TERRITORIAL ANALYSIS TIRANA, ALBANIA
Association of Albanian Municipalities
2 Tirana, Albania – Territorial Analysis – URGENT project
BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT
This territorial analysis is part of the URGENT Project co-financed by the Europe for Citizens Programme of the European Union. URGENT is a two-year project led by ALDA – the European Association for Local Democracy (France), and involving 12 other European partners. The aim of this territorial analysis is to introduce the context and characteristics of the target area chosen by each project partner to implement its pilot projects in the framework of the local path of the project. Reuniting three local authorities, four associations of local authorities, four civil society organisations, an academic institution and a foundation, the main objective of the URGENT project is to improve social cohesion in local communities by promoting migrants’ integration through the development or urban policies fostering intercultural dialogue and the use of common spaces. Implemented from September 2016 to August 2018, the URGENT project focuses on “local paths” implemented in one city per each partner country (except in Italy, where activities take place in two cities). During these local paths the cities get familiar with migration issues at local level in order to then elaborate pilot project ideas for intercultural dialogue in deprived and conflicting areas and finally implement these pilot projects on the ground. In between the three phases of the local paths, international events are organised in different countries for partner cities to compare their situation, share problems and potential solutions. There are four main objectives in the URGENT project: Objective 1: To create spaces of discussion and mutual learning among citizens from different socio- cultural backgrounds and from different countries of Europe. Objective 2: To foster active citizenship and co-creation of policies and services n local societies, particularly for citizens who are often excluded from the decision-making processes. Objective 3: To enhance the capacity of local institutions to be “multipliers” in their own communities in order to engage a wide range of stakeholders. Objective 4: To provide a new impetus to the EU enlargement process, contributing to the establishment of a long-lasting thematic network of cities that are strongly active and committed as key players in Europe.
Leading partner: ALDA – the European Association for Local Democracy – France Project partners: SSIIM Unesco Chair, Iuav University of Venice - Italy Local Democracy Agency Mostar – Bosnia and Herzegovina Association of Albanian Municipalities – Albania SPES – Associazione Promozione e Solidarietà – Italy SOS Malta – Solidarity Overseas Service – Malta Fundación Privada Indera – Spain Municipality of Kumanovo – Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation Amphictyony – Greece Kallipolis – Italy Rede DLBC Lisboa – Portugal City of Strasbourg – France Municipality of Novo Mesto - Slovenia
Tirana, Albania – Territorial Analysis – URGENT project 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Background of the project ...... 3 Introduction ...... 5 Position ...... 6 Context ...... 7 Description of the target area: Tirana ...... 9 Migrant population in Albania ...... 12 Refugees & Asylum Seekers population in Albania ...... 16 Natives in Albania ...... 19 Interactions and mutual perception in Albania ...... 22 Social and Health services ...... 24 Cultural, education and religious services ...... 27 Commercial services ...... 29 Housing ...... 30 Accessibility to/from the target area ...... 31 References ...... 32
4 Tirana, Albania – Territorial Analysis – URGENT project
INTRODUCTION
After World War II, Albania, under President Enver Hoxha, allied itself with the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics (USSR) (until 1960) and with China (until 1978), and remained isolated until its transition to parliamentary democracy after 1990. General elections in 1992 ended 47 years of communist rule. The transition has been called ‘challenging’ as the government was confronted with ‘high unemployment, widespread corruption, dilapidated infrastructure, powerful organized crime networks, and combative political opponents’. According to the Bertelsmann Stiftung’s Transition Index 2016 (BTI), mismanagement and autocratic rule had disastrous consequences in 1997 when massive pyramid schemes, boosted by money laundering and contraband, collapsed and ‘swallowed up the meagre savings of two-thirds of Albanese families and around one-third of GDP’. State institutions were violently attacked and state structures almost collapsed. After this, Albania, regarded as a ‘weak state’ requiring international monitoring and supervision, was substantially assisted by international organisations to strengthen weak state institutions and stabilise its political infrastructure. The 1998 Constitution was a result of such large-scale international interventions and assistance. In the subsequent years, especially after the 2005 elections, a range of political and governance reforms were initiated. After four rejected applications between 2009 and 2013, Albania was accepted as a candidate for EU member in June 2014. The European Commission (EC) in its Communication on EU Enlargement Strategy 2016 (further referred to as EC Communication 2016), assessed Albania’s progress towards ‘fulfilling all of the five key priorities for the opening of accession negotiations, and subject to credible and tangible progress in the implementation of the justice reform, in particular the re-evaluation of judges and prosecutors (vetting)’, and recommends ‘opening accession negotiations with Albania’. The present document gives a socio-economic profile of migrants and refugees/asylum seekers in Albania based mainly on qualitative but also quantitative research techniques as well as a literature review. The main objective of this study is to describe the characteristics of the vulnerable group, to assist the Albanian Government in the needs identifi cation and to provide some policy recommendations on returning migrants, refugees/asylum seeker reintegration in Albania
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POSITION
6 Tirana, Albania – Territorial Analysis – URGENT project
CONTEXT
Total population of Albania Population in Albania 3 500 000,00 2 870 324,00 3 000 000,00 2 500 000,00 2 000 000,00 1 438 609,00 1 431 715,00 1 500 000,00 1 000 000,00 500 000,00 - Men Women Total
Percentage of migrants on the total population and top 10 nationalities
Total number of migrants
Year 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Men 4,329 4,748 5,331 5,843 6,686 8,324
Woman 2,286 2,605 2,999 3,248 3,877 4,195
Total 6,615 7,353 8,330 9,091 10,563 12,519 Total
14 000 12 519
12 000 10 563
10 000 9 091 8 330 7 353 8 000 6 615
6 000
4 000
2 000
- 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Tirana, Albania – Territorial Analysis – URGENT project 7
The number of foreigners with residence permits in Albania in 2016 resulted in 12,519, marking an increase of 18.5% compared to 2015. During 2016, the number of foreign residents constitutes out of 8,324 males and 4,195 females. The 30-59 age group occupies 62.4% of total foreigners in 2016, marking an increase of 25.8% compared to the same age group in 2015. In 2016, foreigners originating from Europe are 8,324 and account for 66.5% of the total foreign population. Foreigners for employment reasons, in 2016, are 6,263, and account for 50% of the total number of foreigners in the country. Irregular foreigners, identified in 2016, resulted in 915 people, dropping by 55.3% compared with 2015. Foreigners in Albania The number of foreigners with residence permits in Albania in 2016 accounts for about 0.4% of the resident population. During 2016, the number of foreign residents is 8,324 males and 4,195 females. The men are busy about 66% of the number of foreigners with a residence permit in Albania. Foreigners in Albania by continents Foreigners by country of origin in 2016, are headed by European countries, which account for 66.5% of the total aliens. Foreigners originating from Europe are 8,324, marking an increase of 10.1% compared to 2015. Foreigners originating from Asia are 3,244, marking an increase of 89.6% compared to 2015. Foreigners originating from Africa, America and Oceania are 951, suffering one dropping by 26.2% compared to 2015. Foreigners in Albania by reason By 2016, according to the reasons, foreigners applying for a residence permit for employment occupy 50.0% of foreigners total, followed by applications for family reunification with 22.2%, applications for humanitarian purposes me 19.1%, applications for studies by 5.2%, and applications for other reasons by 3.4%. Irregular foreigners Foreigners who are caught in the territory of Albania without the necessary documentation or during the passage the landline border, resulted in a total of 915 people in 2016, dropping to 55.3% compared to 2015. Most inadequate foreigners, over 70% of them, have been identified in the border areas, while the rest on the territory. Number of refugees & asylum seekers, and main nationalities Asylum seekers in Albania Asylum seekers in Albania, referring to the Asylum Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, resulting in 240 people in 2016, a figure which has increased by 126% compared to 2015. Analyzing the country of origin of asylum seekers, in Albania we understand that most of the cases are e comprise those from Syria, about 130 asylum seekers and those originating from Afghanistan, about 60 asylum seeker for 2016. In 2016, there is an increase in the number of asylum seekers from Afghanistan and Iraq. Asylum seekers by sex The number of male asylum seekers in 2016 is 186, marking an increase of 126.8% compared to 2015. The number of female asylum seekers in 2016 is 54, marking an increase of 125.0%, compared to with 2015. It is noticed a dominance of men in the number of asylum seekers in Albania during 2014 - 2016, where men account for 77.5% of the total number of asylum seekers in 2016. Taking and leaving Albanian citizenship In 2016, there are 281 persons who have acquired Albanian citizenship, increasing by 9.3% compared with 2015.
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The main transformation in the last decade related to populations that populated the city The last decade of Albanian migration is characterized by a relative increase in intensity and diversification of international migration fluxes, which additionally gained new features. Likewise, in 2015 about 66.000 Albanian citizens requested asylum in EU countries (mainly in Germany). Other data reveals that about 199.000 Albanian citizens applied for the American lottery (an increasing trend from 2011) and according to a study conducted by Friedrich Ebert Foundation, 60 % of young people wanted to migrate from Albania. This reveals high migratory potential of Albanian population. The revival of Albanian migration, which is predictable and driven by economic indicators, reveals that the migration fluctuations will continue to be high during this decade. Economic factors are without a doubt the key push factor of Albanian migration during this decade. Studies reveal that high unemployment and underemployment rates, low wages, poverty and low living standards are the main motives of migration for ¾ of Albanian migrants. Alongside these factors there are other factors such as personal freedom, education, professional career, insecurity, violence etc.
DESCRIPTION OF THE TARGET AREA: TIRANA
Dimension (square meters) Municipality 1,110.03 km2 (428.58 sq mi) Administrative Unit 41.8 km2 (16.1 sq mi) Total population Population of Tirana City 1 000 000,00
800 000,00 883 996,00 600 000,00 400 000,00 436 917,00 447 079,00 200 000,00 - Men Women Total
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Percentage of migrants on the total population Migrants represent 73.4% of the total population of Tirana in 2016.
Number of refugees & asylum seekers There are 240 refugees and asylum seekers living in Tirana in 2016.
Total number of migrants Year 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Men 4,329 4,748 5,331 5,843 6,686 8,324 Woman 2,286 2,605 2,999 3,248 3,877 4,195 Total 6,615 7,353 8,330 9,091 10,563 12,519
Total
14 000 12 519
12 000 10 563
10 000 9 091 8 330 7 353 8 000 6 615
6 000
4 000
2 000
- 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
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Most relevant national groups of both migrants, and refugees and asylum seekers Migration: 2014 2015 2016
Europa 6,668 7,562 8,324
Asia 1,240 1,711 3,244
Afrika 932 991 225
Amerika 238 271 703
Oceania 13 28 23
Total 9,091 10,563 12,519
Migration 9 000 8 000 8 324 7 000 7 562 6 000 6 668 5 000 4 000 3 000 3 244 2 000 1 000 1 711 1 240 932991 225 238271 703 13 28 23 - Europa Azia Afrika Amerika Oqeania
2014 2015 2016
INSTAT has published the number of foreigner’s requests to stay in Albania. What is noticeable is the growing number of foreigners with a residence permit in Albania. In 2016, it showed 12,519, marking an increase of 18.5% compared to 2015. During 2016, the number of foreign residents is 8,324 men and 4,195 females. The 30-59 age group occupies 62.4% of total foreigners in 2016, recording a 25.8% increase compared to the same age group in 2015. Foreigners by country of origin in 2016 are headed by European countries, which account for 66.5% of total foreigners. Foreigners from Europe are 8,324, marking an increase of 10.1% compared to 2015. Aliens from Asia-Pacific 3,244, marking an increase of 89.6% compared to 2015. Foreigners originating from Africa, America and Oceania are 951, dropping by 26.2%, compared to 2015.
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In 2017, 240 foreigners have sought political asylum in Albania from 840 illegal immigrants mainly from the border with Greece, most of whom have used Albanian territory as an opportunity to pass irregularly towards EU countries. in this organization, Albania can become a favorite country for foreign asylum seekers from African or Middle East countries. Unlike other refugee groups that partially seek return to Greece on the basis of the practice of handing over volunteers, Afghans have sought residence in Albania. Albanian border sources have filed a request with very difficult conditions that refugees face in some areas of Greece that have been affected by cold and rainy weather. According to Albanian police data in 2016, the number of asylum seekers in Albania increased to about 200 out of 134 people in 2014 and 106 in 2015. According to police estimates, refugees mainly from Syria and Afghanistan use these tactics in Albania, as if they do not formally seek asylum, they return immediately to Greece, the country from which they entered the Albanian territory.
MIGRANT POPULATION IN ALBANIA
Gender ratio Foreigners in Albania
Year 2014 2015 2016
Men 5,843.00 6,686.00 8,324.00
Women 3,248.00 3,877.00 4,195.00
Total 9,091.00 10,563.00 12,519.00
GENDER RATIO
Women Men
4 195,00 2016 8 324,00
3 877,00 2015 6 686,00
3 248,00 2014 5 843,00
- 1 000,00 2 000,00 3 000,00 4 000,00 5 000,00 6 000,00 7 000,00 8 000,00 9 000,00
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Ageing index (The ageing index is calculated as the number of persons 60 years old or over per hundred persons under age 15) Ageing Index 2014 2015 2016 Under age 19 years old 960 1126 1166 20-29 1933 2130 2100 30-39 2181 2435 2720 40-49 1817 2057 2384 50-59 1342 1720 2711 Over 60 years old 858 1095 1438 Total 9091 10563 12519
Ageing Index 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 Under age 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 Over 60 19 years old years old
2014 2015 2016
Legal status The institutions responsible for addressing different aspects of migration in the Albanian migration policy is stated in the Constitution, as a framework guaranteeing rights and freedoms of aliens, regulated by the legislation in force, subordinate legal acts and respective orders and instructions. The institutions responsible for the handling of various aspects of migration in the Republic of Albania are responsible for implementation of special migration policies, component part of the overall migration policy according to the definitions in the legal and subordinate legal acts which govern migration policy in the Republic of Albania. The change of the migration provisions during the last years in the spirit of the EU legislation aims at building a new platform of migration policies, for more partnership in global migration management. Thus, the Albanian legal framework (Law 108/2013 “On aliens” amended and the normative acts in implementing the law) has gone through several improvements as regards procedures for the travel documents, visas, employment, stay, family reunification etc. ). During 2016, it was adopted Law no.74 dated 14.07.2016 “On some addenda and amendments to the law no. 108/2013 "On aliens", and the Joint Instruction no. 264 dated 11.01.2016 on cooperation of structures of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and State Intelligence Service on the visa issuing procedure for aliens. Migration management is handled in a special section of the National Strategy for Development and Integration 2025 (NSDI). NSDI observes that despite the progress in the effective management of migration in Albania, after the implementation of the first National Strategy on Migration (2005‐ 2010) and the Strategy on Reintegration of Albanian Returnees (2010-2015), several challenges need to be addressed:(i) prevention of irregular migration from the country, abuse with the visa‐free regime in the EU Schengen area; (ii) sustainable return of Albanians through provisions of support for reintegration; (iii) impact of migration
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development must be strengthened, inter alia through promotion of human and financial investment of Albanians who are abroad; (iv) strengthening of structures of migration management and immigration policy and their implementation based on solid facts and in line with international standards including the securing of human rights of all the emigrants. NSDI vision consists in the creation of an effective system of migration governance in Albania, through the attainment of the following strategic objectives: 1. promote safe and regular routes of migration in Albania to prevent irregular migration, so as to streamline 70% of migration from Albania through regular bilateral agreements; 2. increase the impact of emigration development by creating favouring legal and institutional mechanisms; 3. increase sustainability of return migration by supporting reintegration of returned emigrants; 4. implement, at an advanced level, the migration policy, to ensure equal treatment of third‐ country nationals and their integration in Albania, in line with the international standards; 5. consolidate the migration policy, the legal framework, the management and coordination structures, to ensure a better response to migration challenges. The National Strategy for Employment and Skills 2014‐2020 approved by Decision of the Council of Ministers no. 818 dated 26.11.2014 has the overall objective to promote quality jobs and opportunities for skills for all Albanian males and females throughout the life. The National Strategy for Employment and Skills is focused on four strategic priorities: promotion of decent employment opportunities through effective labour market policies, provision of qualitative education and vocational training for the youth and adults, promotion of social inclusion and territorial cohesion and strengthening of governance of labour market and qualification system. The Strategy consists of several measures and activities which aim at management of regular migration for employment of Albanian citizens abroad, return migration, as well as immigration for employment of aliens in the Republic of Albania. In this regard, the National Strategy for Employment and Skills 2014‐2020 and its action plan aim to: a) build information and counselling capacities for regular emigration for employment b) improve infrastructure for provision of services to emigrants c) strengthen private employment agencies ç) increase cooperation with other countries for the management of emigration for employment through bilateral employment agreements d) recognize professional qualification and training acquired abroad, as well as e) approximate on constant basis the legislation on labour immigration with that of the European Union. Migration policies and services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs include inter alia improvement and treatment of aliens in Albania by guaranteeing rights of aliens upon arrival to Albania and cooperation with other institutions dealing with aliens and facilitation of entry conditions of aliens in Albania through removal of seasonal visas and procedural improvement in visa issuing. Main religious groups There is no accurate data regarding immigrants entering Albania, but given that the largest immigrant population is from Europe and mainly from Italy and Greece, the most widespread religion among immigrants must be Christianity and Orthodox and then Muslim (form Turkey)
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Households composition Reasons of Foreigners application in Albania 2016 Employment 6263 Family Reunification 2783 Study 652 Humanitarian 2395 Others 426 Total 12519
As we can see from the table (INSTAT) below the reasons for emigration in Albania are mostly for employment purposes. for this reason, there are no accurate data regarding households for immigrants in Albania Number of unaccompanied minors The Albanian legal framework (Law 108/2013 “On aliens” and sublegal acts implementing the law) has marked a lot of improvements even with regard to the procedures for the treatment of irregular aliens including fight against illegal migration, as well as unaccompanied children, illegal entry, stay, employment, fictitious marriages, carriers’ responsibilities etc. Law on asylum no. 121/2014 which is partially approximated with several Directives of the Council and European Parliament provides for the conditions and procedures for granting and cancelling asylum, supplementary protection and temporary protection in the Republic of Albania, rights and obligations of asylum-seekers, refugees and persons under temporary and supplementary protection, right to family reunification and also definition of conditions for integration of refugees and persons under supplementary protection in the Republic of Albania. There are no data of number for migrants unacoompanied minor.
Tirana, Albania – Territorial Analysis – URGENT project 15
REFUGEES & ASYLUM SEEKERS POPULATION IN ALBANIA
Gender ratio
Gender Ration R&AS 200
150
Gender Ratio R&AS 100
Men 186 50
Women 54 - Total 240 Men Women
The number of male asylum seekers in 2016 is 186, by increasing with 126.8 % compared to 2015. The number of female asylum seekers in 2016 is 54, by increasing with 125.0 % compared to 2015. It is noticed a dominance of men in the number of asylum seekers in Albania between 2014 and 2016, where men account for 77.5 % of the total number of asylum seekers in 2016 Ageing index
Table: UNHCR Population Statistics Reference Database
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F: 0- F: 5- F:5- F: 2- F: 18- F: F: Female: M: M: 5- M: M: M: 18- M: M: Male: Year Location Name 4 11 17 17 59 60+ Unknown Total 0-4 11 5-17 12-17 59 60+ Unknown Total 2014 Tirana Urban : Point 6 3 4 20 2 0 35 9 2 7 32 1 0 51 2014 Tirana Camp : Point 0 0 1 100 50 0 151 0 0 0 250 55 0 305 2014 Shkoder 0 0 2 2 0 0 4 1 0 0 3 0 0 4 2014 Fier 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 2014 Babrru Centre 1 2 3 8 0 0 14 2 4 6 7 0 0 19 Peshkopi : Bashki - 2014 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Municipality Mamurras : Bashki - 2014 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 Municipality Albania : Dispersed in the 2014 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 country/territory 2015 Tirana Urban : Point 6 5 2 361 57 431 6 4 4 342 49 405 Peshkopi : Bashki - 2015 1 1 0 Municipality Mamurras : Bashki - 2015 1 1 2 2 2 Municipality 2015 Fier 0 1 1 2015 Babrru Centre 1 1 35 1 38 2 2 40 6 50 Albania : Dispersed in the 2015 3724 3724 1 3721 3722 country/territory 2016 Tirana Urban : Point 6 * * 1196 195 1403 6 * * 1232 194 1440 2016 Saranda * * 0 Peshkopi : Bashki - 2016 * * 0 Municipality Mamurras : Bashki - 2016 * * * * * Municipality 2016 Babrru Centre * 5 * 5 * 15 * * * 12 * 22 Albania : Dispersed in the 2016 617 616 615 615 0 2463 615 616 615 616 0 2462 country/territory
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Legal status The Republic of Albania, in order to harmonise the legislation with the EU Directive has drafted the law no. 121/2014 "On asylum in the Republic of Albania" which provides for the conditions and procedures for granting and cancelling refugee status, supplementary protection and temporary protection in the Republic of Albania, rights and obligations of asylum‐seekers, refugees and persons under temporary and supplementary protection, right to family reunification and also definition of conditions for integration of refugees and persons under supplementary protection in the Republic of Albania. Moreover, the law provides for the principle of non‐refoulement according to which: 1. The Republic of Albania recognizes and respects the obligation of authorities not to return, extradite or remove from the territory those persons who have been granted or applied for the right to asylum or other forms of protection in these cases: a) in a country where their life or freedom would be threatened on basis of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion; b) in a state where there is reason to believe that an asylum seeker may be at risk to be subjected to torture or to inhuman and degrading punishment or any other treatment provided by the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, interpreted by the European Court or in treaties / international conventions to which Albania is a party; c) in a state where there is reason to believe that an asylum seeker may be subject to enforced disappearance; d) in their country of origin, if foreigners were given a form of protection, in accordance with the provisions of this law; e) in a third country, which may return or send the person to a country specified by the letters "a", "b" and "c", of this article. 2. The alien, whose application for asylum has been refused by the authority responsible for asylum and refugees, is not expelled or sent outside the Republic of Albania before exercising or giving legal opportunity for the exercise of procedural rights and guarantees stipulated by Law, except when the law provides otherwise. 3. There are only two exceptional cases where the asylum seeker can be refused: a) when there are reasonable grounds to consider him as a danger to the national security of the Republic of Albania; b) he has been convicted by a final decision for a crime punishable by a minimum of 7 years of imprisonment, constituting a threat to public order and security of the Republic of Albania. National Commission for Asylum and Refugees This law foresees even the administrative link of appeal against decisions of the directorate that constitutes an extra guarantee to the asylum‐seekers and refugees. The law foresees that the National Commission for Asylum and Refugees is the only authority responsible for decision‐ making in case of appeals against decisions of the authority responsible for asylum and refugees. In 2016, it was approved the DCM no. 206, dated 16.03.2016 “On establishment, composition, organisation and functioning of the National Commission for Asylum and Refugees” and the Commission was completed with staff. Reception standards Law no. 121/2014 “On asylum in the Republic of Albania” is partially approximated with the Council Directive 2003/9/EC dated 27 January 2003 laying down the minimum standards for the reception of asylum‐seekers. In this context, it is being restructured the National Reception Centre for Asylum‐ Seekers to ensure better living conditions about accommodation, hygiene and enhance reception capacities. Main religious groups Muslim Households composition In different camps in Albania. Number of unaccompanied minors The number of foreign children on the move who transit through Albania is yet unidentified, although there is information on some cases. According to the media reports in October 2014, of a total of 76 Syrian clandestine intercepted near the Greek border, there were 9 women and 7 children, whereas in November 2014, the border police in Gjirokastra intercepted, 80 Syrian clandestine near the green border with Greece, close to Radat village, among whom, 2 were women and two were children. Also, in November 2014, Gjirokastra police stopped 50 clandestine of Syrian origin and sources reported that the group, which included 6 women and 2 children, was walking along Drino River at the moment of interception.
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NATIVES IN ALBANIA
Gender ratio (in Tirana) 2018 Population Men Women Total
District of 447 883 Tirana 436 917 079 996 Ageing index Ageing index 2011 (for natives in Albania) Total 163493 0-4 Men 85712 Women 77781 Total 181697 5-9 Men 95590 Women 86107 Total 233376 10-14 Men 120409 Women 112967 Total 268746 15-19 Men 135790 Women 132956 Total 243645 20-24 Men 128132 Women 115513 Total 191906 25-29 Men 98765 Women 93141 Total 163975 30-34 Men 79437 Women 84538 Total 167499 35-39 Men 78883 Women 88616 Total 186451 40-44 Men 88932 Women 97519 Total 192924 45-49 Men 94636 Women 98288 Total 195480 50-54 Men 97780 Women 97700
Tirana, Albania – Territorial Analysis – URGENT project 19
Total 162745 55-59 Men 81455 Women 81290 Total 130616 60-64 Men 65846 Women 64770 Total 103332 65-69 Men 52062 Women 51270 Total 92497 70-74 Men 45369 Women 47128 Total 63818 75-79 Men 31158 Women 32660 Total 35085 80-84 Men 15426 Women 19659 Total 14738 85-89 Men 5267 Women 9471 Total 6267 90-94 Men 2018 Women 4249 Total 1446 95-99 Men 311 Women 1135 Total 402 100 + Men 81 Women 321 Total 2800138 Total Men 1403059 Women 1397079 Main religious groups Religion in Albania Percen Religion t Islam 56.7 Bektashi 2.09 Catholicism 10.02 Eastern Orthodoxy 6.75 Nondenominational 5.5 Atheism 2.5 Other 16.44
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Households composition No. of Municipalities in Albania Census from INSTAT 2011
Total 531,744.00
Over 100,000 inhabitants Men 259,750.00
Women 271,994.00
Total 407,601.00
50,000-99,999 Men 202,092.00
Women 205,509.00
Total 278,733.00
20,000-49,999 Men 140,130.00
Women 138,603.00
Total 354,314.00
10,000-19,999 Men 179,207.00
Women 175,107.00
Total 224,733.00
8,000-9,999 Men 113,494.00
Women 111,239.00
Total 279,739.00
6,000-7,999 Men 142,267.00
Women 137,472.00
Total 311,090.00
4,000-5,999 Men 156,541.00
Women 154,549.00
Total 283,814.00
2,000-3,999 Men 143,807.00
Women 140,007.00
Tirana, Albania – Territorial Analysis – URGENT project 21
Total 104,905.00
1,000-1,999 Men 53,637.00
Women 51,268.00
Total 19,233.00
500-999 Men 9,945.00
Women 9,288.00
Total 4,232.00
Less than 500 inhabitants Men 2,189.00
Women 2,043.00
Total 2,800,138.00
Total Men 1,403,059.00
Women 1,397,079.00
INTERACTIONS AND MUTUAL PERCEPTION IN ALBANIA
Reciprocal representations, narratives, prejudice Recent years have witnessed an increasing flow of immigration to Albania. Foreigners residing in Albania include economic immigrants, students, family members, employees in humanitarian and religious activities, refugees, and asylum seekers. Immigrants have settled mainly in Tirana (67 percent) and other big cities such as Durrës (15 percent), Shkodër (8 percent), and Vlorë (5 percent). Many are employed in construction, trade, and other services. The Law on Foreigners intends: Access to the labor market for EU citizens to employ and treat them as well as Albanian citizens in terms of employment, employment conditions, remuneration, study, vocational training, organization in workers' organizations. Improvements in social protection for the treatment of foreigners not to allow their discrimination in the treatment of employees, particularly in certain categories of employment such as highly skilled workers who are considered as a new category of employment for missing specialties are carried out by foreigners who will be considered as highly qualified; workers who provide contractual services for some missing specialties; These legal facilities have made the continuation of good relations between native and migrants.
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Main conflicts and problems Whether it is physical or psychological, direct or indirect, “violence is present when human beings are being influenced so that their actual somatic and mental realizations are below their potential realizations”. In terms of human rights; asylum seekers coming from war-torn countries or people fleeing direct and open persecution are assigned the status of refugee, but asylum seekers leaving the country to escape other human rights violations are mostly refused protection, which is provided only through the refugee status. The escalating flow of asylum seekers heading to Europe and consequently in Albania during the last three years and how host states are dealing with this issue, have raised an unprecedented debate among scholars, policy makers and other national and international stakeholders. Structural violence is the kind of violence that is built into the system. Structural violence usually has the effect of denying people important rights, such as economic well-being; social, political, and sexual equality; a sense of personal fulfilment and self-worth; and so on. Main bridges and points of contact The Constitution of the Republic of Albania The 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees The European Convention of 1950 on the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms Law 121/2014 on Asylum Law 108/2013 on Foreigners Decision of the Council of Ministers on the Treatment of Refugee Health Instruction of the Minister of Education for Refugee Education UNHCR Ministry of Internal Affairs Border and Migration Police Directorate for Asylum National Reception Center for Asylum Seekers General Directorate of Civil Status National Employment Service State Labor Inspectorate IOM UNICEF OSCE Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Office Ministry of Education and Sports Regional Education Directorate Healthy ministry Compulsory Health Insurance Fund
Tirana, Albania – Territorial Analysis – URGENT project 23
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
Public social services (detail)
24 Tirana, Albania – Territorial Analysis – URGENT project
Health centres
Hospitals
Services delivered Technical groups function rather well in case management especially for children and Roma people. Their meetings are usually managed by the relevant institutions that address and refer the issues to be solved. • Case management for those at risk is a positive model for Elbasan. From year 2012 Elbasani Regional Council is in charge for delivering social services for a category of disabled people (Community Center for Autism Children where 40 children are treated) the center is financed from MoLSAEO. • The Murialdo professional center for youth is established in Fier. The center covers Fieri Region and offers professional training. This region has a good track record of cooperation in problem solving from technical groups. • The Municipality of Gjirokastra in cooperation with Nehemia, has set up a regional center which provides a free meal for Roma children and poor families.
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• The Municipality of Korca has provided facilities for setting up 4 community centres financed and managed by NGO sector. They report a good experience in cooperation between institutions, regional, local, public and private. • With support from UNICEF, the Regional Council of Lezha has formulated its children’s strategy for 2012 – 2015 and has established the Child Protection Unit. • Mobilisation of funds from the Embassy of Netherlands’s programme on strengthening the local governance in the Region of Dibra and a fruitful cooperation with MoLSAEO, UNICEF and SNV is pointed out in Tirana, while the focus in tourism has been the highlight of the region of Korca’s cooperation with international partners. • The establishment of Shkodra’s Regional Employment Board in support of youth employment has identified and defined the priorities and has already approved the successful projects. They consist of seven small businesses with 200 young men and women are the primary beneficiaries supported by this ILO initiative. Work training scholarships to Italy have been approved and 8 returning migrant’s businesses have also been supported. • Regional councils of Fier and Vlora point out to their successful cooperation with UNDP in support of the improving the living conditions of Roma and Egyptian communities. 2 community centres in the communes of Shushica and Novosela are due to be established. Furthermore, the region of Fier underlines the UNICEF supported project on monitoring and reporting children’s rights that is expected to be finalized with the regional strategy and action plan on children for 2013 – 2015 Key actors involved to collaborate with • UNHCR • Ministry of Internal Affairs • Border and Migration Police • Directorate for Asylum • National Reception Center for Asylum Seekers • General Directorate of Civil Status • National Employment Service • State Labor Inspectorate • IOM • UNICEF • OSCE • Ministry of Foreign Affairs • Consular Office • Ministry of Education and Sports • Regional Education Directorate • Health ministry • Compulsory Health Insurance Fund Service delivery and response to local needs Service delivery has not been fully explored and needs to be institutionalised. Services delivered by non- governmental organisations should not be considered as a substitute for government financed services, but as integral partners in longer term service delivery plans. In addition, promotion of volunteerism should also be explored more in the light of the increasing tendency towards community based services
26 Tirana, Albania – Territorial Analysis – URGENT project
CULTURAL, EDUCATION AND RELIGIOUS SERVICES
Parks, squares, public spaces1 The Municipality of Tirana attaches great importance to Recreation, Greenery, Forestry, Lakes, Green Wreaths, Protected Areas, Environment and Outdoor Activities. For this, one of the first decisions of Mayor Erion Veliaj and the Municipal Council was the October 2015 establishment of the Agency for Parks and Recreation, the first of this mission for local government in Albania. Planning, development and management of recreational areas, education on biodiversity and sustainable development as well as empowerment of activities of all ages with advantages to health and quality of life are the challenges of PES.
Agency for Parks and Recreation administers: The Great Artificial Lake of Tirana - is located south of the capital city. It was built around the 50s. The height of the dam is 14.5 m, while the length 400 m linear. The surface of the lake's water mirror is 365 thousand m2. The surface of this park including the lake is 1 million 522 thousand m2. In addition, the lake of Thate, southwestern, connects to the green crown made of coniferous trees, bushes and ornamental trees. The Zoo Park - built in 1971 with a surface area of 5.97 hectares (11 hectares), is located southwest of the capital city.Currently under reconstruction, this park serves as a fun for children and residents of the capital, with 4 basins together 1.3 hectares of water reflection and greenery. Memorial Park of Nursery Cemetery - includes two areas, in Tirana and Peza. Kashari Park - Only 5 km away from the center of Tirana, is located in the scenic Kashar area. The lake within this park is a major landmark. The water surface area of 30 hectares, the total area of the park is 40 hectares. Vaqarri Park - has an area of 97 ha. The waterfront of the lake is 2.5 hectares. This park is considered a reserve lung for the City of Tirana. Farka Park - has an area of 225 ha. The waterfront of the lake is 80 hectares. This park is considered as another important recreational and regenerative area of Tirana. Peza Park - is one of the most scenic spots that this area offers. It is made up of several villages such as: Big Pole, Small Pole, Varosh, Maknor, Dorëz, Pojana, Gjylla, Badhashe.
Other recreational areas: Dajti Recreation Park - is one of the components of Dajti National Park, located 26 km east of Tirana and 50 km from Mother Teresa Airport. This component has an area of 3300 ha. This place is very frequented by tourists. It is also known as the "Natural Balcon of Tirana" which offers recreation and accommodation facilities for tourists. Dajti National Park - is one of our national parks located 26 km east of Tirana and 50 km from "Mother Teresa" airport. It occupies an area of 29000 hectares. In it there are 200 year old beech trees that enrich a great natural monument of our country. This place is very frequented by tourists, climbers, and enthusiasts of climbing and hiking. Rinia Park - is the main city park of Tirana. This park east is bordered by the "Dëshmorët e Kombit" boulevard, west of "Ibrahim Rrugova" street, in the north by "Myslym Shyri" street and south by the Lana River. The "Youth" Park was built in 1950 as part of an urban development program after World War II.
1 http://www.tirana.al/tirana-info/hapesira-te-gjelberta/
Tirana, Albania – Territorial Analysis – URGENT project 27
The Botanical Park in Tirana - opened in 1971. It is located in the hills of Selita e Vogel, in the southwestern part of Tirana, near the Zoo and the Great Artificial Lake Park. Central Park of Tirana - Central Park - is the newest urban park that is being built on the axis of expansion of the main boulevard northward, part of a major foreign-funded investment. With administrative reform, the Municipality of Tirana transfers pastures and pastures to administration. Road greening, city greening and gardens within neighbourhoods are maintained by the General Directorate of City Workers Nr. 1 Transportation hubs2 Cultural centres (library, other cultural spaces, neighbourhood centres)3 Churches and religious spaces Name Location Et'hem Bey Mosque Tirana Kapllan Pasha Tomb Tirana Sheh Dyrri Teqe Tirana Bride's Tomb Mullet St. Mary's Church Surrel Tirana Mosaic Tirana Schools4 Interactions between different populations in the most relevant public spaces The Municipality of Tirana places great importance on Recreation, Greenery, Forestry, Lakes, Green Wreaths, Protected Areas, Environment and Outdoor Activities. For this, one of the first decisions of the Mayor of Tirana and the City Council was established in October 2015 of the Agency for Parks and Recreation, before this mission for local government in Albania. Planning, development and management of recreational areas, education on biodiversity and sustainable development, and empowerment of activities of every age with priority for health and quality of life are the challenges of PRR. Perceived safety of the main public spaces They are secured by Agency for Parks and Recreation. Possible areas to perform some activities related to the project The lake of Tirana, different parks of the city of Tirana.
2 http://www.tirana.al/tirana-sherbime/transporti 3 http://www.tirana.al/tirana-sherbime/kultura/ 4 http://www.tirana.al/tirana-info/cerdhe-kopshte-shkolla/
28 Tirana, Albania – Territorial Analysis – URGENT project
COMMERCIAL SERVICES
Shopping malls
Markets
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HOUSING
Social housing projects5 Reception centres6 Tirana Youth Center The Youth Center of Tirana is a public space under the Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth and the first youth center of this type. It is a comprehensive space for young people, youth organizations, programs from the National Youth Service, etc. The Youth Center has opened its doors on 5 March 2015. Its mission is to develop youth, cultural, artistic, literary, sports activities, organize meetings, trainings, etc. It is located near the center of Tirana, at the beginning of Kavaja Street, between the Raiffeisen Bank and the Chamber of Commerce. Multifunctional Center "TEN" This center was created in the premises of the former Dajti cinema in September 2010. Its creation came as a result of a multi-year work of the Municipality of Tirana. The old structure of the former "Dajti" cinema was radically transformed into a multifunctional youth center, aiming to give them the opportunity to socialize in European conditions and standards. The Central Hall is conceived for 130 people and performs the following functions: -Promotion for films, documentaries, didactic materials, presentations, theater, performances, concerts, classical music, easy and popular instrumental music, official reception, extensive participation, community forums, celebrations, etc. The "Ten" Center is located on "Myslym Shyri" Street at the former Dajti Cinema. Key actors providing help in access to housing The key actors providing help in access to housing are a collaboration between the municipality of Tirana, NGO, different business and the citizen.
Service delivery and response to local needs Services delivered have much more to do, because the needs of the citizen of Tirana are bigger. They need more public spaces and more social help
5 http://azilitirane.com/ 6 http://www.tirana.al/tirana-kulture/qendra-rinore/
30 Tirana, Albania – Territorial Analysis – URGENT project
ACCESSIBILITY TO/FROM THE TARGET AREA
List of public transport serving the area Kombinat-Kinostudio Uzina Dinamo-Sharrë Porcelan Sauk Laprakë Uzina e Traktorëve Institut Tirana e Re Unaza Kristal Zoo Tirana Kamëz Vorë Berzhite Sharrë Kashar Babrrujë Ndroq Linzë Mjull-Bathore Mihal Grameno (planifikuar) Allias-liqen (planifikuar Is the target a peripheral area or a central one? It is both. Connections between the target area and other neighbourhoods Only with public transport of buses.
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REFERENCES
http://www.instat.gov.al/ https://www.albania.iom.int/publication/reports http://popstats.unhcr.org/en/overview https://www.refworld.org https://www.asp.gov.al/index.php/drkm-tirane https://www.albania.iom.int/publication/reports https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SM.POP.REFG http://lajme.parajsa.com/Shqiperia/id_603664/ http://www.kosovaonline.info/?page=1,26,53059 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPf1jkD19dQ https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2016/03/albania-stop-stranded-refugees- 160310090910932.html http://www.mb.gov.al/files/documents_files/Profili_i_Migracionit_2016_(Eng).pdf https://www.albania.iom.int/publications/reports/06.2017/Profili%20returnees_social_ekonomik_ENG. PDF https://www.albania.iom.int/publications/reports/Profili_i_zgjeruar_i_migracionit_ENG_web.pdf http://www.refworld.org/docid/597f056f4.html SOCIAL CARE SERVICES AT THE REGIONAL SCALE: Analysis and recommendations Të huajt dhe azilkërkuesit në Shqipëri THE SITUATION OF SYRIAN REFUGEES IN ALBANIA, Observation from the written and electronic media, April 2016 UNITED NATIONS DEMOGRAPHIC YEARBOOK
32 Tirana, Albania – Territorial Analysis – URGENT project
This territorial analysis is the result of the European Project URGENT, led by a consortium of 13 partner organisations established in 10 countries, with the support of the Europe for Citizens Programme of the European Union, from September 2016 to August 2018. The project aims at improving social cohesion in local communities by promoting migrants’ integration through the development of urban policies fostering intercultural dialogue and the use of common spaces.
For more information, please contact URGENT partners: ALDA – the European Association for Local Democracy – France, Project coordinator SSIIM Unesco Chair, Iuav University of Venice - Italy Local Democracy Agency Mostar – Bosnia and Herzegovina Association of Albanian Municipalities – Albania SPES – Associazione Promozione e Solidarietà – Italy SOS Malta – Solidarity Overseas Service – Malta Fundación Privada Indera – Spain Municipality of Kumanovo – Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation Amphictyony – Greece Kallipolis – Italy Rede DLBC Lisboa – Portugal City of Strasbourg – France Municipality of Novo Mesto - Slovenia
This publication has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the URGENT consortium and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.