UNHCR, Albania

19/08/2026

They served with heart. They gave everything. We remember them.

28/07/2026

Different decades. Different crises. Same need for safety.
For 75 years, the Refugee Convention has helped protect people forced to flee war and persecution, ensuring access to safety, rights, and dignity.
As we mark this milestone, Albania joins the global commitment to uphold the principles of protection, solidarity, and shared responsibility for refugees and asylum-seekers.
Until everyone is safe, we keep the promise.

06/07/2026

📘Advancing Quality in Asylum Decision Drafting
Fair, evidence-based and well-reasoned asylum decisions are essential to ensuring access to international protection for those who need it.
Through the EU-funded project, UNHCR, in cooperation with the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), organized a training on asylum decision drafting for officials involved in asylum procedures. The training brought together representatives of the Directorate for Policies against Organized Crime, Asylum and Migration and members of the National Commission for Asylum to strengthen their skills in drafting quality asylum decisions.
Led by experts from UNHCR and , participants strengthened their knowledge of quality standards for asylum decisions, including assessing material facts, conducting credibility assessments and applying legal reasoning in line with national legislation and international and EU standards.
By investing in the expertise of asylum professionals, this joint effort contributes to stronger, fairer and more efficient asylum procedures in Albania.

24/06/2026

At Rinia Park, messages of support were written, shared and carried forward through a solidarity walk, as Korça joined voices across Albania marking .
Co-organised by UNHCR, Universiteti "Fan S. Noli", Korçë - UNIKO and Kryqi i Kuq Shqiptar, the event brought together university students and faculty, local authorities from Korça and Devoll municipalities, the Chair of the Korça Regional Council, social services, civil society actors and key human rights institutions, including the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination, alongside the wider community.
Together, they sent a clear message: solidarity is not a moment, it is a responsibility we all share.

23/06/2026

🤝Across faiths, institutions and communities, Gjirokastra came together in solidarity.
Marking , representatives from local government, interfaith communities, refugees, asylum-seekers and partners gathered in the historic centre of the city, creating a shared space for dialogue, awareness and engagement. Through a joint information stand and a symbolic walk across one of Gjirokastra’s busiest areas, institutions, faith leaders and people directly affected by displacement brought conversations on asylum and protection closer to the public.
By standing side by side, they demonstrated how cooperation across institutions and beliefs can help foster understanding, strengthen inclusion, and reinforce the values that underpin refugee protection.
Because protection takes shape when communities choose to stand together.

20/06/2026

20 June marks . And this year it means more.
75 years ago, the world made a promise: people forced to flee have the right to seek safety. It was never meant for a few. It was meant for all of us.
That right was made for times like these. With 117 million people displaced worldwide, that promise has never been more needed.
This World Refugee Day, help keep the promise of safety alive.

18/06/2026

🏐 One court. Many stories. One community.
Ahead of , refugees, asylum-seekers and staff members came together for a friendly volleyball match at the Reception Centre for Asylum.
A morning of teamwork, laughter and connection, and a reminder that inclusion starts with bringing people together.
📅 2 days to go.
RMSA Qendra e Pritjes për Azil

17/06/2026

With approaching, UNHCR and , brought together refugees, government representatives, diplomats, academia, and partners at Europe House in Tirana.
Mr. Besfort Lamallari, Minister of Internal Affairs, joined H.E. Silvio Gonzato, EU Ambassador to Albania, and Ms. Nicole Epting, UNHCR Representative for Central and South-East Europe, in setting the tone for a discussion on shared responsibility and action.
Panelists discussed refugee protection and responsibility-sharing, while a photo exhibition, supported by the project, traced 75 years of refugee protection and showcased its impact in Albania today.
As we mark the days leading up to , the message is clear:
the right to seek safety was made for times like these.
Until everyone is safe, the work is not done.

16/06/2026

🤝 Led by the Minister of Internal Affairs Mr. Besfort Lamallari, the second Steering Committee Meeting of the brought together representatives from government and international partners, the European Union in Albania, IOM and UNHCR, Albania, to review progress achieved during the project's first year and endorse priorities for 2026.

The Committee acknowledged improvement in strengthening migration governance, asylum, and inclusion, reaffirming a shared commitment to stronger institutions, effective migration and asylum management, and alignment with EU and international standards.

Funded by the European Union and jointly implemented by IOM and UNHCR, continues to support Albania's EU accession process by strengthening rights-based migration and asylum systems.

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🤝 Drejtuar nga Ministri i Brendshëm Z. Besfort Lamallari, takimi i dytë i Komitetit Drejtues të projektit mblodhi përfaqësues të partnerëve institucional dhe ndërkombëtar, Delegacionit të Bashkimit Evropian, IOM dhe UNHCR për të shqyrtuar progresin e arritur gjatë vitit të parë të projektit dhe për të miratuar prioritetet për vitin 2026.

Komiteti vlerësoi progresin në fuqizimin e qeverisjes së migracionit, sistemit të azilit dhe përfshirjes, duke rikonfirmuar angazhimin e përbashkët për institucione më të forta, menaxhim efektiv të migracionit dhe azilit, si dhe përafrim me standardet e Bashkimit Evropian dhe ato ndërkombëtare.

I financuar nga Bashkimi Evropian dhe i zbatuar nga IOM dhe UNHCR, mbështet procesin e anëtarësimit të Shqipërisë në BE përmes forcimit të sistemeve të migracionit dhe azilit, të bazuara në të drejtat e njeriut.

10/06/2026