ALBANIA

People's Advocate

In Albania the ombudsman institution is envisaged in the Constitution and its organization and functions are set out in detail in the Statute on People’s Advocate of 1999. The first Albanian ombudsman was appointed in 2000. The People's Advocate is elected by three-fifths of all members of the Assembly for a five-year period, with the right of reelection. Any Albanian citizen with higher education, and with recognized knowledge and recognized activity in the field of human rights and law may be the People's Advocate. The People's Advocate may be discharged only on the reasoned complaint of not less than one-third of the deputies. In this case, the Assembly makes a decision with three-fifths of all its members.

The People's Advocate enjoys the immunity of a judge of the High Court. He is not liable to criminal proceedings for his actions when exercising his powers. He may not take part in any political party and carry on any other political, state or professional activity.

The People's Advocate presents an annual report before the Assembly. The Albanian Ombudsman has the right to make recommendations and to propose measures when he observes violations of human rights and freedoms by the public administration.

The expenses of the People’s Advocate form the subject of a separate section of the State budget. Donations are also admissible. The donations may not include conditions that might affect the independence or impartiality of the People's Advocate's activity. The donations are declared and registered in a registry held for this purpose by the Office of the Albanian Ombudsman.

There are three ombudsmen in Albania. Each of them is independent and has his own area of responsibility. The office of the Ombudsman incorporates three specialized divisions, headed by commissioners. They are assisted by a bookkeeping department and other technical staff. The total number of the personnel of the Albanian Ombudsman is 47 people.

Contact information:
People's Advocate
Address: Blv. “Deshmoret e Kombit” 3, Tirana
Phone: ++ 355 4 232 462
Fax: ++ 355 4 226 095
E-mail: ap@avokatipopullit.gov.al

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