The Government of Albania has made notable strides in creating a framework to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. However, more efforts are needed to ensure that laws and policies are effectively implemented to reflect the lived experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals, an independent expert said today. “At a time of considerable economic growth and social change in Albania, I was heartened to see clear evidence of the Government’s commitment to ensure that LGBT people in the country are not left behind and have equal opportunities to fully realize their potential in Albanian society,” stated Graeme Reid, the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Despite legislative progress, Reid highlighted that LGBT individuals continue to face discrimination in various sectors such as education, healthcare, and employment. They also encounter significant challenges in reporting bias-motivated violent crimes and accessing remedies for rights violations, largely due to prevailing stigma and discriminatory social attitudes.