‘’LGBTI Civic Engagement Program: Politics and Representation for the Advancement of the Rights of the LGBTI Community in Albania’’ Political Monitoring Report: May-October 2021 Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 1

Co-authored by: Arbër Kodra Executive Director Open Mind Spectrum Albania (OMSA) Diana Jovani, MSc Media Analyst This report was made possible thanks to the support of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung. Tiranë, Albania, October 2021 Opinions, findings, conclusions and recommendations expressed in this report are of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of“Friedrich Ebert” Foundation. The publications of the“Fredrich Ebert” Foundation cannot be used for commercial purposes without a written consent. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 2

INTRODUCTION The“Political Monitoring Report: May-October 2021 represents an assessment of the LGBTI Community issues in the broad spectrum of the Albanian media in the post 25 April 2021 election, with the aim of finding ways of improving the general situation of the LGBTI community in the country. The LGBTI Community and other marginalized groups in the Albanian society continue not to be properly represented in the political and social life in Albania, mostly due to the fact that both political parties and other politically oriented groups and alliances, as well as media, have done very little to incorporate the community concerns and issues in their political solutions and agenda. Some marginalized groups, however, are either being under-represented or not mentioned at all in the broad scope of topics and themes put up for discussion and solution in the political parties’ agenda and platforms and social debates before and after the April 25 parliamentary elections. In an effort to promote advocacy for the rights of the LGBTI community and other marginalized communities in the country, as well as increase efforts to properly involve them in the digital and social media communication, the Open Mind Spectrum Albania(OMSA) conducted a survey with two questionnaires past April to collect opinions on elections and politics in place during the April 25 parliamentary election. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 3

I. Brief Summary of OMSA Survey Published in May 2021 The OMSA survey results revealed that the parliamentary elections of April 25, 2021 and especially the election campaign started without no mention of the LGBTI community, with its issues and concerns not being referred to in any presentation by a political program or a running candidate. Consequently, the most urging question was whether the LGBTI community was left with any choice in the April 25 parliamentary elections. The survey also pointed out that there was little choice left for the LGBTI community and their families and relatives or supporters of the cause for equality. Although the LGBTI organizations and activists in the country requested from political parties to come up with official positions on their decision-making process as to whether they will be represented in the next legislature, it became obvious that there was no position from the political parties on changing the current laws and adopting new laws, which would seek to improve the life of the LGBTI community in Albania. So far, no political force has come out openly in accepting and embracing the human rights of the LGBTI community, the survey noted. In the newly launched campaign, there was still no mention of this community in the presentations of the political party programs or in speeches held by the running candidates. It remains to be seen as to how much the political parties will engage in the post-election period and ask for important changes regarding legislation and amendments to current laws, which are long-awaited by the LGBTI community. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 4

II. Findings of OMSA Monitoring of the Political Spectrum May-October 2021 1. LGBTI Representation in the Albanian Government’s New Program“The New National Action Plan of the LGBTI people in Albania” During the period in question, OMSA regularly monitored the efforts the government made to implement its previously approved plan of 2016-2020“The New National Action Plan on LGBTI people in the Republic of Albania” to see the scope of its implementation, draw conclusions for the future steps and activities and provide recommendations for the future. On behalf of the government, the Sector of Policies and Strategies on Social Inclusion and Gender Equality within the General Department of Policies and Development of Health and Social Protection at the Ministry of Health and Social Protection in May 2021 published an assessment report on the government’s 2016-2020 national action plan on the LGBTI community in Albania. The ministry report was drafted with the support and technical expertise of the Council of Europe, as well as contribution by the institutions involved in the implementation of the plan and independent institutions. It is important to note that the report incorporated information drawn from the surveys conducted by the non-profit organizations that work in this field and from interviews with representatives of the civil society or international organizations promoting human rights issues. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 5

Apart from the review and assessment of the current plan, the ministry gave valuable recommendations to the plan that the government is to release soon. The ministry suggestions focused mostly on the planned measures, policies, and financing as regards the specific needs of the LGBTI community in order to mitigate the effects of the crisis caused by Covid-19 pandemic and provide help the most vulnerable members of the LGBTI community. Other recommendations included changes to legislative initiatives and their implementation, focusing namely on the Penal Code and the Code of Family and efforts to curb the use of discriminatory language toward the LGBTI community members and the need to improve the definition of hate speech. The ministry advised that the future plan should attach priority to increasing the capacities and awareness of civil workers in regional and local level, as well as those working in the judiciary to offer legal protection to the rights of the LGBTI community members. Another important recommendation was related to the access of the LGBTI members and their rights to employment, education, health care, shelter, social services, sports and asylum. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 6

LGBTI Organizations’ Recommendations/Comments to the Government’s Plan There are five main organizations representing the LGBTI Community in Albania, as represented in the following chart: Name of Organization URL 1. ALEANCA LGBT 2. Open Mind Spectrum Albania(OMSA) 3. PINK EMBASSY 4. PRO LGBT Historia Ime--“Pro LGBT” Initiative 5. SHELTER LGBT/ STREHA LGBT https://www.aleancalgbt.org/ https://omsalbania.org/ https://www.pinkembassy.al/en https://prolgbtalbania.org/rreth-nesh/ https://www.historiaime.al/ https://strehacenter.org/ The main organizations representing the LGBTI community in Albania(The LGBT Alliance, ProLGBT, Open Mind Spectrum Albania (OMSA), Pink Embassy and STREHA(SHELTER) have called on the Government of Albania to make the following legislative amendments: 1. Approve the National Action Plan for LGBTI persons in Albania for the period 2021 – 2027 and its most effective implementa- tion(by a decision of the Council of Ministers). 2. Amend the Family Code, required since 2013, to legally recognize the family as a union of two citizens of the Republic of Albania, regardless of gender, in compliance with provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of Albania for the right of citizens to create families. 3. Discuss the legal possibility and consider the draft law“On the Recognition of Gender Identity’’, so that transgender and intersex persons have opportunities to change gender 4. Amend and approve the teaching curricula, with the aim of creating a situation and an environment acceptable by the LGBTI community in the country’s education system. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 7

2. Political Parties’ Stance/Programs to LGBTI issues in Post 25 April Election Period Even in the post-April 25 general election period, the political parties in Albania failed to have publicly positioned themselves on the human rights issues of the LGBTI community. Many political candidates have come out openly against the LGBTI cause, clearly expressing an inequality of inclusion. Politicians in Albania, although elected by those voters who believe in their promises and transparent processes, are lacking vision for equality for all minority communities in the country. The majority of political parties in Albania lack a public position on human rights issues of the LGBTI community. We all deserve equal rights as citizens of this country, above all politicians and political parties that have as a principle and are guided by equal respect for the rights of all citizens. Hate speech, offensive terms and insults to the LGBTI community have also been used by a range of politicians from all parties. In the period following the April 25 vote, the political parties in Albania further lacked a future vision and failed to position themselves in representing the issues of the LGBTI community and of marginalized groups in their political programs. It is worth repeating that no political party includes or mentions the rights of LGBTI persons in their programs or projects. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 8

Political Parties’ Positioning Toward LGBTI Rights Regarding the positioning towards the LGBTI rights, political parties in Albania can be divided into two main groups. This division into two groups, more than ideological, reflects the weight of these parties in the political party system(number of seats), their size, and their scope of influence and responsibility within the decision-making institutions in the country. The first group consists of the main political parties in Albania. The parties that have larger electoral and parliamentary weight exhibit a neutral position(rather positive, but not public). Meanwhile, the second party group includes small parties with less electoral weight and representation in parliament/executive institutions, including new parties. These parties have more open positions against or for the LGBTI community rights. This kind of positioning seems to be not merely ideological but also strategic, with the aim of dictating the political agenda, attracting more public attention and addressing certain electoral segments that could potentially mobilize around this discourse. Political Parties/ Programs/Platforms Versus LGBTI Issues During the May-October 2021 period, OMSA decided to monitor some of the aforementioned parties pertaining to both groups, with the aim of monitoring them and their political platforms but also seeking to establish some lines of communication and understanding their take of the LGBTI community’s pressing issues. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 9

The monitoring of their political platforms was carried out based on aforementioned criteria covering major parties with a large representation in the Albanian parliament but also minor and new parties, siding both with the ruling and opposition parties and also looking for real possibilities of being represented in the parliament and the government. After a five-month monitoring of the respective political programs of the aforementioned parties, OMSA concluded that the main and other parties in Albania fail to have clear guidelines as regards human rights issues and more specifically the issues of the LGBTI community of and of other marginalized groups in the Albanian society. The Socialist Party of Albania, the largest and the main ruling party in the country, referring to itself in party documents as PSSH and as PS in the political campaign and social media logos, seems to have focused more on political, economic, and social issues that draw a large electorate and help it to remain in power rather than dealing with human rights and other issues such as of those of the LGBTI and other minority communities in the country. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 10

The PS has not been observed to have posted a full official political program on its website. The so-called“Manifesto (Manifesti) 2017-2021”, a 144-page small booklet available for reading in full at https://issuu.com/, is referred to in the PS website as the party program(Programi) and headlined“Full Program for the Four Upcoming Years”. In fact, the Manifesto seems to resemble more of a set of marketing or campaign slogans or commercials rather than a serious program with a clear content and goals. The Manifesto is preconceived to present the current situation in relation to a major economic or social issue on one hand and then the PS’ kept promises on the other. Turning on the electronic pages of the Manifesto, one can read about all kinds of people’s concerns and woes, from employment to forestry and hunting and babies, but not a single word about the LGBTI pressing issues and any promises related to the cases of abuse of human rights and discrimination and hate speech. The Statute and Regulation Books of the Socialist Party of Albania have been also posted online but its 134 pages fail to mention anything about the LGBTI issues in Albania. Another tab on the PS website labelled as‘Reforms” carries links on reforms such as economy, public order and security, education, health care, energy, social welfare, investments, agriculture, culture, transportation, environment, urban development, good governance and services toward citizens. It fails, however, to carry or mention any reform related to human rights issues or to issues pertaining to the LGBTI community in Albania or to those of marginalized groups in the society. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 11

The Democratic Party of Albania, the largest opposition party in the country which lost in the 25 April elections for the second time in a row, referred to as PD, is no better position than the PS as regards the promotion of the rights of the LGBTI community in Albania. No political or electoral program can be found on the PD’s website. Some of its press releases or meetings of its chairman and main leaders with the electorate reflect somewhat its political stances toward several pressing issues and concerns, but none of those reports mention the LGBTI community and its main worries and woes, let alone issues of respect for human rights, discrimination, and hate speech. It seems like the human rights issue is almost inexistent in the Albanian political party scene. The PD has posted only its statute on the website. None of the 61 Articles of the Statute, approved by the PD National Assembly on 17 July 2021, mentions or alludes to any issue of the LGBTI community. The Tab“Positions”(Qendrimet) contains a long list of PD attitudes towards many issues such as economy and finance, European integration, foreign policy, labor and employment, education and culture, security and freedom, family and society, care and health, rural development and environment but no mention of human rights issues, the rights of the LGBTI community and other marginalized groups. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 12

Detailed monitoring of these themes and topical issues reveals that human rights and LGBTI and other vulnerable communities are not even mentioned in related topics such as social welfare, family and society and the like. LËVIZJA SOCIALISTE PËR INTEGRIM The Socialist Movement for Integration, the third main party in Albania and main ally of the opposition PD, referred to as LSI, can be put in the same pot as the previous two largest ruling and opposition parties in the country. The LSI has posted no official political program on its website, but it has published a 20-page document called“Electoral Priorities 2021”, which also fails to mention the abovementioned issues related to human rights and LGBTI community. Under the heading“The LSI Electoral Priorities”, the LSI has also posted a one-page appeal to citizens to vote for the LSI as it keeps its word. The appeal mentions the LSI“real program, drafted with the experience of the best professionals and focusing only on the wellbeing of every Albanian family.” It further mentions that the LSI has“drafted specific and quite effective policies” that will the party’s top priority, stressing that the LSI is“committed to exhaustive policies that bring real welfare for the people and their families.” To our disappointment, again not a single mention of the human rights or the LGBTI community issues either directly or indirectly. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 13

The Social Democratic Party of Albania, referred to as PSD, has posted six of its priorities on its website under the heading“Program 2021. Our Priorities” The PSD’s main priorities include economy, health., education, justice and law, diplomacy and Diaspora, and environment. A further detailed review of the priorities one by one reveals that the PSD does not have human rights and the LGBTI issues included in any of its main priorities. The LGBTI community is not touched upon in any of the party’s main priorities and future objectives. The Democratic Conviction(Bindja Demokratike), referred to as Bindja Demokratike, has published its electoral program of 27 pages on its website. In contrast to other major parties cited earlier, Bindja Demokratike mentions the issue of human rights and the law without further elaborating on the LGBTI issues and any further issues related to other vulnerable groups in the society. On page 17 of the party’s electoral program, Chapter V on Public Order and Security, Point 24, says the following:“Bindja Demokratike aims at a special strategy based on the best practices of policing, on training and qualification of every State Police employee, which will enable a clear understanding and rigorous respect for human rights and law enforcement.” The inclusion of the human rights issues in the party program is to praised though no further elaboration and further details of how this can be achieved is given. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 14

The Hashtag Initiative or simply# Initiative, referred to as Nisma #Thurje, is a new political movement in Albania formed by former PD MPs Rudina Hajdari and Endrit Shabani. The movement calls itself an“initiative of free citizens who believe that an organized society should be placed in front of an organized political class.” It is worthy of mention that this initiative has used a more innovative and modern approach by presenting 33 draft laws to the public in an effort to explain them all through several campaigns on social media. Some of these draft laws such as the one Social Equality and the like mention“people with disabilities” and those“belonging to discriminated groups in the society.” The LGBTI rights and concerns, however, are not mentioned in any of the draft laws presented by the initiative. The name itself“Hashtag” indicates that the party is more oriented at campaigning and presenting its views through social media and has a more open approach compared to other ruling and opposition parties. Though obtaining more than 10,000 votes in the 25 April elections, the initiative did not manage to have its own deputy to represent it in the parliament. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 15

In an appeal on Facebook on the day when the new parliament that came out of the 25 April elections convened for the first time, Nisma#Thurje called on the new movements, the social society organizations, journalists, actors and free citizens to join forces in a common action in order to resolve the country’s pressing problems and to set an example of success by reviving hope. Again, no mention of human rights issues and the LGBTI community. Movement for Change, referred to as“Levizja Per Ndryshim (LN)” is a right-wing party founded by former Assembly speaker Jozefina Topalli seeking to gather academics and intellectuals in an effort to bring some change to the opposition camp in Albania. Levizja Per Ndryshim is not observed to have published any political program either on any website or social media and has sought to influence its supporters through postings on Facebook by several candidates of the party. None of these postings mentions the LGBTI community or human rights issues. The Movement received only 7049 votes or 0.45% on a country level, thus missing the threshold set for the parliamentary elections and not having any representation in the parliament. After the 25 April elections, former Assembly speaker Jozefina Topalli decided to leave the party chairmanship for not being able to have a set in the Assembly. The latest posting on its Facebook website dates back to 24 April 2021, a day before the elections. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 16

III. Media Monitoring of the Political Parties’ Coverage of the LGBTI Community Issues in Post 25 April Vote In the six-month period after the 25 April general elections, the media in Albania, including print, broadcast, online portals, official websites and social media networks, have maintained the same limited coverage as regards the political parties and platforms’ mirroring of the LGBTI community rights and those of the marginalized groups present in the Albanian society. OMSA has noticed no change in the media behavior of such representation both in the period before and after the 25 April elections. Silence Over LGBTI Issues on Media Reports on Political Parties’ Activities The LGBTI community rights as well as the problems the LGBTI community members are facing in their daily life continue not to be mentioned anywhere in the activities of both ruling and opposition parties as well as their leaders. There is no change in this coverage compared to the pre-election period. The human rights issues and the LGBTI communities have not yet drawn the attention of the ruling party and its leader Edi Rama, current prime minister of the country. During the period in review, dailies have not been observed to carry any reports on activities or meetings of the ruling PS, which came out victorious in the 25 April elections, during which the LGBTI community issues were mentioned. There is not a single report in the dailies and other media in which the PS mentions the human rights issues, the concerns and woes of the marginalized strata of the society, along with the LGBTI rights. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 17

After his party scored an overwhelming victory in the 25 April elections, Edi Rama, prime minister of Albania since September 2013 and PS leader, has not been observed to address his voters and PS supporters with any of the issues affecting the LGBTI community. It seems like the LGBTI community issues were again left out of his current political agenda after winning the elections. It is important to note that those issues were also not part of his and his party’s election campaign before the 25 April vote. 1 The daily monitoring of the abovementioned media included collecting information on public appearances of LGBTI activists, politicians from various political parties, cases of clashes of opinion between main and/or other political parties, be they ruling or opposition, as well as instances of hate speech, discrimination, and inequality in the Albanian society. 2 Daily monitoring of the Albanian print, broadcast, and online media, including online portals, social media networks, and official websites of the following: •Broadcast Media(See Appendix) •Print Media(See Appendix) •Online Portals •Official websites of main political parties(See Appendix) •Official websites of LGBTI organizations(See Chart) Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 18

In the six-month period after the elections, no posts on LGBTI Community issues have been seen on Prime Minister Rama’s Facebook page, which is updated regularly many times a day and has over 1.5 million followers. Most of the postings relate to Rama’s meetings in country and travels abroad, as well as promotional posts and video on Albania as a destination for tourism and business opportunities, in order to attract tourists and foreign investors. Dailies also were not observed to carry any reports on activities or meetings of main opposition party PD and other opposition parties related to the LGBTI community. Human rights issues have also not been part of any reports related to party activities in the media. Media Report on Main LGBTI Activists’ Activities The main media outlets in the country have not remained indifferent towards the key activities held in capital Tirana and other cities across Albania by main LGBTI organizations in the country. Print media mostly carried general reports on activities and speeches by main LGBTI organizations. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 19

Such is the case with rallies, events, and other activities held to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia(IDAHOT) observed on 17 May 17, which aimed at raising awareness of LGBTI rights violations and stimulating interest in LGBTI rights work worldwide. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 20

In a report headlined“The Pride Parade. LGBTI Community Activists Hoist the Rainbow Flag at Skenderbeg Square, Here Are the Pictures,” Panorama daily carries a general report on the Pride Parade, an activity held by LGBTI organizations and activists at capital Tirana’s main square. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 21

The report noted that the LGBTI activists gathered to promote diversity, equality, and love, pledging to fight for their rights in an effort to raise the awareness of the society about the violence and discrimination against persons with different sexual orientations and acceptance of their gender diversity. The print and online media have also carried general and positive reports on the activities held during the entire month of May to mark the IDAHOT. A detailed list of all the activities is seen in the following chart. The media reports have been mostly straightforward and neutral, seeking to give the nature and objective of such activities, aimed at raising the public awareness to the issues of the LGBTI communities and promoting an atmosphere of peace and tolerance among all communities in the country. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 22

Media on LGBTI Activists Calling for Changes to Legislation/ Terminology Media reports on the LGBTI activists’ public appearances during the January-October 2021 period have been numerous. Main media outlets have fairly reported on LGBTI activists’ call for changes to the Family Code and civil union, which have led to repeated debates from various actors from media, politics, religion and sometimes clashes with the main activists in the country. Other media reports focused on LGBTI activists’ debates on definition of certain terms like mother and father replaced by parent 1 and parent 2, similar debates with pastors, civil union, etc. More debates by LGBTI activists reflected through the media called for changes to legislation, such as the legal recognition of civil union, and the notion of family and children and parents. The media have carried no response from the government as regards demands and calls for changes to the legislation, both before and after the 25 April elections. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 23

Media Platforms on International Reaction to LGBTI Community Rights Some media platforms continue to carry reports on the reaction and statements issued by the international organizations or foreign institutions based in Albania as regards the LGBTI community rights. Such is the case with a report carried in Exit, an independent media platform that delivers quality news coverage and analysis focused on Albania and the Western Balkans. The 18 May 2021 Exit report“Albania Ranks 26th in Europe for Protection of LGBTI Rights” states that Albania ranks 26th out of 49 European countries in terms of the rights and protections it affords to LGBTI individuals, citing Rainbow Europe, an umbrella organization comprising local and regional LGBTI NGOs. According to the report, Albania attained a score of just 33.2% out of 100% and was beaten by regional neighbors Kosovo(35.4%), Bosnia and Herzegovina(39.75%), Greece(47.20%), and Montenegro(62.77%). Under the deadline“Yuri Kim in Defense of LGBTQI+ People: To Be Free To Exercise Their Human Rights” daily Sot cites US Ambassador to Albania, Yuri Kim, to have advocated the fight to advance the human rights and fundamental freedoms of LGBTQI + people, adding that the United States remain committed to protecting universal human rights and advancing human rights for all, including LGBTI+ individuals. Media portal Exit also carried a report on local LGBTI organization OMSA headlined“NGO Open Mind Spectrum Albania Holds Debates on LGBTI Rights in Three Albanian Cities,” which detailed OMSA activities in various cities and its meetings with supporters. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 24

Media Reports on Hate Speech Incidents Against LGBTI Community In six-month period of monitoring, the media have not been observed to carry any reports on hate speech or instances of public speeches that express hate or encourage hate or violence towards LGBTI persons or marginalized groups or other incidents of hate speech based on race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Some reports, however, denounce the hate speech exercised against some LGBTI individuals. A report in media portal Exit headlined“Albanian Media Council and Alliance Against Hate: Hate Speech Leads to Hate Crimes” cites a statement by the Albanian Media Council on the way in which the media has handled the recent debates on LGBTI rights in Albania. The statement notes with“great concern” that the debate has escalated with reference to the naming terminology of parents on official documents. The statement further states that many portals have rushed to cover the debates that were held on television and in the process, misleading the public on what was said.“While the LGBTI community demands that in addition to the terms“mother” and“father,” the terms“parent 1” and“parent 2” be added, which will enable their children to be officially registered, many portals have reflected the debate as the LGBTI community requires the“removal” of the words mother and father from the dictionary,” the statement says. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 25

For more media reports on incidents of hate speech reflected in the media, please see detailed list in Appendix 3 under the heading:“List of Media Articles on LGBTI Issues Collected During May-October 2021.” Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 26

IV. Monitoring Reports From People’s Advocate (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Albania/ Commissioner for Protection From Discrimination of the Republic of Albania The institutions Commissioner for Protection From Discrimination and the People’s Advocate(Ombudsman) of the Republic of Albania are independent institutions whose mission is to defend the fundamental human rights and freedoms and the human rights of LGBTI people. Both institutions are ardent supporters of such rights, especially when it comes to the LGBTI munity rights. During the period in review, OMSA has regularly monitored the official website of the People’s Advocate(Ombudsman) of the Republic of Albania and has officially communicated the Ombudsman Office and has made official requests for information or sent emails and held personal meetings to be better informed about some pressing issues and complaints related to the LGBTI community. The Ombudsman Office has reported that it has not received any official complaint from the LGBTI community, as they have been only minor cases of discrimination that have been resolved directly by the Commissioner for Protection From Discrimination Office. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 27

The People’s Advocate(Ombudsman) Institution is provided for the first time in the Albanian Constitution adopted in November 1998, while the Law No. 8,454“On the People’s Advocate Institution” which was amended later on, was firstly adopted by the Albanian Parliament in 4 February 1999. The People’s Advocate(Ombudsman) defends the rights, freedoms and lawful interests of individuals from unlawful and incorrect acts or omissions of public administration bodies as well as third parties acting on its behalf. During the period under review, OMSA monitored the official website of the Commissioner for Protection From Discrimination of the Republic of Albania, along with official requests for information in the form of emails or personal meetings from the Commissioner’s Office about discrimination and hate speech against LGBTI community. The Complaints Department of the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination reported that four complaints have been made to the office between January and September 2021. Two of these complaints have come from pro-LGBTI organization on sexual orientation and parental care, while two other complaints from“Aleanca LGBT” as regards gender identity and sexual orientation. The KMD resolved two ex-officio cases at its own initiative, one of them as solved successfully, while in the other the commissioner ruled in favor of the LGBTI person who was discriminated upon. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 28

Tirana Municipality is the largest town hall in the country and has been selected to join the Open Government Partnership(OGP), an organization that brings together governments and civil society leaders to create more transparent, inclusive, and participatory government. As a new member of OGP, Tirana Municipality works with local civil society organizations and other OGP members to advance the open government agenda locally and transform the way the government serves its citizens. OMSA has established a close cooperation with the Tirana Municipality through a joint agreement to promote equality and protection from discrimination of LGBTI community members. Only two LGBTI community members have requested from the municipality to provide shelter services and foodstuff assistance, as well as services in social centers including meal packages. They have also requested employment opportunities through the municipality’s Employment Directorate. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 29

The State Police has fulfilled its obligations as regards the National Action Plan on LGBTI Persons in the Republic of Albania 2021-2027, which is to be carried out according to strategic goals and objectives aimed at eliminating all forms of discrimination against the LGBTI community. Through email communication with the State Police, OMSA has been informed that the State Police has improved the computer system for processing statistical data, in which each offense of the Criminal Code, whose motive is related to orientation can be self-generated by the system. The police have also guaranteed the protection of LGBTI persons from discrimination and violence due to sexual orientation or gender identity. The hate-based crime is envisaged in Articles 74/a, 84 /a, 119 /a, 265 and 266 of the Criminal Code. Criminal offenses“Insult with motives of racism or xenophobia through the computer system(cybercrime) provided by Article 119/b. During 2021, the State Police has identified three cases of hate crime. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 30

APPENDIX 1 OMSA SURVEY OMSA, VOTE FOR EQUALITY, AND SURVEY 2021 RESULTS During the period between June 2020 and May 2021, Open Mind Spectrum Albania(OMSA), a prominent organization working for the human rights of the LGBTI People in Albania, has set up its first website called VOTE FOR EQUALITY http://votobarazine.al/ and has carried out an online campaign about the elections. Vote for Equality as an Advocacy Tool The Vote for Equality is a voter education and advocacy tool that analyzes and provides public information on the inclusion of LGBTI issues into the party platforms. The online campaign was used to monitor the inclusion efforts of the parties and to help garner support from progressive voters. In addition, the campaign was used as an accountability measure in order to make sure that the officials stick to any promises they made to the LGBTI community. Specifically, each party and candidate’s stance on LGBTI issues is displayed in a non-biased manner, so that voters can utilize the information to educate themselves. The analysis will not explicitly endorse any specific candidate. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 31

This action have promoted informed voting among the LGBTI population and the general public, and reinforce the commitment of political parties to include the needs of LGBTI people in their programs. It showcased the LGBTI movement as a cohesive group of informed voters that parties should be strongly considering as a voter base. This will encourage them to be supportive of inclusive policies and to welcome and accept more LGBTI leaders within their structures. This was promoted via social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Secondly, the Vote for Equality online campaign is designed as an accountability tool for politicians and candidates who make commitments to LGBTI equality. The online campaign tracks party programs and their stances on LGBTI rights. It also tracks any promises that candidates may make to advancing the rights of the community. The conversations and conclusions of the candidate debates had also been monitored on the social medias created and the website. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 32

OMSA Surveys of the LGBTI Community& Young People in Online Youth Political Forums The surveys conducted by OMSA constituted an important component of the monitoring campaign. Given the lack of statistics, the difficulty of identifying and selecting the sample, contacting people, and obtaining agreement, the survey was conducted online. The online survey was sent as a personalized link to members of the LGBTI community who are part of LGBTI online forums. It has also been widely disseminated through various forms of social media. There were two polls-- one for youth and the LGBTI and the other for youth political forums. The survey contained typical questions from international electoral studies, as well as more specific questions about the LGBTI community. The total number of people who participated in the survey was 69, with three different promotional queues organized to distribute the survey to increase the number of respondents. Based on the methodology, sample selection and the small number of respondents, it is impossible to generalize the results of the LGBTI community survey in Albania. All survey results refer only to respondents who have completed the online study. The survey was conducted during the period of October 2020 – 30th April 2021. During the monitoring period, the print media have carried very little or almost no coverage of the political parties’ involvement in making the rights and concerns of the LGBTI+ community and the marginalized groups to be part of their political campaign. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 33

Questionnaire& Survey Analysis The survey results are as follows: 1. General Information: • AGE: 12%- under 18 years: 55% from 18 – 25 years; 33% from 26 – 36 years old. • County: 22% from Durres; 25% from Korca; 42% from Shkodra; 11% from Tirana. • Education: 12% high School; 24% on going Bachelor studies; 45% University; 19% Master Studies. • Political Involvement: 50% Democratic Party; 19.4% Socialist Party; 19.4% Socialist Movement Party; the others undeclared or no political involvement. • The role in the youth forum: 10% no role; 58% members, 9% coordinator, 8% leader, 15% Member of Municipality Council. 2. Political Party: • Program on addressing human rights issues: 58.3% do totally agree, 25% agree, 5.6% partially agree, 11.1% do not have any information. • A program with special focus on addressing LGBTI rights:: 13.9% do totally agree, 41.7% agree, 19.4% partially agree, 5.6% disagree, 19.4% do not have any information. • The political attitude on LGBTI rights: 1 3.9% do not have affirmation, 72.2% are neutral, 2.8% disagree, 11.1% no infor mation. • The political party is supporting more these vulnerable Communities: 63.9% youth, 33.3% women, 13.9% disabled people, 11.1% LGBTI Community, 13.9% no information. 3 These results are only general ones as the more specific ones will be published when the other questionnaire& survey for the youth and youth LGBTI will be completed. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 34

• On the presence of LGBTI Community in the political list: 22.2% yes, 30.6% no, 2.8 5 disagree, 44.4% no information. • Are they declared as LGBTI members: 16.7% yes, 36.1% no, 47.2% no information available. • The impact with the political structures: 27.8% does totally agree; 25% agree; 19.4% partially agree; 19.4% no information, others disagree or needed more clarification. • The reaction of political followers: 27.8% do totally agree; 19.4% agree, 19.4% partially agree, 8.3% disagree, 25% no information. • The behavior of the political party towards LGBTI Community members, in the context of involvement: 30.6% totally friend ly; 33.3% friendly; 16.7% partially friendly; 2.7% disagree; 16.7% no information. • The personal perception on having LGBTI declared Communi ty Members in election list: 38.9% do totally agree, 30.6% agree, 11.1% partially agree, 8.3% no information and the oth ers do not agree and opposed. • Their chances to be elected: 47.2% the same as the others; 33.3% neutral, 16.7% no chance to be elected, 2.8% totally opposed. • Their potential impact in the general number of votes of the political party: 50% the same as the others, 30.6% neutral, 8.3% no impact at all, 11.1% totally against their impact. • The idea on electoral behavior on LGBTI Community: The responses where different, such as- Neutral, totally agree and agree, do not have information, they need support, they should have their own party, they should have less present, distracted etc. • LGBTI Community is potential voter of your political party: 25% yes, 16.7% no, 25% the same as others communities, 33.3% no idea. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 35

• The main concerns of LGBTI Community in Albania(more than one response): 52.8% discrimination, 44.4% labor, 41.7% men tality, 38.9% marriage, 36.1% coming out, 30.6% violence, 27.8% education, 25% family, 19.4% justice access, 19.4% health, 19.4% cohabitation, 11.1% housing. • The information source on the above concerns(more than one response): 58.3% media, 52.8% friendship, 16.7% school, 11.1% labor, 8.3% family, 5.6% not interested. The last question in the survey was related to“further comments”: • Most of them responded with“no other comment.” The rest emphasized the principle of equality, the necessity to do more, the society should have more information and meet LGBTI\ Community members. • Other comments were to organize trainings and informal meetings, in order that everyone should be sensitized and aware of the issue. • Also, they suggested for the LGBTI Community to be more visible, and to have more coming out stories. • Lastly, they suggested specific quota for the LGBTI people. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 36

Conclusions from the survey results(related to the training presence of these participants): • The respondents are not still open minded and this is a big gap between what they declare and how they feel. • The general perception is: I do not bother them and they do not bother me. The society is quiet and in peace as long as no one interferes in others life. • The parties are still not ready to welcome the LGBTI Commu nity. • The parties will lose voters and votes if the LGBTI Community members are part of the lists. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 37

The Following is a Questionnaire& Survey Analysis with the Youth Political Forums in the Cities of Tiranë, Durrës, Elbasan, Shkodër, Korçë, Vlorë, Gjirokastër, and Sarandë. 61 Responses Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 38

Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 39

Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 40

Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 41

Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 42

Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 43

Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 44

APPENDIX 2 List of Media Monitored May-October 2021 Print Media Name of Newspaper Website Address 1. Dita Online in Albanian www.gazetadita.al/ 2. Koha Jonë Online in Albanian www.kohajone.com 3. Shekulli Online in Albanian www.shekulli.com.al 4. Shqiptarja.com Online in Albanian www.shqiptarja.com 5. SOT News Online in Albanian www.sot.com.al/ 6. Tema Online in Albanian www.gazetatema.net 7. Gazeta Shqiptare Online in Albanian www.gsh.al/ 8. Panorama Online in Albanian www.panorama.com.al News Portals Name of Portal 1. BalkanWeb Online in Albanian 2. Exit News in Albanian and English 3. Balkan Insight in English Website Address www.balkanweb.com www.exit.al www.balkaninsight.com Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 45

Official Political Party, Institutions Websites Name of Party/Institution Website Address 1. Parliament of Albania 2. Socialist Party of Albania 3. Democratic Party of Albania 4. Socialist Movement for Integration 5. The Social Democratic Party of Albania 6. The Democratic Conviction 7. The Hashtag Initiative 8. Movement for Change https://www.parlament.al/ https://www.ps.al/ https://pd.al/ http://www.lsi.al/ https://psd.al https://bd.al https://nisma.al https://www.facebook.com/ LevizjaPerNdryshimShqiperi Independent Institutions Name of Institution 1. People’s Advocate(Ombudsman) of the Republic of Albania 2. Commissioner for Protection From Discrimination of the Republic of Albania Website Address https://www.avokatipopullit.gov.al/sq/ https://www.kmd.al/ Tirana Municipality The State Police https://www.tirana.al/ https://www.asp.gov.al/ Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 46

Albanian Broadcast Media Name of TV Station Website Address 3. Top Channel 4. Klan TV 5. TVSh/RTSh/TVSh2 6. Vizion Plus TV 7. ORAnews TV 8. ABC News 9. NEWS24 https://top-channel.tv/ https://tvklan.al/ https://www.rtsh.al/ https://tv.rtsh.al/kanalet/rtsh-2 https://www.vizionplus.tv/ https://www.oranews.tv/ https://abcnews.al/ https://www.news24.al/ Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 47

APPENDIX 3 List of Media Articles on LGBTI Issues Collected During May-October 2021 Name of Newspaper Link 1. Koha jonë https://kohajone. com/lgbtiq-denoncon-dhunen-ndaj-transgjinores-reagon-ambasada-gjermane/ LGBTIQ denoncon dhunën ndaj transgjinores, reagon Ambasada Gjermane https://kohajone.com/ aleanca-lgbti-i-pergjigjet-akil-panos-vijon-te-fyeje-denigroje-diskriminoje-nje-komunitet-te-tere/ Aleanca LGBTI i përgjigjet Akil Panos: Vijon të fyejë, denigrojë, diskriminojë një komunitet të tërë 2. SHQIPTARJA.COM https://shqiptarja.com/lajm/ nga-ndryshimi-i-kodit-penali-familjes-tek-strehimi-planiper-te-drejtat-e-personavelgbti-synohet-perfshirja-nekurrikulat-e-universiteteve https://shqiptarja.com/ lajm/a-jemi-gati-per-martesat-gay-dhe-biresimin-efemijeve-debati-i-shekullitmberrin-ne-shqiperi-flasinpalwt-dhe-grupet-e-interesit-george-frendo-kishakunder-qytetarwt-mbase-kaardhur-koha Nga ndryshimet në Kodin Penal e atë të Familjes tek strehimi, strategjia për të përmirësuar situatën e personave LGBTI+! Synohet përfshirja në kurrikulat e universiteteve A jemi gati për martesat Gay dhe birësimin e fëmijëve?‘Debati i shekullit’ edhe në Shqipëri, flasin palët dhe grupet e interesit! Kisha dhe Xhamia kundër, qytetarët të dyzuar Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 48

3. SOT.COM https://shqiptarja.com/lajm/ te-krijojme-nje-bote-qerespekton-dinjitetin-e-tegjitheve-yuri-kim-personatlgbtqi-duhet-te-jene-te-lirete-ushtrojne-te-drejtat-etyre-njerezore ‘Të krijojmë një botë që respekton dinjitetin e të gjithëve’, Yuri Kim: Personat LGBTQI+ duhet të jenë të lirë të ushtrojnë të drejtat e tyre njerëzore https://shqiptarja.com/lajm/ te-krijojme-nje-bote-qerespekton-dinjitetin-e-tegjitheve-yuri-kim-personatlgbtqi-duhet-te-jene-te-lirete-ushtrojne-te-drejtat-etyre-njerezore ‘Të krijojmë një botë që respekton dinjitetin e të gjithëve’, Yuri Kim: Personat LGBTQI+ duhet të jenë të lirë të ushtrojnë të drejtat e tyre njerëzore https://sot.com.al/politike/ shperthen-deputeti-i-njohur-shqip tar-kjo-kauze-kerkon-te-shkaterroje-fa-i446560 Shpërthen deputeti i njohur shqiptar: Kjo kauzë kërkon të shkatërrojë familjet tona https://sot.com.al/aktualitet/ te-hiqet-fjala-nene-plas-sherri-ne-studio-moderatorja-ikthehet-xheni-i446142 “Të hiqet fjala nënë”, plas sherri në studio, moderatorja i kthehet Xheni Karajt: Unë jam grua dhe mama, ti e degjeneron shoqërinë! https://sot.com.al/english/ aktualitet/te-hiqet-fjalanene-aktivisti-lgbt-liston-arsyet-pse-duhet-te-merret-i446575 “Remove the word mother”, the LGBT activist lists the reasons why this decision should be made https://sot.com.al/english/ Yuri Kim in defense politike/yuri-kim-ne-mbrojtje- of LGBTQI+ people: te-personave-lgbtqi-te-jene- To be free to exercise te-lire-te-ushtrojne-t-i443275 their human rights Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 49

4. TEMA 5. GAZETA SHQIPTARE 6. PANORAMA 7. BALKAN WEB https://www.gazetatema.net/2021/09/03/ pastori-akil-pano-denoncohet-nga-komuniteti-lgbti-tek-komisioneri-kunder-diskriminimit-pse-kerkon-mbrojtjen-e-familjes/ Pastori Akil Pano denoncohet nga komunitetit LGBTI tek Komisioneri kunder Diskriminimit, pse kerkon mbrojtjen e familjes http://gazetashqiptare. al/2021/06/15/flet-pedagogia-e-luarasi-ekspertja-arsejda-gjyli-inkoherenca-e-lgbti-mbi-ndryshimin-e-terminologjive-nene-dhe-baba/ Flet pedagogia e “Luarasi”/ Ekspertja Arsejda Gjyli: Inkoherenca e LGBTI+ mbi ndryshimin e terminologjive“nënë” dhe “baba” http://www.panorama.com. al/prindi-1-dhe-prindi-2shperthen-debat-i-ashpermes-pastorit-akil-pano-dhealeances-lgbti/ “Prindi 1 dhe prindi 2”, shpërthen debat i ashpër mes pastorit Akil Pano dhe Aleancës LGBTI http://www.panorama.com.al/ Parada e Krenarisë/ parada-e-krenarise-aktivisteAktivistë të komunitete-komunitetit-lgbt-shpalosintit LGBTI shpalosin flamurin-e-ylberte-ne-sheshflamurin e ylbertë në sheshin“Skënderbej”, in-skenderbej-ja-pamjet/ ja pamjet https://www.balkanweb.com/ koalicioni-shqiptar-per-mbrojtjen-e-familjes-pastori-akilpano-i-dua-shume-homoseksualet-por-kam- mendimndryshe-nga-ata-sthemasgje-me-shume-se-bibla/ Koalicioni Shqiptar për Mbrojtjen e Familjes, pastori Akil Pano: I dua shumë homoseksualët, por kam mendim ndryshe nga ata. S’them asgjë më shumë se Bibla Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 50

https://www.balkanweb.com/tirana-shpalos-ne-dy-sheshe-flamurin-shumengjyresh-lgbt-studenti-u-prish-festen-kthehuni-nga-mekati/ Tirana shpalos në dy sheshe flamurin shumëngjyrësh LGBT, studenti u prish “festën”: Kthehuni nga mëkati! 8. EXIT NEWS https://exit.al/en/2021/05/18/ albania-ranks-26th-in-europefor-protection-of-lgbti-rights/ Albania Ranks 26th in Europe for Protection of LGBTI Rights https://exit.al/en/2021/06/15/ albanian-human-rights-portalcalls-on-media-to-uphold-ethics-against-hate-speech-anddisinformation/ Albanian Human Rights Portal Calls on Media to Uphold Ethics Against Hate Speech and Disinformation https://exit.al/en/2021/06/18/ albanian-media-council-andalliance-against-hate-hatespeech-leads-to-hate-crimes/ Albanian Media Council and Alliance Against Hate: Hate Speech Leads to Hate Crimes https://exit.al/keshilli-shqiptar-i-medias-denon-gjuhen-e-urrejtjes-ndaj-komunitetit-lgbt-ngritur-nga-lajme-fallso/ Këshilli Shqiptar i Medias dënon gjuhën e urrejtjes ndaj komunitetit LGBT ngritur nga lajme fallso https://exit.al/en/2021/06/10/ albanian-journalist-uses-homophobic-slurs-on-live-television/ Albanian Journalist Uses Homophobic Slurs on Live Television Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 51

https://exit.al/ en/2021/05/21/ngo-holdsdebates-on-lgbti-rights-inthree-albanian-cities/ Slurs on Live Television NGO Open Mind Spectrum Albania Holds Debates on LGBTI Rights in Three Albanian Cities https://exit.al/ en/2021/05/18/being-gayin-tirana-having-traumamakes-you-stronger/ Being Gay in Albania: ‘Knowing your Worth Makes it Easier’ https://exit.al/dhunohet-21-vjecari-per-shkak-te-identitetit-seksual-ne-tirane-ambasada-gjermane-denon-ngjarjen/ Dhunohet 21 vjeçari për shkak të identitetit seksual në Tiranë, ambasada gjermane dënon ngjarjen 9. Balkan INSIGHT https://balkaninsight. com/2021/06/10/albaniarights-activists-face-uphill-battle-to-register-twomoms-twins/ Albania Activists Back Lesbian Couple’s Battle to Register Twins List of Reports Collected from Albanian Broadcast Media(Main TV Stations) Name of TV Station 1. Top Channel 2. Vizion Plus TV 3. ABC News Link https://top-channel.tv/?s=LGBTI https://www.vizionplus.tv/?s=LGBTI https://abcnews.al/?s=LGBTI&submit= 4Please note that the link contains a list of all video clips collected from that particular channel. Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 52

Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 53

Address: Rr. Mihal Grameno, P. 010, Shk. 1, Ap. 6 – Tirana Albania Cel.+355693953920• www.omsalbania.org• omsa.albania@gmail.com 54