Empowering the Voiceless: Free Legal Aid Brings Justice Closer to Albania’s Most Vulnerable

UNDP Albania

January 16, 2025
Empowering the Voiceless: Free Legal Aid Brings Justice Closer to Albania’s Most Vulnerable

In Albania, the demand for free legal aid is high, a pressing need for thousands entangled in legal battles without the means to fight back. Since 2019, the “Expanding Free Legal Aid Services for Women and Men in Albania” (EFLAS) project—funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Albania, in partnership with the Ministry of Justice—has worked to fill this void, establishing 12 free legal aid centers across the country. 

Empowering the Voiceless: Free Legal Aid Brings Justice Closer to Albania’s Most Vulnerable

These centers, serving Albania’s most vulnerable populations, offer a lifeline to those facing legal issues but unable to afford legal assistance and representation. Here, citizens—single mothers, senior victims of domestic violence, Roma and Egyptian communities, and countless others—have found hope, dignity, and support as they navigate the complexities of Albania’s justice system.

Empowering the Voiceless: Free Legal Aid Brings Justice Closer to Albania’s Most Vulnerable

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For Lena, a young widow from rural Albania, the Free Legal Aid center was her last hope. After her husband’s untimely death, her in-laws took her two young sons, arguing that as an unmarried woman, she was unfit to care for them. Struggling to make ends meet and with no access to legal representation, Lena’s case seemed hopeless—until she met a lawyer at the Free Legal Aid Center in Shkoder. There, Lena was guided through the legal process and assisted in reuniting with her children. After months of hearings, she finally won her case, regaining custody and, with it, a sense of stability and hope for the future.

The EFLAS project places particular focus on supporting women and girls, who often find themselves at the mercy of systemic inequities. The centers assist in cases such as divorce, child support, protection orders, and alimony benefits.

In Gjirokaster, Drita, a single mother and victim of domestic violence, was one of many who sought help. Afraid for her safety and that of her children, Drita needed both a divorce and a protection order against her husband. The staff at the legal aid center in Gjirokaster guided her every step of the way, offering reassurance and advocating for her rights in court. There are many stories like Drita's, each one a victory for the individual and a fairer society.

"The Directorate of Social Services in Gjirokaster Municipality referred this case to us at the Free Legal Aid Office," says Klaudia, an official working at the Free Legal Aid Office. "She is a survivor of domestic violence. Unfortunately, there are many cases like hers. Out of 37 cases of domestic violence, 30 have been referred to us. We’re glad the municipality is helping raise awareness about the free legal aid center."

Lediona Tuka, responsible for assisting domestic violence victims in Gjirokaster Municipality, notes, "We regularly refer these cases to the Free Legal Aid Center. Sadly, the number of cases is rising, but those affected find essential legal support at the center. It’s incredible to serve as the bridge between people seeking free legal aid and the centers themselves. The demand is high and continues to grow," she says.

The impact of free legal aid centers is most pronounced in Albania’s remote towns, where accessing legal assistance has previously been almost impossible. In Kukës, a mountainous region in the northeast, Anila—a young lawyer—eagerly joined the EFLAS project to serve her community. Each morning, she would open the door to a modest office that, despite its humble conditions, represented hope for many. One of her first clients was an elderly woman fighting for her right to a pension that had been denied due to a procedural technicality. With Anila’s guidance and determination, the woman finally received her pension benefits—an achievement that profoundly impacted her quality of life and underscored the power of legal aid.

The Free Legal Aid Law, which underpins the EFLAS project, represents Albania’s commitment to ensuring access to justice for its most vulnerable citizens. However, the law implementation and enforcement have not been without challenges. Limited funding and and capacities to respond to the growing needs often leave centers overwhelmed. leave centers overwhelmed. The partnership with UNDP and the Austrian Development Cooperation has been instrumental in providing resources, training, and technical support, ensuring the centers continue to operate despite these hurdles. The Ministry of Justice, with support from EFLAS, has intensified efforts to address these issues, working closely with local bar associations, municipalities, courts and policymakers to ensure the law’s promise is realized.

Empowering the Voiceless: Free Legal Aid Brings Justice Closer to Albania’s Most Vulnerable

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At each of the 12 centers, the scene is similar: people line up, documents in hand, some visibly anxious, others hopeful, each with a unique story and struggle. The centers are hubs of activity, where dedicated staff work closely with each client, offering not just legal counsel but also a sense of empowerment. For Elira, a single mother from a small village near Berat, the FLA center provided clarity and confidence. After years of struggling to secure child support, Elira finally found someone who would listen, advise, and help her navigate the legal process. With her case resolved, Elira can now provide a better life for her children and feels hopeful for the first time in years.

The impact of free legal aid in Albania extends far beyond the walls of these centers. The EFLAS project is steadily contributing to a culture of justice and equity in Albania, advocating for the rights of those at risk of being left behind and ensuring that access to justice is not limited by economic or social status. This project has shown that with the right support, real change is possible.

Empowering the Voiceless: Free Legal Aid Brings Justice Closer to Albania’s Most Vulnerable

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As Albania continues its journey toward a more equitable society, the commitment to expanding free legal aid remains steadfast. Justice is no longer an unattainable ideal. It is a tangible reality for Drita, Lena, and countless others who now have a voice and look to the future with more confidence.