The Assembly of the Republic of Albania approved the Law “On the Protection from Discrimination”, on the 4^th of February 2010, which entered in force on the 13th of March. This law was an advancement in the Albanian legislation for the protection of human rights, inspired by and aligned with  international and European standards.

To ensure a more effective protection from discrimination in the country, particularly for the most vulberable categories, including children this law established the office of the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination (here in after CPD) as a public institution, independent in the exercise of their duty and as the only authority responsible to "provide effective protection from discrimination and any form of conduct that encourages discrimination" (Article 21, Paragraph 1).

The Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination exercises their powers pursuant to the Constitution and other legal acts in force. The responsibilities of CPD have been provided for in article 32 of the law “On protection from discrimination”. Under the provisions of this article, the CPD possesses a number of powers, some of which are listed below:

First, providing independent assistance to the victims of discrimination and review their complaints related to discrimination;

Second, conducting independent surveys related to discrimination;

Third, issue recommendations and even impose sanctions against persons or bodies discriminating against citizens;

Fourth, publishing reports and providing recommendations about any issue that is related to discrimination.

Fifth, conducting awareness-raising activities against discrimination

Article 21, clause 2 and 3 of the Law 10221/2010 “On the Protection from Discrimination” envisages that: “The Commissioner is supported by the Office of the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination (Office). The Office has the necessary staff and equipment to support the commissioner in the fulfilment of the tasks entrusted to them by law” and “The Assembly decides on the salary of the Commissioner, the organizational structure and the salary classification for the employees of the Office of the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination. The employees of this office enjoy the status of a civil servant”.

Referred to the above, the Assembly of the Republic of Albania, by decision 34, dated 20.05.2010, approved the structure and organigramme of the Office of the Commissioner for the Protection from Discrimination.

Based on it, the CPD has a staff composed of 33 employees