Acknowledgment and respect for human rights remain a continuing challenge and mission for societies. Raising capacities and knowledge of new generations on human rights is a continuous mission for UNFPA and actors engaged in this area.

For 11 consecutive years UNFPA has supported the Academy of Human and Minority Rights. This year, in partnership with the Albanian Group for Human Rights with the coordination of the Youth Voice Network of Organizations 22 young people from 6 regions of Albania came together representing their communities and marginalized groups.

Young people are important for strengthening commitment  and protection of human rights and minorities in a society. This is why during the Academy of Human and Minority Rights in 2022, young participants  were trained on issues that directly affect their rights, such as:

• Gender-based violence
• Sexual violence
• Early marriages
• Gender-biased sex selection (or Selective Abortion / Son preference)
• Sexual and Reproductive Health
• Minority rights and respective Albanian legal framework
• The media and its role on these issues

300 human rights activists have been certified by the Academy of Human Rights over the years, creating a network of engaged young people who raise their voice and protectthese rights for themselves and their communities.

The 2022 Academy was supported by UNFPA Albania, the Regional Youth Cooperation Office - RYCO with the coordination of the “Youth Voice” Network of Organizations and Y-Peer, Albania Network - National Network of Peer Educators.