The move came as a result of lack of provisions against domestic violence in the new Family Code of Albania, which entered into force January this year. The main aim of this initiative is to bring legislative change and improvement to domestic violence in Albania, through an open process of public participation and lobbying with the Albanian Parliament.

The initiative is leaded by the Citizen's Advocacy Office, which is known in Albania for its actions against corruption. The other NGO's include the Children's Human Rights Centre of Albania (CRCA), Women's Advocacy Centre, Counseling Centre for Women and Girls, Gender Alliance for Development, Women's Organisation "Refleksione", Women's Shelter, Legal Clinic for Minors, Useful to Albanian Women, Center for Family Planning.

'This is one of the most important days for all of us. - said Altin Hazizaj, Director of CRCA in the launch of the event - For CRCA becoming a member of the Alliance was an easy decision, for the only reason that domestic violence, including the violence against children in the family, destroys the life of children and other members of the family. It is time for Albania to have a progressive law against domestic violence and we are proud to be part of the group who will bring forward this changes.'

Other speakers of the event included the Chairwoman of the Parliamentary Commission for Social Affairs, Ms, Valentina Leskaj, the Director of Citizen's Advocacy Office Mr. Kreshnik Spahiu, and Director of Women's Advocacy Center Ms. Vjollca Meçe. Printed and broadcasted media gave a large coverage of the event, especially national TV channels such as TV Klan, Top Channel and national printed media such as 'Shekulli' etc.

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Altin Hazizaj Director
Children's Human Rights Centre of Albania - CRCA
Tel / Fax: + 355 4 242264
E-mail: crca@adanet.com.al
www.crca.org.al/

Cited in: Newsletter 243, Information and Research Centre for Children's Rights in Albania -IRCCRA, 1 November 2004.