OPEN LETTER
The new Government of Albania must place increased investment for children and youth at the center of its work
For the attention of: Mr. Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania
Dear Mr. Prime Minister,
The tragic events of recent months, including the loss of life of minors in Tirana, Fier, Gramsh, and most recently in Maliq—all killed by their peers—have deeply shaken public opinion and highlighted that the lack of investment, care, education, and dedicated services for the development, well-being, and safety of our youth contribute to the rise of criminality among children and young people.
The appeal of Martini, and of every adolescent who seeks more protection and the opportunity to live in peace in Albania, continues to knock on the doors of our conscience! Another 14-year-old lost his life yesterday in Maliq, reminding us once again of our duty to be closer to them. This phenomenon, increasingly becoming part of our reality, calls into question the secure future of children and the generations to come.
Repeated calls for greater investment in care and protection services take on more meaning than ever today, compelling us to urgently prioritize measures that give children, adolescents, and youth tangible opportunities to live in safety and to have full access to activities that keep them away from violence and bring them closer to a brighter future.
We believe that the new Government has above all a moral duty—but also a legal obligation—to place the well-being of children and young people at the center of all its interventions. Therefore, the undersigned organizations address this Open Letter to you as a call for the new Government to undertake immediate and long-term measures, as follows:
–Increase the national budget and the budget of each municipality to support the opening of new national and local programs for children and youth—with special focus on rural areas and small communities, where the lack of opportunities is most pronounced. This budget must be verifiable, ensuring dedicated funds that directly implement programs for youth nationwide, both at national and municipal levels.
–Establish Multi-functional Centers for Children and Youth in every municipality/administrative unit where more than 3,000 children and young people reside—as safe spaces for development, offering guaranteed and coordinated youth services, including psycho-social, educational, cultural, and sports support. Municipalities must ensure that these centers are staffed and coordinated with schools, universities, vocational education institutions, and employment programs, guaranteeing full coverage and direct access for communities most in need.
–Strengthening support, professional empowerment, and training for psychologists and social workers in every school—to increase the impact these mental health and social support professionals have in preventing violence among children and young people.
-Implement mandatory programs against bullying and violence (both online and offline), on civic education, interpersonal communication, tolerance, and peaceful conflict resolution in pre-university education, in cooperation with civil society organizations. This would have a stronger impact on shaping children and young people positively. On the other hand, strengthening the work and presence of community police, trained in working with children and youth, would increase the prevention of crimes among adolescents and youth, as well as crime in the community and family.
–Implement programs for parents—to equip them with knowledge and skills to understand the delicate needs of adolescence and provide effective support. The creation and support of Parent Clubs for each class and school would bring parents closer to the challenges faced by children, especially adolescents. Combined with child protection services, psycho-social services in schools, and other school programs, this would create stronger family–school cooperation.
–Ensure active involvement of children and youth in policymaking that affects them, through strengthening Student Governments, Local Youth Councils, the Youth Parliament, and other initiatives that civil society organizations have successfully implemented for years in support of children and youth. This would not only strengthen democracy but also increase the sense of responsibility among children and youth for their role in society.
Dear Prime Minister,
We believe these measures are not only investments for children and youth, but also guarantees for a safer, fairer, and more developed present and future for your government and our country. Any delay in taking action will mean greater and more serious risks for the lives, future, and social stability of Albania. We stand ready to offer our expertise and support for the opening of new national and regional programs for children and young people.
Respectfully,
List of organizations joining this Open Letter:
National Child Helpline in Albania – ALO 116111
Child Rights Center Albania – CRCA/ECPAT Albania
Save the Children in Albania
National Platform for Safer Internet – iSIGURT.al
Community Development Center “Today for the Future”
National Association Education for Life – SHKEJ
National Youth Network of Albania – ANYN
ESN Tirana – Erasmus Network in Albania
Vision NGO
AUTIZMIFLET Organization – “National Club of Parents of Children with ASD & Disabilities”
“Equality in Decision-Making” Network
Center for Gender Justice in Albania
Institute of Roma Culture in Albania – IRCA
Association for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities – MEDPAK
Barnahus Albania
PINK Embassy
“Edlira Haxhiymeri” Shelter Center
European Movement in Albania (EMA)
Science and Innovation for Development Center (SCiDEV)
Albanian Red Cross
Association for Democratic Culture (SHKD)
Youth Parliament, Tirana
Order of Psychologists of Albania
Down Syndrome Albania