Purpose: Country visit to Albania 

 The Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual  orientation and gender identity (IE SOGI), Mr. Graeme Reid, is collecting information in  preparation of his visit to Albania, which is scheduled to take place from 1 to 12 July 2024. 

In accordance with the established practice of UN Special Procedures mandate holders, in  preparation for the visit, the Independent Expert invites submissions from all relevant civil  society organizations, human rights defenders, and other stakeholders with expertise on human rights in Albania and protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual  orientation and gender identity. 

Particularly useful information could include: 

• Detailed information on existing policies, programmes, and the legal framework in  Albania pertaining to protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual  orientation and gender identity.  

• Recent analytical reports or surveys specifically related to protection against violence  and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in Albania.  • Priority issues, concerns, and/or situations that may warrant the attention of the  Independent Expert during his visit, including any recommended potential remedies. • Key issues to examine and related places to visit, as relevant to the IE SOGI mandate.  • Suggestions of civil society actors, Government institutions or officials, individuals  with lived experience, or others to meet with in Albania for information relevant to  the protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and  gender identity. 

Thank you in advance for your recommendations, which will enable the Independent Expert to engage key stakeholders and gather diverse perspectives on issues relevant to the mandate. Relevant reports and information you share will help the Independent Expert to gain a  comprehensive understanding of current protection concerns and identify possible  opportunities for improvement through remedial recommendations. 

Please submit your written inputs by 26 May 2024 to hrc-ie-sogi@un.org (indicating “2024 Visit to Albania” in the subject heading of the email submission). Note: submissions of  inputs will be kept confidential and not posted publicly, and are intended strictly for the  information of the IE SOGI.