DOCSLIB.ORG

TOWARDS JUSTICE Analysis of Civil Proceedings in the District Courts

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
TOWARDS JUSTICE Analysis of Civil Proceedings in the District Courts TOWARDS JUSTICE Analysis of civil proceedings in the district courts "The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) works for stability, prosperity and democracy in 56 participating states through TOWARDS political dialogue about shared values and through practical work that makes a lasting difference." TOWARDS JUSTICE - TOWARDS JUSTICE Analysis of civil proceedings in the district courts Analysis of civil proceedings in the district courts Analysis of civil proceedings Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Presence in Albania The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe ISBN: 978-92-9235-239-4 Presence in Albania Sheraton Tirana Hotel & Towers, First floor Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe “Italia” Square Presence in Albania 1010 Tirana - Albania www.osce.org/albania 9 789292 352394 2012 TOWARDS JUSTICE Analysis of civil proceedings in the district courts TOWARDS JUSTICE Analysis of civil proceedings in the district courts TOWARDS JUSTICE Analysis of civil proceedings in the district courts Published by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Presence in Albania Sheraton Hotel 1st Floor, Sheshi “Italia” 1010 Tirana Albania www.osce.org/albania © OSCE Presence in Albania, 2012 All rights reserved. Material contained in this publication may be freely quoted or reprinted, provided credit is given and a copy of the publication containing the reprinted material is sent to OSCE. Any other use of this material, including but not limited to commercial use or the development of derivative works, shall require the express written permission of the OSCE. Authors: Jo Faafeng Maya Goldstein Ama Kraja Fiorentina Azizi ISBN 978-92-9235-239-4 Cover: Rubin Laja Designed by: Rubin Laja and Algert Guri Printed in Tirana by: AlbDesign 4 TOWARDS JUSTICE Table of contents Table of contents 3 Foreword 7 Summary 8 Summary of Statistics 13 Table of Abbreviations and Acronyms 17 Introduction 18 CHAPTER I. THE RIGHT TO TRIAL WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME 1 Introduction 21 2 Legal framework 22 2.1 International law and recommendations 22 2.1.1 Responsibility to ensure sufficient funding, resources and organisation of courts 22 2.1.2 Responsibility for conduct of the parties 24 2.1.3 Assessing compliance with the right to a timely trial 24 2.1.3.1 Calculation of the length of the trial 24 2.1.3.2 Elements in assessing the timelines of a trial 25 2.1.4 Specific provisions on postponement of hearings 27 2.2 Albanian law 29 2.2.1 Generally on the right to a trial within reasonable time 29 2.2.2 Summons and notification of legal documents 30 2.2.3 Consequences of non-appearance of parties and other trial participants 31 3 Procedural delays in first instance courts 33 3.1 Introduction and statistics 33 3.1.1 Length of observed trials 34 3.1.2 Length of procedurally ceased trials 34 3.1.3 Number of hearings in each trial 35 3.1.4 Number of non-productive hearings 35 3.2 Problems with summoning parties to hearings 35 3.2.1 Observed problems 35 3.2.2 Remedies 38 3.3 Time consuming preparatory phase 43 3.3.1 Observed problems 43 3.3.2 Remedies 45 3.4 Failure of trial participants to appear, reluctant exercise of sanctioning power by the courts and insufficient sanctioning powers 50 3.4.1 Observed problems 51 3.4.2 Remedies against absent trial participants 53 3.5 Insufficient official statistics 60 3.5.1 Observed problems 60 3.5.2 Remedies 62 5 TOWARDS JUSTICE Analysis of civil proceedings in the district courts 3.6 Case Studies 63 4 Delays and other problems in delivery of written reasoned judgments 68 4.1 International law and recommendations 68 4.2 Albanian law 69 4.3 Observed problems 69 4.4 Remedies 72 CHAPTER II. TRANCPARENCY OF COURT PROCEEDINGS 1 Introduction 74 2 Legal framework 75 2.1 International law and recommendations 75 2.1.1 International instruments 75 2.1.2 Access to the trial schedule 76 2.1.3 Access to court buildings and courtrooms 76 2.1.4 Access to court decisions 77 2.1.5 Proper maintenance of the trial minutes and case file 78 2.2 Albanian law 78 2.2.1 Public access to the court buildings and the court rooms 78 2.2.2 Access to the trial schedule 79 2.2.3 Access to court decisions 79 2.2.4 Maintenance of and public access to the case file 80 3 Public access to court hearings 81 3.1 Access to the trial schedule: information on date and place of the hearing 81 3.1.1 Observed problems 81 3.1.2 Remedies and recommendations 84 3.2 Public access to court buildings and courtrooms 85 3.2.1 Observed problems 85 3.2.2 Remedies 85 4 Public access to court records and files 86 4.1 Proper maintenance of trial minutes 86 4.1.1 Observed problems 86 4.1.2 Remedies 90 4.2 Proper maintenance of case files 91 4.2.1 Observed problems 91 4.2.2 Remedies 92 4.3 Public access to court decisions 94 CHAPTER III. ACCESS TO JUSTICE 1 Legal framework 95 1.1 International law and recommendations 95 1.2 Albanian law 98 1.2.1 Introduction 98 6 TOWARDS JUSTICE 1.2.2 Information about time and place of hearings 98 1.2.3 Access to the venue of the hearing 99 1.2.4 Access to the court records and content of the case files 99 1.2.5 Court fees 100 1.2.6 Procedural rights during proceedings to remove capacity to act 100 2 Findings and recommendations 101 2.1 Introduction 101 2.2 Access to the venue of the hearing 102 2.3 Access to case files 104 2.4 Court fees 106 2.5 Written submissions not circulated to the other party 107 2.6 Procedural rights in proceedings to remove the capacity to act 107 ANNEXES Annex 1 Statistics on monitored civil cases 109 Annex 2 List of recommedations 127 Annex 3 Contact details forms 129 7 TOWARDS JUSTICE Analysis of civil proceedings in the district courts 8 Foreword TOWARDS JUSTICE Foreword by H. E. Ambassador Eugen Wollfarth Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania Dear reader, I am delighted to be able to present the OSCE Presence in Albania’s report Towards Justice. Analysis of civil proceedings in the district courts. Its aim is to assess the civil justice system for compliance with international fair trial standards and to recommend measures to further increase its efficiency, fairness, transparency and accessibility. A well-functioning civil justice system is a key guarantor for the rule of law and respect of human rights. Legal rights are of value for an individual only when they can be asserted in a court of law and when this court renders correct justice, in due time and in a way that inspires public trust. Justice sector reform sometimes focusses on criminal justice alone, while civil and administrative proceedings are then overlooked. This does not reflect the importance of solving civil disputes for the general prosperity and wellbeing of the people. This particularly applies in Albania, where numerous open property issues prevent important developments. Inheritance and child custody disputes are other examples that often have major importance for the persons involved. Settling such disputes, with finality and confidence, is important for all parties to move on with their lives. A proper civil justice system is furthermore a necessary condition for a functioning market economy. There is a correlation between a country’s economic situation and the quality of its civil trials. This publication is intended to contribute to improving the quality of such trials. The findings in this report are primarily based on observations made in more than 140 court hearings in four district courts. This approach provides a unique insight into the daily practice of the courts - including the immanent challenges - which goes beyond of what would become visible from reviewing the procedural legislation alone. The collection of information and the analysis contained in this report would not have been possible without the encouragement and active support of the Ministry of Justice, the High Council of Justice, the judges and court staff. I would like to thank all involved for their kind assistance. I hope that all actors in the civil justice sector, including the Assembly, the Ministry of Justice, the High Council of Justice, the judges and lawyers, will find this report useful. H. E. Ambassador Eugen Wollfarth Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania 7 TOWARDS JUSTICE Analysis of civil proceedings in the district courts SUMMARY General remarks The Albanian judiciary has seen vast improvements over the last two decades, both in terms of legislative and organisational changes. There is, however, still room for improving the efficiency, transparency and accountability of the judiciary so that it fully meets international standards. Since 2003, the OSCE Presence in Albania (the Presence) has assisted the Albanian authorities in its justice reform efforts inter alia by assessing whether court proceedings are in compliance with international fair trial standards. Based on observation of court hearings, consultation of court files and interviews, the Presence has identified procedural and practical issues and has elaborated a number of recommendations to tackle these problems. In the past, the Presence assessed criminal trials in the first instance and appeals courts and the findings were presented in two reports, published in 2006 and 2007 respectively. In the report at hand, Towards Justice, the Presence focuses on civil trials in the first instance.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • GTZ-Regional Sustainable Development Tirana 2002
    GTZ GmbH German Technical Cooperation, Eschborn Institute of Ecological and Regional Development (IOER), Dresden Towards a Sustainable Development of the Tirana – Durres Region Regional Development Study for the Tirana – Durres Region: Development Concept (Final Draft) Tirana, February 2002 Regional Development Study Tirana – Durres: Development Concept 1 Members of the Arqile Berxholli, Academy of Sci- Stavri Lami, Hydrology Research Working Group ence Center and authors of Vladimir Bezhani, Ministry of Public Perparim Laze, Soil Research In- studies Works stitute Salvator Bushati, Academy of Sci- Fioreta Luli, Real Estate Registra- ence tion Project Kol Cara, Soil Research Institute Irena Lumi, Institute of Statistics Gani Deliu, Tirana Regional Envi- Kujtim Onuzi, Institute of Geology ronmental Agency Arben Pambuku, Civil Geology Ali Dedej, Transport Studies Insti- Center tute Veli Puka, Hydrology Research Llazar Dimo, Institute of Geology Center Ilmi Gjeci, Chairman of Maminas Ilir Rrembeci, Regional Develop- Commune ment Agency Fran Gjini, Mayor of Kamza Mu- Thoma Rusha, Ministry of Eco- nicipality, nomic Cooperation and Trade Farudin Gjondeda, Land and Wa- Skender Sala, Center of Geo- ter Institute graphical Studies Elena Glozheni, Ministry of Public Virgjil Sallabanda, Transport Works Foundation Naim Karaj, Chairman of National Agim Selenica, Hydro- Commune Association Meteorological Institute Koco Katundi, Hydraulic Research Agron Sula , Adviser of the Com- Center mune Association Siasi Kociu, Seismological Institute Mirela Sula,
    [Show full text]
  • 3 Description of the Paskuqan Primary 9 Year School
    ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR Public Disclosure Authorized CONSTRUCTION OF NEW 9 YEAR PRIMARY SCHOOL IN PASKUQAN UNDER EDUCATION EXCELLENCE AND EQUITY PROJECT (EEE-P) Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized 1 Table of content 1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 5 2 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT ........................................................................ 5 2.1 Objectives of the Project ...................................................................................... 5 2.2 Project priorities................................................................................................... 5 2.3 Major physical investments ................................................................................. 6 3 DESCRIPTION OF THE PASKUQAN PRIMARY 9 YEAR SCHOOL ............... 8 3.1 The school and the site ......................................................................................... 8 3.2 School surroundings .......................................................................................... 11 4 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE CONDITIONS ................................................. 13 4.1 Physical environment ......................................................................................... 13 4.1.1 Geology .......................................................................................................... 13 4.1.2 Hydrogeology ................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Part Ii: Feasibility Study
    PART II: FEASIBILITY STUDY CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION Volume II Main Report, Part II Feasibility Study CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to the Project A long-term sewerage development program (up to the year 2022) was developed as a Master Plan (M/P) for the improvement of Greater Tirana’s sewerage system. The M/P identifies a priority project for immediate implementation. The aim of the priority project is to improve the water quality of Lana River running through the urban center of Tirana municipality. The priority project will treat sewage to a secondary level with trickling filter process at the proposed Kashar STP. The second stage project will further improve the rivers’ water quality through the expansion of the service area in Tirana municipality, communes of Kashar and Paskuqan. 1.2 Scope of Feasibility Study The purpose of the Feasibility Study (F/S) is to verify that the proposed priority project (First Stage Project) is technically, economically, financially, and environmentally feasible for immediate implementation. The scope of the F/S report is to prepare the preliminary engineering design for the prioritized sewage collection and treatment system, and to check whether the selected priority project is reasonable and feasible for implementation. F1 - 1 CHAPTER 2 PRIORITY PROJECT Volume II Main Report, Part II Feasibility Study CHAPTER 2 PRIORITY PROJECT 2.1 General This chapter describes the preliminary design of the proposed sewerage facilities in the Priority Project and prepares the necessary O&M plan. This chapter also discusses capacity building and public awareness programs. 2.2 Design Fundamentals The aim is to have the project in operation by the year 2013, in accordance with the phased development plan.
    [Show full text]
  • Mineral Resources in Albania Contents Albania Overview
    2 MINERAL RESOURCES IN ALBANIA CONTENTS ALBANIA OVERVIEW II. MINERAL RESOURCES IN ALBANIA 04 II.1. A General Overview in Mining Industry 04 II.2. Licensing 04 II.3. Concessions 05 II.4. Mining Potential of Albania 06 II.4.1. Chrome 07 II.4. 2. Copper 08 II.4. 3. Iron-Nickel and Nickel-Silicate 08 II.4. 4. Coal 10 II.4. 5. Peats (turfs) 10 II.4. 6. Natural Bitumen and Bituminous Substances 11 II.4. 7. Non-Metalliferous Minerals 11 III. PERSPECTIVE ZONES 13 II. MINERAL RESOURCES 4 IN ALBANIA Albania is distinguished for its mineral resources. Most of them have been discovered and exploited from ancient times up to date. There are also other deposits for which a careful study and evaluation of geological reserves should be conducted. II.1. A General Overview in Mining Industry Albania is a country rich in mineral resources. Mineral exploration, exploitation and processing constitute a key component of the Albanian economy, due to a traditional mining industry, that has been a solid foundation to the country economic sector, generating substantial revenues. Chrome, copper, iron-nickel and coal, are some of the minerals mined and treated in Albania. Mining industry development in Albania has passed through three main stages: The first stage includes the period up to the end of World War II, marked by two important events. In 1922, has been compiled the first Geological Map of Albania, which was even the first of its kind in the Balkans. In 1929 has been approved the first Mining Law of the Albanian Kingdom, which paved the way to the exploration and/or exploitation of mineral resources in Albania; The second stage (1944-1994), marks the period when the mining activity has been organized in state-owned enterprises and the concept of mining privatization did not exist.
    [Show full text]
  • Ijarset 9227
    ISSN: 2350-0328 International Journal of AdvancedResearch in Science, Engineering and Technology Vol. 6, Issue 5, May 2019 Informality in the fresh meat sector in the district of Tirana Raimonda Ajdini P.G. Student, Department of Economy and Agribusiness, Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirane,Albania Assistant Professor, Department of Economy and Agribusiness, Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirane,Albania ABSTRACT: Slaughterhouses are an important element in the management of meat product in Albania, such as the study on the functioning of their form is very necessary, we decided to analyze the steps pose passing meat product in Albania. As meat is a very important component of the Albanians diet, this study is based on data of customers for the product meat. We will treat terms of product quality meat that is, the standards applied in the marketing of this product. To reach these objectives, this study designed a conjoint choice experiment survey and collected primary data in the most populated cities of Albania. The meat industry and its marketers may benefit from this information by using it to strategically market their meat to different groups. This study refers to the informality that occurs mainly in meat products in Albania, especially for the district of Tirana, specifically the Tirana-Kavaja area. The study will encourage meat shops or slaughterhouses not to be part of the informality that we slaughter until the sale to the consumer. The relevance of the research lies in the way the meat product is traded. I. INTRODUCTION Albania has been, is, and will remain for years a country where agriculture will play a very important role.
    [Show full text]
  • Olive-In-Economy-Aesthetics
    Let’s grow up together ADRIATIC OLIVEGROVE Agricultural University of Tirana European Union The project is co-funded by the European Union,Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance(IPA) The Adriatic olive-grove (AOGRPSL) 245 OLIVE IN ECONOMY, AESTHETICS AND PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION October 2014 Let’s grow up together ADRIATIC OLIVEGROVE Agricultural University of Tirana European Union The project is co-funded by the European Union, Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance(IPA) The Adriatic olive-grove (AOGRPSL) 245 OLIVE IN ECONOMY, AESTHETICS AND PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION Publication financed by: IPA Cross Border Cooperation Programme 2007 - 2013 The project: The Adriatic Olive-Grove (AOGRPSL) 245 Prepared by: Bari Hodaj, Etleva Muça, Belul Gixhari Anila Kopali, Aljula Gjeloshi, Nertila Arapaj Scientific Editing: Valdete Vorpsi Natasha Hodaj Layout and printing: Print West www.westprint-al.com Eduard Vathi The present study was supported by IPA Adriatic Programme. Project: Adriatic olive-grove (AOGRPSL) 245 Responsible Partner: Agriculture University of Tirana Approved in the Departament of Economocs and Rural Development Policies Tirana, October 2014 Foreword The Agricultural University of Tirana is an important academic and scientific center which contributes to the solution of important socio- economic problems in the Albanian society. The Agricultural University of Tirana in collaboration with national and international academic and scientific institutions has realized numerous studies, one of the studies performed is “The role of olive oil in the Albanian alimentary consumption model”. The study is focused on consumption preferences to have a standartized olive oil as much as on the promotion and enhancement of typical variety of olives. The object of the study is a contemporary discussion which affects the interests of a wide range of the general public.
    [Show full text]
  • ALBANIAN MIGRATION and DEVELOPMENT: STATE of the ART REVIEW Julie Vullnetari
    IMISCOE Working Paper ALBANIAN MIGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT: STATE OF THE ART REVIEW Julie Vullnetari Working Paper No. 18 September 2007 3 IMISCOE Working Paper Table of Contents Preface 4 Introduction 6 1. Albania – some background notes 6 2. Early Albanian migration until 1945 8 2.1 Forced migrations and displacements 9 2.2 Labour emigration 10 2.3 Destination countries and figures 14 2.4 Impact on communities of origin 18 2.5 Internal movements 20 3. Migration during 1945-1990 23 3.1 Internal movements 23 3.2 Emigration as an act of treason 28 4. Post-communist emigration: ‘Hello Europe! I hope to find 30 you well’ 4.1 Chronology of Albanian migration 31 1990: the ‘embassy migrants’ and others 31 1991: the boat exodus to Italy and the parallel mass migration to Greece 32 1993-96: migration stabilises as the economy grows 33 1997: mass emigration following the ‘pyramid crisis’ 33 1999: emigration following the Kosovo crisis 34 2000-07: relative stability and consolidation of emigrant communities abroad 34 4.2 Figures 35 Albanian sources 35 Greece 37 Italy 37 UK 38 USA 39 4.3 Characterisation of Albanian emigration 39 4.4 Continuing evolution and diversification 43 4.5 Migration of minority groups in Albania 44 4.6 How does Albanian migration fit into migration theories? 47 Push and pull factors derived from ‘neoclassical migration’ theory 47 Social networks, family and the ‘new economics of migration’ 47 Transnationalism and fluid identities 48 4.7 Reception and integration in the host societies 48 Integration in Greece 49 Integration in Italy 53 Integration in the UK 56 Integration in the USA 57 Albanian migration and development: state of the art review 4 5 Trends and patterns of internal migration 50 5.1 Figures 60 5.2 Typologies of internal movement 62 Inter-regional 62 Intra-regional 64 Inter-prefecture 65 Inter-district 65 Rural-urban 65 Urban-urban 67 Rural-rural 67 5.3 Characteristics of internal migrants 68 6.
    [Show full text]
  • Report of a Home Office Fact-Finding Mission Albania, Published
    Report of a Home Office Fact-Finding Mission Albania Conducted 31 October to 7 November 2017 Published February 2018 This project is part funded by the EU Asylum, Migration Contentand Integrations Fund. Making management of migration flows more efficient across the European Union. Contents Introduction .......................................................................................................... 6 Background .......................................................................................................... 6 Purpose of the mission ....................................................................................... 6 Methodology ............................................................................................................. 7 Identification of sources ................................................................................... 7 Arranging and conducting interviews ............................................................... 7 Notes of interviews/meetings ........................................................................... 7 Terminology ..................................................................................................... 8 Structure of this report ..................................................................................... 8 List of abbreviations ............................................................................................ 9 Executive summary ................................................................................................ 10 Summary
    [Show full text]
  • State Report Albania
    ACFC/SR(2001)005 ______ REPORT SUBMITTED BY ALBANIA PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 25, PARAGRAPH 1 OF THE FRAMEWORK CONVENTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF NATIONAL MINORITIES ______ (Received on 26 July 2001) _____ Report on National Minorities in Albania – 2001 ACFC/SR(2001)005 FIRST REPORT submitted by the REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA under Article 25, paragraph 1, of the Council of Europe's FRAMEWORK CONVENTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF NATIONAL MINORITIES 2001 * * * Table of contents Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 4 Part I.................................................................................................................................... 5 General Information on Albania ......................................................................................... 5 Geographical position ......................................................................................................... 5 Brief historical view............................................................................................................ 5 Population............................................................................................................................ 5 State organization................................................................................................................ 6 Economic situation..............................................................................................................7 General information on national minorities
    [Show full text]
  • Project Completion Report
    PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT ALBANIAN JUSTICE SECTOR STRENGTHENING PROJECT (JuST) August 30, 2015 This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development. It was prepared by Chemonics International Inc. The author’s views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT ALBANIAN JUSTICE SECTOR STRENGTHENING PROJECT (JuST) Contract No. 182-C-00-00105-00 Contracting and Agreement Officer: Tracy Sando Contracting Officer Representative: Elina Koçi Chief of Party: John Carver CONTENTS Acronyms ....................................................................................................................... i Executive Summary .......................................................................................................1 Component 1: Increased Court Transparency, Fairness, and Efficiency ......................7 More Accurate Trial Records Through Digital Audio Recording ...............................9 Improved Court Management Leading to More Transparent and Efficient Court Operations, Including Court Hearings that are More Open to the Public .................. 24 Mediation as an Alternative for Dispute Resolution .................................................. 28 Implementation Challenges Faced and Lessons Learned ........................................... 30 Component 2: Strengthened Civic Engagement to Help Stem Government and Justice Sector Corruption
    [Show full text]
  • Natural Resources! 2 Invest in Albanian Natural Resources!
    AGJENCIA KOMBETARE E BURIMEVE NATYRORE NATIONAL AGENCY OF NATURAL RESOURCES Invest In Albanian Natural Resources! 2 Invest In Albanian Natural Resources! Table of Contents Albania overview .....................................................3 Mineral Resources In Albania ..............................3 A General Overview in Mining Industry ................3 Legislation.............................................................4 Licensing ...............................................................4 Concessions ............................................................6 Albanian Mining Potential .......................................6 Raw mining production ...........................................8 Chromium ore .........................................................9 Copper ....................................................................13 Iron-Nickel & Nickel-Silicat ...................................14 Coal and other energy minerals .............................16 Other materials (non metallic) ...............................17 3 Albania Overview MINERAL RESOURCES IN ALBANIA Albania is located in southeastern Europe, in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula. In the north-west it is bordered by Montenegro (172 km) north-east of Kosovo (115 km) east of Macedonia (151 km) to the south and south-east from Greece (282 km). Washed by the Adriatic and Ionian Sea. The total area is 28,748 square kilometers and it’s capital is Tirana. Albania is connected to the roads with all the border countries and with the UTEC international
    [Show full text]
  • Albania, Country Information
    Albania, Country Information ALBANIA ASSESSMENT April 2003 Country Information and Policy Unit I. SCOPE OF THE DOCUMENT II. GEOGRAPHY III. ECONOMY IV. HISTORY V. STATE STRUCTURES VIA. HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES VIB. HUMAN RIGHTS - SPECIFIC GROUPS VIC. HUMAN RIGHTS - OTHER ISSUES ANNEX A: CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS ANNEX B: POLITICAL ORGANISATIONS ANNEX C: PROMINENT PEOPLE REFERENCES TO SOURCE MATERIAL 1. SCOPE OF DOCUMENT 1.1 This assessment has been produced by the Country Information and Policy Unit, Immigration and Nationality Directorate, Home Office, from information obtained from a wide variety of recognised sources. The document does not contain any Home Office opinion or policy. 1.2 The assessment has been prepared for background purposes for those involved in the asylum / human rights determination process. The information it contains is not exhaustive. It concentrates on the issues most commonly raised in asylum / human rights claims made in the United Kingdom. 1.3 The assessment is sourced throughout. It is intended to be used by caseworkers as a signpost to the source material, which has been made available to them. The vast majority of the source material is readily available in the public domain. These sources have been checked for currency, and as far as can be ascertained, remained relevant and up to date at the time the document was issued. 1.4 It is intended to revise the assessment on a six-monthly basis while the country remains within the top 35 asylum-seeker producing countries in the United Kingdom. 2. GEOGRAPHY 2.1 The Republic of Albania (formerly the People's Socialist Republic of Albania) is situated in south-eastern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula.
    [Show full text]