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When changes in Albanias labour law were adopted in 2024, the process drew strong criticism. The legislative changes were implemented without sufficient dialogue, which caused concern among employees and trade unions.
The Palme Center’s partner organisation Center for Labor Rights (CLR) drew attention to the shortcomings of this process through analyses, advocacy work and dialogue with responsible institutions. They also lodged a formal complaint with the country’s commisioner, who initiated an investigation of the legislative process.
The investigation showed that the requirements for consultation with affected actors had not been met. It was therefore recommended that the government strengthen the consultation process and involve the labour market to a greater extent through the national labour council.
As a result of CLR’s work, the responsible ministry is now committed to improving dialogue with civil society and trade unions in the event of future changes to labour legislation. This marks an important step towards more transparent decision-making processes and stronger empowerment for workers in Albania.
Legal Aid strengthen legal protection for trans women in TurkeyIn 2025, Palme Center’s partner organisation Legal Aid helped to strengthen legal protection for trans women subjected to violence and arbitrary arrests. Ahead of Trans Pride Week in Istanbul, the organisation, together with the human rights organisation HRA Istanbul, coordinated on-site legal support during the demonstrations. Lawyers were present as observers and were able to intervene immediately when trans women were arrested.
These efforts led to faster releases and encouraged more trans women who had been subjected to violence to report abuse and initiate legal proceedings. The organisation also documented violations of human rights during arrests and in custody, which strengthened the legal possibilities of pursuing the cases further.
Through joint actions with other human rights organisations, violence against trans women was highlighted through social media, panels and public discussions. Several cases were subsequently raised politically and brought to the attention of the Turkish parliament through questions and interpellations from MPs.