In recent years, Albania has taken major steps to reform its justice system, with a strong focus on protecting children’s rights. Since 2018, the country has been implementing a new Criminal Justice Code for Children, promoting a shift from punitive to restorative approaches. "Youth Voice for Justice and Rights" project supports the Albanian justice system to become more child-friendly by empowering children and youth towards active participation and strengthening the capacity and commitment of justice professionals to better provide for children in conflict with the law.
Our impact
The project promotes the rights of children and young people, particularly those from the most vulnerable groups in Albania, including Roma and Egyptian communities and youth with disabilities. It aims to ensure their access to empowerment and participation activities, quality justice and protection services, education, and employment opportunities, all without discrimination.
We are working with children and young people, as well as local actors such as parents, teachers, representatives of local government institutions, and civil society organisations in eight municipalities of Albania: Tirana, Elbasan, Shkodra, Lezha, Kukës, Dibër, Cërrik and Fier.
Empowering children and young people
Children and young people participated in dedicated capacity-building programmes and peer-to-peer training sessions on legal education, the rule of law, democracy, human rights, gender and diversity, the environment, advocacy, lobbying, and their roles as agents of change. Using our YouCreate methodology, we supported them in forming groups to lead their own community-level initiatives and develop lasting solutions at the local level. These initiatives focused on inclusive child and youth empowerment, civic engagement, gender equality, and environmental sustainability.
"Before joining the project, I had no idea how legislation affected young people. Now I understand my rights and responsibilities, and I’m even helping my peers navigate legal issues," shares Engjëll, a 19-year-old from Dibra Municipality.
Initially, Engjëll had limited knowledge of legal rights, gender issues, and advocacy. However, after participating in the project's training sessions, he became an active advocate in his community. His involvement led him to present youth concerns at a public forum with municipal officials, where he advocated for greater youth participation in decision-making. As a direct result, the local government allocated a dedicated youth space for activities and innovation.
Strengthening the capacities of professionals
We build the capacities of prosecutors, victims’ coordinators, and judicial police officers at the national level in child-friendly interviewing techniques for child victims of sexual abuse and other severe violations. By applying a human rights-based and child-centred approach to justice, we aim to ensure that criminal proceedings are more effective and supportive of the victims' well-being. At the same time, we equip key local actors with the knowledge and tools to support and promote youth empowerment and active participation.
The Criminal Justice for Children Code – from children to children
Legal language is often complex and filled with technical terms that can be difficult for children and young people to understand, making it harder for them to fully grasp their rights and responsibilities. To address this, we have led a months-long consultation process to adapt the Code of Criminal Justice for Juveniles and the Law on Youth into child- and youth-friendly language. This unique version of "The Criminal Justice for Children Code" was created by children, for children, through a fully participatory, hands-on process. By actively involving young people in shaping the document, it reflects their experiences, perspectives, and needs, making the legal system more accessible, inclusive, and understandable for the very individuals it is meant to protect and empower.
"The Criminal Justice for Children Code, prepared by children for children, provides an opportunity to further raise awareness about the importance of legal education, particularly the need for accessible and understandable justice for children and youth. At its core, the document reflects the insights and perspectives of its intended beneficiaries," shares Albana Izeti, Access to Justice Programme Manager at Tdh Albania.
Improving the legal framework
To improve support for children in conflict with the law during criminal proceedings, the project also supported the General Prosecution Office in designing and implementing national-level working guidelines for victim coordinators.
The "Youth Voice for Justice and Rights" project is implemented by Terre des hommes Albania from July 2022 to December 2025, with funding from the Austrian Development Agency.
