Prishtina, 27 June 2023 – It is indisputable that among the social groups most at risk from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment are persons deprived of their freedom, including minors, the elderly, persons with illnesses mental, persons with special needs.

To mark this day, the Ombudsperson of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr Naim Qelaj and the Ombudsperson of the Republic of Albania, Ms Erinda Ballanca, organized a joint meeting as a good opportunity to exchange the experiences of the two countries, as a practice that has now become a tradition between the two institutions.

This occasion was an opportunity to appeal to the governments and competent institutions of the two countries for the constitutional and legal obligations they have in respect of the rights and freedoms of persons who are deprived of their freedom, for treatment with dignity and in respect of the standards now accepted by both countries.

In addition, the two ombudspersons reminded the respective authorities of the obligations arising from the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, adopted 35 years ago, which expressly defines the obligation that: “Each State party shall take effective legislative, administrative, judicial or other measures to prevent acts of torture in any territory under its jurisdiction.”

The meeting confirmed the excellent level of cooperation in the exchange of experiences in the defence of persons deprived of their freedom, and in particular persons with special needs and mental illnesses. This cooperation aims to acquire the best European practices for the protection of the rights of this very sensitive category of society.

The delegation from the Republic of Albania headed by the Ombudsperson Erinda Ballanca, accompanied by the Commissioner of the National Mechanism, Mr Ahmet Prençi, and the General Director of Prisons, Mr Admir Abrija and the delegation from Kosovo headed by the Ombudsperson, Mr Naim Qelaj, accompanied by the General Director of the Correctional Service, Mr Ismail Dibrani, Director of Health in prisons, Mr Milazim Gjocaj, Deputy Ombudsperson, Mr Basri Kastrati, Director of NMPT, Ms Shqipe Ibraj Mala and the Legal Adviser, Ms Fidane Zekaj, visited the Forensic Psychiatry Institute of Kosovo, where they were received by the Psychiatrist, Mr Bujar Obertinca and his staff, who shared their experiences in treating people with mental illness and the challenges they are facing. He stated that with the support of the Council of Europe, they are working on issuing work protocols, which will facilitate the work of this institution, and they have planned the expansion of capacities as an immediate need to treat people with mental illness in an adequate institution.

On this occasion, both delegations appraised the work done in this institution as a good model of professional engagement and institutional will for dignified treatment of persons undergoing treatment at this centre. On the other hand, they appreciated the fact that Kosovo, unlike other countries in the region, has an institution where people with mental illnesses, who are in conflict with the law, can be treated.

Another important visit was made by the delegation to Ward D in the Correctional Centre in Dubrava, which has been adapted and created for prisoners with special needs. The attendees were informed about the spaces and the plans for this ward (since its population has not yet started) by the Director of the Correctional Centre in Dubrava, Avni Miftari and the Head of Health, Astrit Rexhaj.

All the meetings of the Albanian delegation were followed with great interest as well as with the best impressions and belief that through cooperation and the exchange of experiences, it will be possible to achieve a higher level of the connection that exists between Albania and Kosovo.