Minority Rights in Albania: Legal Framework, Self – Identification, and the Use of Minority Languages

Abstract

The protection of national minorities constitutes a fundamental element of democratic governance and human rights protection. Albania has developed a comprehensive legal framework aimed at safeguarding the rights of persons belonging to national minorities, with particular emphasis on self-identification and linguistic rights. This paper analyzes the Albanian minority protection regime, focusing on Law no. 96/2017 and its recent implementing bylaws adopted in 2024. Special attention is given to the principles of free self-identification, procedural guarantees, and the use of minority languages in relations with local self-government bodies. The study concludes that Albania has made substantial progress in aligning its domestic legislation with European standards, while also identifying challenges related to implementation and institutional capacity.