All posts by : IDM Albania

On the occasion of World Migratory Bird Day, monitoring activities were conducted across several key sites in Albania to document the presence and abundance of migratory bird species utilizing the country as a stopover along their transcontinental routes. One of these activities was carried out in the Fllakë Lagoon, a habitat of exceptional biodiversity value that serves as a resting and feeding stop along the Adriatic Flyway migration corridor.

During the field observations, while numerous migratory species were recorded, evidence of a disturbing parallel reality was also encountered, clear indicators of illegal hunting practices. Such activities continue to pose a severe threat to migratory birds and the integrity of the entire ecosystem.

Albania’s natural landscapes serve as vital sanctuaries for many species undertaking arduous migratory journeys. Yet, the persistent presence of wildlife crime undermines these ecological values, highlighting the urgent need for strengthened law enforcement, enhanced habitat protection, and greater public awareness of our shared responsibility toward biodiversity conservation.

The Liberal Institute of Tirana “Pashko” (ILP)

The Liberal Institute of Tirana “Pashko” (ILP) has launched a new online platform that helps citizens, especially vulnerable groups in Tirana, learn how to protect their personal data.

The platform offers easy-to-understand videos, articles, infographics, and a Q&A section that explain privacy laws in clear and practical ways. It gives people the tools to understand their rights and manage their personal information safely.

With this initiative, ILP is promoting a stronger culture of data protection and digital trust in Albania, in line with both national and international standards.

👉 Explore the platform: dataprivacy.ilp-al.org

The Center for Gender Justice in Albania (QDGJSH) successfully implemented the project “Digital Safety for Women and Girls: Protecting Online Privacy” across 12 key municipalities, aiming to strengthen the capacities of professionals handling cases of digital violence, raise awareness among youth and communities about online risks, and enhance legislation and policies to protect women and girls from digital abuse. The project combined training, awareness-raising, and advocacy to create safer online spaces for women and girls throughout Albania.

Over the course of the project, 12 specialized training sessions were conducted for 187 service providers and members of the Multidisciplinary Technical Team of the Coordinated Referral Mechanism (MKR). Held in municipalities including Tirana, Durrës, Shkodër, and Vlorë, the trainings combined standardized modules with interactive discussions tailored to the specific needs of each community. This approach ensured that participants not only learned the theoretical aspects of managing digital violence cases but also gained practical strategies they could immediately apply in their work.

The trainings focused on “Violence Against Women in Digital Spaces – Effective Case Management and Online Data Protection.” Participants acquired practical tools to safeguard online privacy, manage digital violence cases effectively, and provide preventive education within their communities. The sessions emphasized real-world challenges and strategies to ensure women and girls receive the support and protection they need in digital environments.

QDGJSH has strengthened the skills and knowledge of frontline professionals, increased public awareness about digital risks, and contributed to improved policies and practices for digital safety. As a result, women and girls across Albania now have safer online spaces, and communities are better prepared to prevent and respond to digital abuse.

🎨 Visit H.A.N.A’s Open Exhibition on Education!

Experience a powerful space where the voices of youth come alive through art sending urgent messages about the future of education in Albania, with a special focus on Lezha.

📍 Open daily from 09:00 to 16:00 – don’t miss this unique opportunity to see education through the eyes of young people.

✨ Open to everyone who believes that education is the key to real change.

Here, words transform into colors, shapes, and symbols.

The paintings speak for the students still sitting in classrooms, on cold benches, feeling unheard, forgotten, and full of hope for a better future.

As Albania advances its alignment with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), strengthening institutional capacities has become essential. Recent legal amendments now mandate the appointment of Data Protection Officers (DPOs) in both public institutions and private companies to ensure compliance with these updated standards. To support this transition, our cooperating partner ASDO – Albania Sustainable Development Organization, together with the Information and Data Protection Commissioner (IDP) organized a comprehensive two-day Training of Trainers.
On the first day, participants focused on the EU data protection legal framework exploring GDPR principles, related EU directives, and the roles of supervisory authorities. They also examined the legal and practical challenges faced by DPOs and addressed internal responsibilities such as record-keeping, policy development, and data breach management.
The second day covered compliance management, including risk assessments, staff training, and developing internal compliance checklists. It also included external responsibilities such as website compliance, contract management, handling data subject rights, and effective communication with supervisory authorities.
The training concluded with an interactive Q&A session and the sharing of resources to support continuous learning.

The Youth Initiative for Human Rights – Kosovo (YIHR KS) has successfully concluded the 2nd edition of the Peace Academy, marking the end of an inspiring six-day journey. Twelve young changemakers from across Kosovo 🇽🇰 came together to explore transitional justice ⚖️, state-building 🏛️, and peacebuilding 🕊️ through a dynamic mix of academic sessions and non-formal learning.

The program provided participants with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives needed to become active contributors to reconciliation and long-term peace across the Western Balkans.

This isn’t just a closing chapter — it’s the beginning of something powerful, as these young leaders carry the lessons and inspiration of the Peace Academy into their communities and beyond.