Tirana, 25 November 2019 – The Human Rights House in Albania (HRH), expresses its concern over the two draft media laws proposed by the Government, which have raised serious concerns both nationally and internationally.
On November 26, the Law Commission of the Parliament called the civil society organizations, including the Human Rights House (HRH) for a debate on the drafts “On Audiovisual Media in the Republic of Albania” and “On Electronic Communications in the Republic of Albania”.
Although fake news is harmful to the public and our society, in the view of the HRH, the legal package proposed by the Government still has many ambiguities and shortcomings essential, such as follows:
The package requires to “discipline” the media is in violation of the Constitution of the Republic of Albania (Chapter 2 of the Constitution – Articles 22 and 23 on freedom of expression and information) and in contravention of the International Conventions signed by Albania.
Both draft laws were prepared using the wrong legislative technique, by patching two draft laws that not only do not guarantee freedom of speech and expression, but they also lack an independent and functional mechanisms for the regulation of the freedom of expression.
Albania needs to have a complete law that would protect on one hand the rights of citizens and the harm that could come to them from fake news and media organisations, but on the other hand it must ensure that the media itself is not an instrument of government, but rather a tool that empowers independent citizens to hold the Government and its officials accountable.
Based on all these facts, Human Rights House in Albania and our member organisations urge the Government and the Parliament of Albania to withdraw immediately from the adoption both draft laws.
Meanwhile HRH also calls for all journalists’ associations, media experts and human rights organizations in the country to work together to discuss and draft a comprehensive and functioning law that will not only protect media freedom but also citizen rights.
The Human Rights House of Albania (HRH), is composed of CRCA / ECPAT Albania, Albanian Coalition for Education (ACE), Albanian National Youth Network (ANYN), ALO 116 National Child Helpline , Child & Youth Policy Hub, Child and Youth Legal Advocacy Office in Albania, PINK Embassy in Albania, Information and Research Centre Child Rights of Albania (IRCCRA) and Coalition for Promoting Participation Women in Politics.