The Albanian Legal Guarantees for the Protection of National Minorities

Abstract

This paper assesses the major issues in regard to previous Albanian Constitutions of 1921, 1976 and 1991. Moreover, it states the provisions of the current Constitution (1998 with amendments) for the recognition and protection of human rights. Some of the issues raised are the obstacles that Albanian institutions confront with both nationally and internationally in guaranteeing the protection of national minorities’ rights. Moreover, the purpose of this paper is to shed light on the adoption of the new legislation on minority rights on the basis of its role and duties under the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. The essence of democracy is the protection of fundamental freedoms and human rights, and ensuring that these freedoms and rights are fully protected makes a state substantially democratic.