Civil Society Index for Albania
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
World Alliance for Citizen Participation Albania CIVIL SOCIETY INDEX FOR ALBANIA IN SEARCH OF CITIZENS & IMPACT The CIVICUS Civil Society Index Analytical Country Report for Albania is prepared by the research team of the Institute for Democracy and Mediation, with the advice and mentorship of the CIVICUS researchers and program advisors. The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of UNDP. CSI COORDINATOR & LEAD AUTHOR GJERGJI VURMO IDM TEAM OF RESEARCHERS Elona Dhembo Blerta Picari Edlira Peco Egest Gjokuta Rovena Sorra Llukan Tako Nevila Sokoli IDM SENIOR ADVISORS Sotiraq Hroni Artan Karini CIVICUS TEAM OF RESEARCHERS & PROGRAM ADVISORS Amy Bartlett Bilal Zeb Jacob M. Mati Jennifer Williams Mark Nowottny Megan MacGarry Tracy Anderson UNDP ALBANIA Entela Lako, Programme Analyst DESIGN ZAZANI Design & Publicity (SOTIRI Group) IDM, Tirana 2010 ____________________ The publication of the CIVICUS Civil Society Index Analytical Country Report for Albania is made possible with UNDP assistance financed through the UN Coherence Fund in the framework of the One UN Programme for Albania. CIVICUS Civil Society Index Analytical Country Report for Albania FOREWORD ollowing two decades of transition to democ- I would also like to recognize the continuous Fracy, I am pleased that we can share with all in- and highly qualified support provided by CIVICUS terested parties the first comprehensive assessment (World Alliance for Citizen Participation – Johan- of the state of Civil Society in Albania supported nesburg, South Africa) to IDM, which was based by UNDP. This report will no doubt contribute and on global standards and methodology while at the serve public and private institutions in the country, same time ensuring adequate reference to the local international development partners that continue to context and environment. support Albania to further its democratic achieve- Through this in-depth assessment, readers ments, reforms, social inclusion, and economic vi- will have access to a shared body of knowledge on ability. While the main focus here is the level of the state of civil society in Albania which will serve development of civil society, the findings on their as a sound baseline to develop dialogue among a own indicate a certain level of maturity that comes broad range of stakeholders. It is also expected to as result of local initiatives, the social and political generate ideas for evidence-based actions aimed at context in which civil society operates, but also the strengthening capacities of civil society increasing- international support to this important and indis- ly focused on influencing processes and delivering pensable component of democratic institutions in tangible results to society at large. With the inten- the country. The Civil Society Index is also a focal tion of launching an ongoing process of reflection reference document for challenges ahead for the de- and actions by all relevant actors, this report reveals velopment and consolidation of the sector. the highlights of this assessment. It starts with a UNDP’s involvement and support for this un- historical background of the civil society in Alba- dertaking was developed with a view to aligning na- nia, followed by the central section of the analysis tional perceptions and understanding of civil soci- with findings and conclusions for each of the five ety with standards and experiences of democracies dimensions of civil society – civic engagement, lev- worldwide. The timing also coincides with the role el of organisation, values, impact and environment. of civil society becoming stronger in consolidating The study concludes with general conclusions and democracy, rule of law and sustainable develop- recommendations based on a critical-constructive ment. This joint endeavour’s principal target is the analysis. strengthening of civil society in Albania, based on The Civil Society Index is currently under the in-depth analysis and assessment of its role, the val- second wave of implementation in more than forty ues it stands for and its interactions with citizens. It countries worldwide. The responsibility and chal- also looks at the internal governance and organisa- lenge to act on the recommendations and to create tion, influence on policies and the mutually reinforc- momentum for strengthened civil society initiatives ing impact that civil society has on the socio-eco- and engagement rests with a wider range of societal nomic and political context where it operates and actors. Accordingly, this study represents an invi- vice-versa. tation and a call for involvement that is addressed I take the opportunity to express the apprecia- to all Albanian stakeholders to make optimal use of tion of my colleagues at UNDP for the professional this knowledge as a means of paving the way for work carried out by the Institute for Democracy and civil society to play its crucial role in the develop- Mediation (IDM) as the national coordinator and ment of all aspects of life in Albania and beyond. implementing organisation of this undertaking as well as to all member organisations of the National Gulden Turkoz-Cosslett Advisory Committee that helped with their inputs UNDP Resident Representative and advice throughout the year. UN Resident Coordinator i CIVICUS Civil Society Index Analytical Country Report for Albania ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS n the course of implementation of the CIVICUS Egest Gjokuta, Elona Dhembo, Llukan Tako, Man- ICivil Society Index (CSI) for Albania, the Insti- jola Doko, Mariola Qesaraku, Marsida Bandilli, tute for Democracy and Mediation has cooperated Nevila Sokoli and Rovena Sorra – and beyond any with a wide range of institutions present in the doubt, to the team-leader of the CSI implementa- country. These reach civil society associations, cen- tion in Albania and main author of the analytical tral government, legislative body, independent in- country report – IDM Program Director Gjergji stitutions, local and regional public bodies, national Vurmo, who has guided the entire assessment pro- and international organisations, the private sector, cess since its inception. Last but not least, we are media reporters and observers, and the academic particularly grateful for the support and continuous community. advice of IDM Executive Sotiraq Hroni and IDM Advisory Board and associates. IDM would like to express its high esteem and grat- itude to all members of the CSI project’s Advisory IDM is particularly grateful to CIVICUS: World Committee (AC) – Aleksander Cipa (Association of Alliance for Citizen Participation (Johannesburg, Albanian Journalists), Alken Myftiu (Regional En- South Africa) for this research partnership oppor- vironment Centre), Alketa Leskaj (Women’s Centre tunity and in particular its excellent team of re- “Hapat e Lehte”), Andi Kananaj (MJAFT! Move- searchers and programme advisors – Amy Bartlett, ment), Antuen Skenderi (MJAFT! Movement), Bilal Zeb, Jacob M. Mati, Jennifer Williams, Mark Arbjan Mazniku (Agenda Institute), Ariola Shehaj Nowottny, Megan MacGarry and Tracy Anderson. (Union of Chambers of Commerce & Industry of Their advice, guidance and partnership have been Albania), Arjan Cala (Tjeter Vizion), Auron Pashaj crucial in effectively executing this complex process. (Institute for Development Research & Alterna- The CIVICUS guidance greatly contributed to de- tives), Blerina Metaj (Children’s Rights Centre of velopment of internal capacities of IDM as well as Albania), Brikena Puka (Vatra Centre), Brunilda those of the wider Albanian third sector. Bakshevani (Open Society Foundation Albania), Elsa Ballauri (Albanian Human Rights Group), Enri Hide Last but not least, the CSI implementation in Alba- (European University of Tirana), Eranda Ndregjoni nia could not have been possible without the finan- (Gender Alliance for Development Centre), Ersida cial support of the UNDP in Albania. This support Sefa (Albanian Helsinki Committee), Genci Terpo took the shape of a partnership striving towards a (Albanian Human Rights Group), Kadri Gega (As- common goal – civil society development through sociation of Municipalities), Leke Sokoli (Institute shared knowledge, evidence-based strategies and of Sociology), Lutfi Dervishi (Transparency Inter- enhanced capacities, all in the pursuit of strengthen- national Albania), Mangalina Cana (NEHEMIA), ing the third sector’s position and influence. Special Mirjam Reci (Civil Society Development Centre, thanks go to Entela Lako and the rest of the UNDP Durres), Nevila Jahaj (Youth Parliament, Fier), Ori- team, for their efforts and kind assistance to enable ana Arapi (Department of Strategy and Donor Co- a result-driven partnership between the two insti- ordination, Council of Ministers), Rasim Gjoka (Al- tutions, as well as for their continuous involvement banian Foundation for Conflict Resolution), Skender and support to all the major CSI project activities. Veliu (Union of Albanian Roma “Amaro-Drom”), and Zef Preci (Albanian Center for Economic Re- search). Special thanks goes to the sizeable IDM team – Ar- tan Karini, Besnik Baka, Blerta Picari, Edlira Peco, ii CIVICUS Civil Society Index Analytical Country Report for Albania TABLE OF CONTENTS FOREWORD................................................................................................................................... i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS......................................................................................................... ii TABLE OF CONTENTS............................................................................................................