Albania: Update to ALB23512.E of 8 March 1996 on the situation of Roman Catholics and available state protection (1999)
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 8 November 1999 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | ALB33179.E |
| Reference | 2 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Albania: Update to ALB23512.E of 8 March 1996 on the situation of Roman Catholics and available state protection (1999), 8 November 1999, ALB33179.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ad3f18.html [accessed 27 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to an attached report by the Department of State (DOS), the Roman Catholic Church, as one of Albania's three predominant religions, enjoyed "de facto recognition by the authorities," and had the "legal right to hold bank accounts, to own property and buildings, and to function as juridical persons." (9 Sept. 1999; section 1). In its latest annual report, the International Helsinki Federation of Human Rights stated that the Roman Catholic Church, along with the country's Muslim and Orthodox Christian communities, "enjoyed full equality on the basis of the new Albanian constitution," and that foreign religious leaders could "freely carry out religious activities" (1999).
According to the International Coalition for Religious Freedom, the Law on Fundamental Human Rights protects individuals' "freedom of thought, religion and conscience; public and private worship, teaching, practice and observance and the right of any person to change their religion" (3 May 1999). According to the Department of State, there were no reports of individuals being detained or imprisoned between 1 January 1998 and 30 June 1999 on account of their religious beliefs or activities (9 Sept. 1999; section 1). The DOS further stated that "relations among the various religious groups generally are amicable and tolerance is widespread" (ibid.; section 2).
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
International Coalition for Religious Freedom. Religious Freedom in Europe.
International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights, Vienna Austria. 1999. Annual Report 1999: Albania.
U.S. Department of State (DOS). 9 September 1999. Annual Report on International Religious Freedom for 1999: Albania.
U.S. Department of State (DOS). 9 September 1999. Annual Report on International Religious Freedom for 1999: Albania.
Additional Sources Consulted
Albanian Daily News [Pristina]. Jan. 1999-Nov. 1999.
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) [Prague].Newsline. Jan. 1999-Nov. 1999.
Electronic sources: IRB Databases, LEXIS/NEXIS, WNC.
Internet sites including:
Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Website.
Amnesty International Website.
Council for the Defence of Human Rights and Freedoms in Prishtina Website.
Greek Helsinki Monitor Website.
Human Rights Watch Website.
International Crisis Group Website.
