Challenges of the Albanian judiciary in fighting gender-based violence

Gender-based violence is currently a serious problem in Albania. In some cases the institutional response is quick and appropriate. In other cases it is more apathetic and erroneous. On the journey to protecting victims of gender-based violence, legislation and actors of the referral mechanism have an important role. Judges, even considered as final actors in handling these cases, have a particular important role for the victim and public interest. In this article we will briefly dwell on the journey of Albanian legislation and challenges of the justice system to face gender-based violence and efforts to implement the international standards and obligations.