The National Sex Offender Registry Act was passed on Thursday after the Assembly voted unanimously at the end of the plenary session.
The last version of the draft approved today is based almost entirely on the draft law prepared by CRCA/ECPAT Albania experts, presented to the parliament for approval as a private members bill by MP Erisa Xhixho in November of last year.
Minister of Health Ogerta Manastirliu said the law will facilitate communication between institutions and communities, will protect victims, and limit physical and virtual contact. While it will not prevent the phenomenon completely, it will help prevent cases.
In her speech, the Minister of Health and Social Protection announced that during 2021, more than 2,300 children at risk were supported by social protection programs, while more than 70 children were taken into protection.
Speaking about services for victims of sexual violence, Manastirliu said that three emergency reception centers are already operating in Albania.
“Today is a new day for the protection of children and all victims of sexual crimes in Albania”, – said Altin Hazizaj, Executive Director of CRCA/ECPAT Albania – “Our legal initiative and great cooperation with MP’s triumphed against sexual crimes. Today’s winners are the survivors of sexual violence.”
The purpose of the law is to protect every person from sexual crimes, especially children, with the focus being the prevention of sexual crimes. Almost 80 per cent of sexual crimes in Albania are committed against children and adolescents.
National Sex Offenders Register Set for Approval in Albanian Parliament
