceedings. Over time, significant legal and policy reforms have been introduced, aiming to shift the focus toward
a more victim-centered approach, aligning with international human rights and justice standards.

This report evaluates how victims’ rights are upheld in criminal court decisions across Albania. It specifically assesses:

• whether victims have access to justice, information, and legal representation.
• the extent to which victims are protected from secondary victimization and intimidation.
• how courts interpret and enforce key rights such as victim participation, compensation, and protective measures.

The study also examines the alignment of judicial practices with Albania’s national laws and its obligations under
international conventions.

This monitoring study utilized a systematic and evidence-based approach, combining qualitative and quantitative
analysis to assess the judicial treatment of victims of crime in Albania’s courts. The analysis covered 127 court
decisions from first-instance courts with general jurisdiction in Albania, including Tirana, Durres, Elbasan, Fier, Lezha,
Shkodra, Kukes, Diber Vlore, Gjirokaster, and Korça. These jurisdictions were selected to ensure geographic
diversity, covering major and smaller urban centers. The cases involved crimes where victims’ rights are most
relevant, including sexual violence and harassment, human trafficking, exploitation of prostitution, stalking and
threats, and crimes against minors.