Celebrating Children’s Rights: Strengthening Juvenile Justice through Albania-France Collaboration
November 20, 2024
Delegacioni nga Ministria Federale Gjermane per Bashkepunimin Ekonomik dhe Zhvillim – BMZ Viziton Inspektoriatin Shtetëror të Punës.
December 5, 2024
On November 26-27, 2024, the State Labour Inspectorate and Social Services (ISHPSHSH), in collaboration with the program “Strengthening Policies for Migration Development Orientation” (MEG) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), participated in the conference “Promoting Fair Recruitment and Alleviating Precarious Work Conditions for Migrant Workers in the Western Balkans.”
This significant event, organized in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and supported by local institutions in Kosovo, including the Employment Agency of the Republic of Kosovo (EARK) and the Labour Inspectorate (IP), served as a platform to address key challenges facing migrant workers.
The conference focused on aligning regional regulatory and institutional frameworks with international standards for fair recruitment. Through interactive sessions, case studies, and discussions, participants explored strategies to promote decent work conditions, safeguard workers’ rights, and ensure compliance with fair recruitment principles.
Key Highlights from ASDO’s Participation
- Migrant Workers’ Vulnerabilities and ASDO’s Role:
- Precarious Work Conditions: Many migrant workers in the Western Balkans face low wages, job insecurity, unsafe environments, and limited access to healthcare and social services.
- Legal and Informational Gaps: Limited access to information and language barriers prevent workers from understanding their rights under local labor laws.
- ASDO’s Actions:
- Advocating for policy reforms, producing multilingual informational brochures and launching social media campaigns to raise awareness of workers’ rights, training inspectors and public administrators to ensure the enforcement of labor standards and fair treatment.
- Challenges Faced by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs):
- Limited institutional engagement and resource constraints hinder long-term advocacy efforts.
- Resistance to policy alignment with international labor standards.
- ASDO’s Approach:
- Building partnerships with institutions like the Albanian State Labour Inspectorate (SLI) and the Albanian School of Public Administration (ASPA).
- Using Albania’s EU accession momentum to align strategies with key chapters, such as Chapter 23 (Judiciary and Fundamental Rights) and Chapter 24 (Justice, Freedom, and Security).
- Strengthening Collaboration Among Stakeholders:
- Acting as a bridge between civil society, government agencies, and international organizations to foster dialogue.
- Hosting consultative events to align strategies across sectors.
- Offering evidence-based policy recommendations informed by stakeholder feedback and best practices.
Ms. Ada Ilia, Executive Director of ASDO, highlighted the organization’s efforts to promote security and stability in Albania and the Western Balkans through multi-stakeholder collaboration. Her leadership has driven numerous initiatives in policy reform, social protection, and capacity building, ensuring that the rights of migrant workers remain a priority in regional development strategies.
The conference underscored the importance of fair recruitment practices and stronger collaborations among stakeholders to ensure dignified work conditions for migrant workers. As the Western Balkans aligns with EU standards, efforts like those spearheaded by ASDO will play a pivotal role in fostering sustainable, rights-based labor policies.
