TIRANA, Feb 29 /ATA/ The “Freedom House” organization based in Washington has released its annual report in which it assesses that Kosovo and Albania remain “partially free” countries despite progress in several areas for the advancement of human rights and citizens’ freedoms.
In the report on “Freedom in the World”, this year Kosovo is rated with 60 points out of 100 maximum points, without changes from last year. In the past, the organization “Freedom House” has assessed Kosovo as a country in transition with a hybrid system of governance.
Meanwhile, in the Global Freedom index, Albania is rated with 68 points, marking progress by one point compared to last year’s rating. Albania is also assessed as a country in transition with a hybrid system of governance.
The expert of the “Freedom House” organization for the Balkans, Alexandra Karppi, tells VOA broadcast that the situation in Kosovo cannot be separated from the dynamics of developments between Kosovo and Serbia.
“In recent years, Kosovo has made progress, which is reflected in the results, regarding the protection of human rights and civil liberties, the most useful political processes, which have enabled citizens to participate more freely, and civil society to be more active. In any case, these things have marked progress in recent years,” according to Karppi.
The year 2023, according to her, was tough for Kosovo.
We have seen a flareup of violence in the northern municipalities, which can throw many processes in doubt, and can put pressure on the government to ensure that it is providing protection to all citizens of Kosovo. “These are long-term processes. This is a long drawn out security situation.”
“Kosovo remains ahead of the curve in the Western Balkans in some of the important and essential pillars of democracy,” she says.
Regarding Albania, Karppi cited the vetting process as a novelty which, according to her, “has begun to make progress by compelling Albania to stamp out corruption in the field of justice.”
According to Mrs. Karppi, this means that in Albania the courts are now in a better position to serve the citizens and are more efficient.
“Citizens’ access to the justice system is improving significantly in Albania, and this progress should be highlighted”, she added.
Expert Karppi says that the lack of transparency and dysfunctional governance continue to be a concern in Albania. She mentioned the local elections, during which, according to her, “an environment for freer and fairer elections has not been fully enabled.”
“Generally, Albania has progressed this year, giving citizens the opportunity to once again participate in democratic processes, delivering on the commitments for reforms made before the European Union.”
Finland tops the list of the “Freedom House” organization with 100 points, followed by New Zealand and Sweden with 99 points. /VOA/sm/
