Situation of human rights in Albania.

1991/76. Situation of human rights in Albania

The Commission a Human Rights, Guided by the principles embodied in the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Recalling that the human rights situation in Albania has been under consideration by the Commission since 1984 under the confidential procedure governed by Economic and Social Council resolution 1503 (XLVIII) of 27 May 1970, Bearing in mind that, in its resolution 1988/17 of 2 March 1988, the Commission, acting under paragraph 8 of Economic and Social Council resolution 1503 (XLVIII), decided to discontinue consideration of the human rights situation in Albania under the confidential procedure and to take up consideration of the matter under the public procedure provided for in Council resolution 1235 (XLII) of 6 June 1967, Bearing in mind also Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities resolution 1988/15 of 1 September 1988, Recalling its own resolutions 1989/69 of 8 March 1989 and 1990/49 of 6 March 1990, Taking note with appreciation of the report of the Secretary-General (E/CN.4/1991/29) submitted pursuant to Commission resolution 1990/49 , Welcoming the fact that positive steps have been taken by the Government of Albania, such as release of prisoners, amendments to the Criminal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure, legalization of the creation of political parties and a certain degree of tolerance towards religious practice, Considering, however, that the situation of human rights in Albania, in spite of positive developments, remains a cause for concern,

1. Expresses its appreciation and thanks to the Secretary-General for having raised during his official visit to Albania from 11 to 13 May 1990, with the Albanian authorities at the highest level, a number of issues pertaining to Commission resolution 1990/49 , including several individual cases regarding which the Government subsequently provided confidential information;

2. Calls upon the Government of Albania to free all political prisoners and adopt, as soon as possible, legislative and administrative measures to meet the requirements under the International Bill of Human Rights and other relevant international instruments, by which freedom, democracy and the rule of law will be established and the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Albanian citizens will be effectively promoted and protected;

3. Emphasizes a that all Albanian citizens should be enabled to exercise their right to vote and to stand for election and measures should be taken to guarantee the free expression of the will of the electors during the next proclaimed elections;

4. Requests the Secretary-General:

(a) To bring the present resolution to the attention of the Government of Albania and to invite it to provide information regarding its implementation;

(b) To report to the Commission at its forty-eighth session on the implementation of the present resolution;

5. Decides to continue its consideration of the human rights situation in Albania at its forty-eighth session.

54th meeting
6 March 1991
[Adopted without a vote. See chap. XII.]