War against poverty target group focused policies - Economicus

by, Anila Nanaj

Abstract

Over the last two decades Albania has been undergoing radical structural reforms as a consequence of the changing trajectories of the democratization process, economic transition, administrative reforms, changing social groups and dynamics of the country as well as the integration process into the European Union. In this line, one of most persistent recommendations of the European Commission is the respect of fundamental rights and, in particular, with regards to the education and the employment is the social inclusion of the minorities in the Albanian society, in particular, the Roma minority. The aim of this research paper is to introduce the debate initiated in Albania for the promotion of a policy suitable of the effective mechanisms which guarantee equal protection of Roma Minority Rights in the country, in line with the recommendations of the European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI). This study has concluded in a number of recommendations directed to public administration bodies, both locally and centrally, such as a wider inclusion of members from the Roma Minority into employment programs and vocational training; amendments in the normative legal basis for definition of criteria, procedure and action towards economic assistance focusing on Roma community; amendments in the existing legislation concerning Housing of Residents in Urban Areas; facilitation of enrollment and school attendance for Roma minority children as well as development of actions which would permit a better access to education for children etc.