Position paper for Albania
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | The human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment |
| Paper text: | |
| The Republic of Albania recognizes the intrinsic link between human rights and environmental protection and support efforts towards a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. As a member state of the United Nations, Albania is deeply committed to advancing global efforts to safeguard the environment for present and future generations, in accordance with international frameworks, such as the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Albania strongly advocates for increased global collaboration to address environmental degradation, climate change, and their impacts on human rights, particularly for vulnerable populations. Albania has long recognized the importance of environmental protection for the well-being of its citizens and sustainable development. Article 59 of the Constitution of Albania emphasizes the obligation of the state to ensure a "healthy and ecologically balanced environment." In line with this constitutional provision, Albania has enacted several environmental laws, including the Law on Environmental Protection (2011), which sets a legal framework for the sustainable use of natural resources and pollution control. Albania has adopted the National Strategy for Development and Integration (NSDI) 2015- 2020, which recognizes environmental sustainability as a key factor in achieving sustainable economic growth. Albania is also working closely with international organizations and its regional neighbors to combat environmental challenges, including the preservation of the Adriatic and Ionian seas and cross-border initiatives for biodiversity conservation. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations personnel |
| Paper text: | |
| Humanitarian personnel face numerous challenges, including armed conflict, political instability, and targeted violence. In recent years, the number of attacks against aid workers has increased, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced protective measures. Albania recognizes the importance of conducting thorough risk assessments and developing contingency plans to address these challenges effectively. The Republic of Albania is proud to be a prominent member of the international community. As such, it takes the safety of UN and humanitarian personnel seriously. Albania has a storied history of commitment and cooperation with international organizations. Albania has ratified the Geneva Conventions and the International Humanitarian Movement of the Red Cross and Red Crescent since 1953. Albanian forces also have experience forming part of UN peacekeeping efforts, having participated in UNOMIG, UNOCI, UNMIL, MINURCAT, and UNMISS. Having also been a member of the Human Rights Council since 2015, Albania understands the vital role of humanitarian and UN personnel in places of high humanitarian need. The Republic of Albania also understands the close collaboration between UN authorities and national governments. Albania is currently a pilot nation for the One UN Programme, which works with the UN Resident Coordinator and national authorities to appropriately interface both parties. The programme accelerates the transference of funds, planning, and goal setting. It also provides a robust framework for beneficial collaboration within the UN apparatus. While the One UN Programme currently serves in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals, this model can be used to coordinate humanitarian efforts to ensure the safety of personnel. Albania has a long-standing tradition of supporting domestic and international humanitarian initiatives. The Albanian government acknowledges the importance of a safe environment for humanitarian workers to operate effectively. The safety of these individuals is paramount to the success of humanitarian missions and the delivery of aid to those in need. | |
| Committee: | WHA |
| Topic: | Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health |
| Paper text: | |
| Background Obtaining equitable access to quality healthcare across the globe is a major goal for the United Nations. There are many factors involved with health,but access to healthcare services that provide reproductive care, prenatal care, vaccinations, early childhood care, and primary care physicians greatly improves health outcomes. The environment that one lives in also has a major impact on health. Currently, global disparities negatively impact health outcomes for women, children, and adolescents. Healthcare in Albania Albania currently uses a combination of public and private healthcare services. The Compulsory Health Insurance Fund (ISKSH) is funded by required payments split by employers and employees. This public sector covers the majority of available healthcare services, while private insurance covers dental and pharmaceutical care. Government spending on healthcare is lower than the United Nation average, but follows the single payer model. Single payer health insurance is the creation of a national healthcare fund that can be used to reimburse recipients of healthcare services. Therefore, access to primary healthcare is universal. To combat inadequate funding of their universal health care system, Albania needs to reform its healthcare revenue sources. Albanias neonatal mortality rate is around 8%, with contributing factors involving respiratory diseases and poor neonatal emergency transportation. To combat these issues, Albania would like to import increased neonatal incubation units and increase training programs for neonatal care. Most women have access to antenatal and maternal care, but the maternal mortality rate remains around 8% due to bleeding, infections, and unsafe abortions. Albania would like to improve health outcomes for new mothers and infants by investing in trained professionals and reproductive healthcare services such as abortion and pre and post-natal care. Albania boasts a 98% vaccination rate for children, and diseases such as polio, measles, and rubella, have been eliminated. Child mortality is also low, with 8/1000 deaths occurring before the age of 1, and 2/1000 occurring during childhood. Albania also has a relatively low early childbearing rate, with 14/1000 adolescent girls giving birth each year. Albania believes that more nations should invest in early childhood and adolescent care. | |
| Committee: | WHA |
| Topic: | Public health dimension of the world drug problem |
| Paper text: | |
| Background As substance abuse continues to be a concern, drug use has increased in global populations in recent years. This is a concern for public health, as substance abuse has negative consequences for health as a result of addiction. It may also be associated with increased risk of blood-borne diseases. Additionally, increased rates of substance abuse are associated with increased rates of violent crime. This poses a public health concern for victims. Albania therefore understands that reducing rates of substance abuse is imperative to promote public health. The Drug Problem in Albania Historically, Albania was a drug trafficking center for European countries. Cannabis production was a major illegal market until government reforms cracked down on its production. Today, cannabis is medically permissible in Albania, but illegal trafficking continues to be a concern. Drug use remains highest amongst young adults in Albania, with the most commonly used drugs being marijuana (7.6% use rate) and cocaine (3.5% use rate). To combat substance abuse, Albania has made possession of illegal drugs a criminal offense associated with a prison sentence of 5-10 years. It has also instigated a mandatory class in schools that educates students about the dangers of drug use. Albania believes that increased awareness of the dangers of drug use are essential in reducing their use, and believes that other countries should implement similar education programs. To reduce the rate of HIV/AIDS as a result of drug use, Albania has implemented programs which provide free needles, syringes, condoms, disinfectants, and informational brochures. Albania supports increased funding of law enforcement agencies, and is engaged with the prevention of drug trafficking across its borders. Albania believes that a holistic approach to illicit substances that involves national, local, and international agencies is essential for reducing the rate of substance abuse. | |
Back to the list of countries