World Alliance for Citizen Participation Albania CIVIL SOCIETY INDEX FOR ALBANIA I n s e a r c h o f cItIz e n s & Im pa c t The CIVICUS Civil Society Index Analytical Country Report for Albania is prepared by the research team of the Institute for Democracy and Mediation, with the advice and mentorship of the CIVICUS researchers and program advisors. The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of UNDP. CSI COORDINATOR & LEAD AUTHOR GJERGJI VURMO IDM TEAM OF RESEARCHERS Elona Dhembo Blerta Picari Edlira Peco Egest Gjokuta Rovena Sorra Llukan Tako Nevila Sokoli IDM SENIOR ADVISORS Sotiraq Hroni Artan Karini CIVICUS TEAM OF RESEARCHERS & PROGRAM ADVISORS Amy Bartlett Bilal Zeb Jacob M. Mati Jennifer Williams Mark Nowottny Megan MacGarry Tracy Anderson UNDP ALBANIA Entela Lako, Programme Analyst DESIGN ZAZANI Design & Publicity (SOTIRI Group) IDM, Tirana 2010 ____________________ The publication of the CIVICUS Civil Society Index Analytical Country Report for Albania is made possible with UNDP assistance financed through the UN Coherence Fund in the framework of the One UN Programme for Albania. CIVICUS civil society Index analytical country report for albania F O R E W O R D Following two decades of transition to democ- I would also like to recognize the continuous racy, I am pleased that we can share with all in- and highly qualified support provided by CIVICUS terested parties the first comprehensive assessment (World Alliance for Citizen Participation – Johan- of the state of Civil Society in Albania supported nesburg, South Africa) to IDM, which was based by UNDP. This report will no doubt contribute and on global standards and methodology while at the serve public and private institutions in the country, same time ensuring adequate reference to the local international development partners that continue to context and environment. support Albania to further its democratic achieve- Through this in-depth assessment, readers ments, reforms, social inclusion, and economic vi- will have access to a shared body of knowledge on ability. While the main focus here is the level of the state of civil society in Albania which will serve development of civil society, the findings on their as a sound baseline to develop dialogue among a own indicate a certain level of maturity that comes broad range of stakeholders. It is also expected to as result of local initiatives, the social and political generate ideas for evidence-based actions aimed at context in which civil society operates, but also the strengthening capacities of civil society increasing- international support to this important and indis- ly focused on influencing processes and delivering pensable component of democratic institutions in tangible results to society at large. With the inten- the country. The Civil Society Index is also a focal tion of launching an ongoing process of reflection reference document for challenges ahead for the de- and actions by all relevant actors, this report reveals velopment and consolidation of the sector. the highlights of this assessment. It starts with a UNDP’s involvement and support for this un- historical background of the civil society in Alba- dertaking was developed with a view to aligning na- nia, followed by the central section of the analysis tional perceptions and understanding of civil soci- with findings and conclusions for each of the five ety with standards and experiences of democracies dimensions of civil society – civic engagement, lev- worldwide. The timing also coincides with the role el of organisation, values, impact and environment. of civil society becoming stronger in consolidating The study concludes with general conclusions and democracy, rule of law and sustainable develop- recommendations based on a critical-constructive ment. This joint endeavour’s principal target is the analysis. strengthening of civil society in Albania, based on The Civil Society Index is currently under the in-depth analysis and assessment of its role, the val- second wave of implementation in more than forty ues it stands for and its interactions with citizens. It countries worldwide. The responsibility and chal- also looks at the internal governance and organisa- lenge to act on the recommendations and to create tion, influence on policies and the mutually reinforc- momentum for strengthened civil society initiatives ing impact that civil society has on the socio-eco- and engagement rests with a wider range of societal nomic and political context where it operates and actors. Accordingly, this study represents an invi- vice-versa. tation and a call for involvement that is addressed I take the opportunity to express the apprecia- to all Albanian stakeholders to make optimal use of tion of my colleagues at UNDP for the professional this knowledge as a means of paving the way for work carried out by the Institute for Democracy and civil society to play its crucial role in the develop- Mediation (IDM) as the national coordinator and ment of all aspects of life in Albania and beyond. implementing organisation of this undertaking as well as to all member organisations of the National Gulden Turkoz-Cosslett Advisory Committee that helped with their inputs UNDP Resident Representative and advice throughout the year. UN Resident Coordinator i CIVICUS civil society Index analytical country report for albania A C K N O W L E D G E M E N T S In the course of implementation of the CIVICUS Egest Gjokuta, Elona Dhembo, Llukan Tako, Man- Civil Society Index (CSI) for Albania, the Insti- jola Doko, Mariola Qesaraku, Marsida Bandilli, tute for Democracy and Mediation has cooperated Nevila Sokoli and Rovena Sorra – and beyond any with a wide range of institutions present in the doubt, to the team-leader of the CSI implementa- country. These reach civil society associations, cen- tion in Albania and main author of the analytical tral government, legislative body, independent in- country report – IDM Program Director Gjergji stitutions, local and regional public bodies, national Vurmo, who has guided the entire assessment pro- and international organisations, the private sector, cess since its inception. Last but not least, we are media reporters and observers, and the academic particularly grateful for the support and continuous community. advice of IDM Executive Sotiraq Hroni and IDM Advisory Board and associates. IDM would like to express its high esteem and grat- itude to all members of the CSI project’s Advisory IDM is particularly grateful to CIVICUS: World Committee (AC) – Aleksander Cipa (Association of Alliance for Citizen Participation (Johannesburg, Albanian Journalists), Alken Myftiu (Regional En- South Africa) for this research partnership oppor- vironment Centre), Alketa Leskaj (Women’s Centre tunity and in particular its excellent team of re- “Hapat e Lehte”), Andi Kananaj (MJAFT! Move- searchers and programme advisors – Amy Bartlett, ment), Antuen Skenderi (MJAFT! Movement), Bilal Zeb, Jacob M. Mati, Jennifer Williams, Mark Arbjan Mazniku (Agenda Institute), Ariola Shehaj Nowottny, Megan MacGarry and Tracy Anderson. (Union of Chambers of Commerce & Industry of Their advice, guidance and partnership have been Albania), Arjan Cala (Tjeter Vizion), Auron Pashaj crucial in effectively executing this complex process. (Institute for Development Research & Alterna- The CIVICUS guidance greatly contributed to de- tives), Blerina Metaj (Children’s Rights Centre of velopment of internal capacities of IDM as well as Albania), Brikena Puka (Vatra Centre), Brunilda those of the wider Albanian third sector. Bakshevani (Open Society Foundation Albania), Elsa Ballauri (Albanian Human Rights Group), Enri Hide Last but not least, the CSI implementation in Alba- (European University of Tirana), Eranda Ndregjoni nia could not have been possible without the finan- (Gender Alliance for Development Centre), Ersida cial support of the UNDP in Albania. This support Sefa (Albanian Helsinki Committee), Genci Terpo took the shape of a partnership striving towards a (Albanian Human Rights Group), Kadri Gega (As- common goal – civil society development through sociation of Municipalities), Leke Sokoli (Institute shared knowledge, evidence-based strategies and of Sociology), Lutfi Dervishi (Transparency Inter- enhanced capacities, all in the pursuit of strengthen- national Albania), Mangalina Cana (NEHEMIA), ing the third sector’s position and influence. Special Mirjam Reci (Civil Society Development Centre, thanks go to Entela Lako and the rest of the UNDP Durres), Nevila Jahaj (Youth Parliament, Fier), Ori- team, for their efforts and kind assistance to enable ana Arapi (Department of Strategy and Donor Co- a result-driven partnership between the two insti- ordination, Council of Ministers), Rasim Gjoka (Al- tutions, as well as for their continuous involvement banian Foundation for Conflict Resolution), Skender and support to all the major CSI project activities. Veliu (Union of Albanian Roma “Amaro-Drom”), and Zef Preci (Albanian Center for Economic Re- search). Special thanks goes to the sizeable IDM team – Ar- tan Karini, Besnik Baka, Blerta Picari, Edlira Peco, ii CIVICUS civil society Index analytical country report for albania T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S FOREWORD................................................................................................................................... i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS......................................................................................................... ii TABLE OF CONTENTS............................................................................................................. iii TABLES AND FIGURES...........................................................................................................v LIST OF ACRONYMS ................................................................................................................vi EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.........................................................................................................1 I. THE CIVIL SOCIETY INDEX PROJECT........................................................................3 I.1. PROJECT BACKGROUND.........................................................................................3 I.2. PROJECT APPROACH................................................................................................4 I.3. CSI IMPLEMENTATION...........................................................................................5 I.4. LIMITATIONS OF THE CSI STUDY.....................................................................6 II. CIVIL SOCIETY IN ALBANIA...........................................................................................7 II.1. CONCEPT OF CIVIL SOCIETY IN ALBANIA.................................................7 II.2. HISTORY OF CIVIL SOCIETY IN ALBANIA...................................................8 II.3. MAPPING OF CIVIL SOCIETY..............................................................................10 III. ANALYSIS OF THE CIVIL SOCIETY IN ALBANIA................................................12 III.1 CIVIC ENGAGEMENT.............................................................................................12 III.1.1. Extent of socially-based engagement............................................................12 III.1.2. Depth of socially-based engagement.............................................................13 III.1.3. Diversity within socially-based engagement................................................14 III.1.4. Extent of political engagement.......................................................................14 III.1.5. Depth of political engagement........................................................................14 III.1.6. Diversity of political engagement..................................................................15 Conclusion..........................................................................................................................15 III. 2: LEVEL OF ORGANISATION...............................................................................15 III. 2.1. Internal governance..........................................................................................16 III.2.2. Support Infrastructure.......................................................................................16 III.2.3. Sectoral communication.....................................................................................17 III.2.4. Human resources.................................................................................................17 III. 2.5. Financial and technological resources...........................................................17 III.2.6 International Linkages........................................................................................18 Conclusion...........................................................................................................................18 III.3: PRACTICE OF VALUES..........................................................................................18 III.3.1 Democratic decision-making governance.......................................................19 III. 3.2 Labour regulations..............................................................................................19 III.3.3 Code of conduct and transparency..................................................................20 III.3.4 Environmental standards ...................................................................................20 III.3.5 Perceptions of values in civil society as a whole..........................................20 Conclusion...........................................................................................................................21 III.4 PERCEPTION OF IMPACT.....................................................................................21 III.4.1. Responsiveness (internal perceptions)...........................................................22 III.4.2. Social impact (internal perception).................................................................22 III.4.3. Policy impact (internal perceptions)...............................................................22 iii CIVICUS civil society Index analytical country report for albania III.4.4. Responsiveness (external perceptions)..........................................................22 III.4.5. Social impact (external perceptions)..............................................................23 III.4.6. Policy impact (external perceptions)..............................................................23 III.4.7. Change in attitudes between members of CS and non-members............23 Conclusion..........................................................................................................................25 III.5. ENVIRONMENT........................................................................................................25 III.5.1 Socio-economic context......................................................................................26 III.5.2 Socio-political context.........................................................................................27 III.5.3 Socio-cultural context.........................................................................................28 Conclusion..........................................................................................................................28 IV. STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF CIVIL SOCIETY IN ALBANIA........................29 V. RECOMMENDATIONS.......................................................................................................31 VI. CONCLUSION.........................................................................................................................33 APPENDICES.................................................................................................................................36 Annex I. List of Advisory Committee Members............................................................36 Annex II. Case Studies...........................................................................................................36 Annex III. Population Survey Methodology....................................................................37 Annex IV. Organisational Survey Methodology..............................................................38 Annex V. External Perceptions Survey Methodology...................................................39 Annex VI. CSI Data Indicator Matrix for Albania.........................................................40 BIBLIOGRAPHY............................................................................................................................42 iv CIVICUS civil society Index analytical country report for albania T A B L E S A N D F I G U R E S LIST OF TABLES Table 1.1.1: List of CSI implementing countries 2008-2009................................................3 Table III.4.7.1: Level of (non)acceptance of specific actions by citizens...........................25 Table A.III.1: Population Survey Respondents according to age-groups..........................37 Table A.V.1: EPS’ respondents according to sector.................................................................39 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: The CSI Diamond for Albania 2009.........................................................................1 Figure I.2.1: The CSI Diamond...................................................................................................5 Figure I.3.1: CSI Project Implementation Stages...................................................................5 Figure II.3.1: Social forces’ analysis............................................................................................10 Figure II.3.2: Albanian Civil Society Mapping........................................................................11 Figure III.1.1: Civic engagement sub-dimensions’ scores (in %).........................................12 Figure III.1.1.1: Citizens’ motivation to join CS initiatives...................................................13 Figure III.1.2.1: Indicators for Depth of socially based engagement.................................13 Figure III.1.5.1: Indicators for Depth of political engagement............................................15 Figure III.2.1.: Level of Organisation subdimensions’ scores...............................................15 Figure III.2.1.1. Financial transparency.....................................................................................16 Figure III.3.1: Practice of Values sub-dimensions’ scores.....................................................18 Figure III.3.2.1: Indicators for Labour Regulations................................................................19 Figure III.3.5.1: Perception of values: Indicators’ scores......................................................20 Figure III.4.1: Perception of Impact Sub-dimensions’ scores..............................................21 Figure III.4.7.1: Change in attitudes: Indicators’ scores........................................................24 Figure III.4.7.2: Level of citizens’ (in)tolerance.......................................................................24 Figure III.5.1: Environment: Sub-dimensions’ scores.............................................................26 Figure A.III.1: Respondents’ religious background (PS).......................................................38 Figure A.III.2: Religious and non-religious respondents.......................................................38 Figure A.IV.1: Age groups among surveyed CSOs’ representatives (OS)..........................38 v CIVICUS civil society Index analytical country report for albania L I S T O F A C R O N Y M S AAJ Association of Albanian Journalists NOVIB Netherlands Organisation for AC Advisory Committee International ACER Albanian Centre for Economic Development Cooperation Research NSSED National Strategy on Social and ADRF Albanian Disability Rights Foundation Economic Development AFCR Albanian Foundation of Conflict OS Organisational Survey Resolution OSCE Organisation for Security and AHC Albanian Helsinki Committee Cooperation in Europe AHRG Albanian Human Rights Group OSFA Open Society Foundation Albania BCI Basic Capabilities Index PS Population Survey BiH Bosnia and Herzegovina PRSP Poverty Reduction Strategic CBO Community Based Organisations Partnership CPI Corruption Perception Index REC Regional Environmental Centre CS Civil Society SA South Africa CSDC Civil Society Development Center SEE South Eastern Europe CSI CIVICUS Civil Society Index SNV Netherlands Development CSO Civil Society Organisation Organisation TIA Transparency International Albania CPC Consumer Protection Commission UNDP United Nations Development CRCA Children Rights Center of Albania Programme EPS External Perception Survey UNU United Nations University EC European Commission USAID United States Agency for International EU European Union Development EUT European University of Tirana WB World Bank FH Freedom House GADC Gender Alliance for Development Centre GNI Gross National Income GTZ Gesellchaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit HDPC Human Development Promotion Centre HIVOS Humanist Institute for Development Cooperation HRW Human Rights Watch ICCO Interchurch Organisation for Development Cooperation IDM Institute for Democracy and Mediation IFAD International Fund of Agricultural Development INGO International Non-governmental Organisation IS Institute of Sociology IDRA Institute for Development Research and Alternative NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organisation NCO National Coordinating Organisation NGO Non Governmental Organisation NIT National Implementation Team vi CIVICUS civil society Index analytical country report for albania EXECUTIVE SUMMARY T he Civil Society Index (CSI) is an action intensified in the recent years, there have been only research project implemented by and for a few studies which have provided only a fragment- civil society actors worldwide. It is based ed knowledge base. on a comprehensive methodology developed by CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizens Participa- As an action-oriented assessment tool the CSI is tion (hereafter CIVICUS). It aims to assess the state used to assess the state of Albanian civil society. It of civil society and to create a knowledge base for is based on a broad definition of civil society as “the strengthening civil society. The CSI for Albania was arena, outside of the family, the state, and the market, conducted by the Institute for Democracy and Me- which is created by individual and collective actions, or- diation (IDM) under the guidance and support of ganisations and institutions to advance shared interests”. the CIVICUS team. The assessment of civil society The CSI assessment combines multiple indicators, is carried out with respect to five key dimensions, using the same or comparable metrics, to provide a with a total of 28 sub-dimensions which are con- visual display of five key dimensions: figured into 67 separate indicators. A wide range of research methods and analytical tools are used CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: The extent to which indi- in this assessment. The research relies on a variety viduals engage in social and policy-related initiatives of primary and secondary sources – a set of three LEVEL OF ORGANISATION: The degree of surveys, five case studies, focus group discussions institutionalisation that characterises civil society and other consultation activities conducted in the PRACTICE OF VALUES: The extent to which framework of the project, as well as diverse second- CS practices some core values ary data sources. PERCEIVED IMPACT: The extent to which civ- il society is able to impact the social and policy arena, The roots of civil society in Albania can be traced according to internal and external perceptions. back to the Albanian renaissance period (1831 to EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT: The above 1912) with predominantly sporadic and individu- four dimensions are analysed in the context of alistic initiatives originating from the Diaspora ‘external environment’, which includes the socio- communities. After independence from the Otto- economic, political and cultural variables within man Empire in 1912, the historical circumstances did not favour the development of an active third sector in the country. The establishment of a com- munist regime after World War II, which soon be- came one of the cruellest dictatorships in Europe, completely dashed hopes for an active civil society or even academic discourse on the concept for al- most half a century in the country. In the past two decades since the demise of the dictatorship, Alba- nian civil society has made great strides, reaching today’s moderately developed level. Beginning with more idealistic initiatives and interactions with the citizens in the early 1990s, Albanian civil society has become more pragmatic in the course of years. Even though public debate on the role of civil society has Figure 1: The CSI Diamond for Albania 2009 1 CIVICUS civil society Index analytical country report for albania which civil society operates. the performance and role of country’s third sector The five dimensions are graphically plotted in a Civ- are affected by widespread citizens’ scepticism to- il Society Diamond which is a portrayal of empirical wards activism and civil society impact, concerns structural and normative manifestations of civil so- over essential aspects such as transparency and ciety. The CSI Diamond also includes the conditions governance, sustainability, a largely donor-driven that support or inhibit civil society’s development as agenda, underdeveloped dialogue and exchange well as the consequences (impact) of civil society’s with decision-makers, as well as poor performance activities in society at large. As shown in figure 1, on advocacy and policy cycles. the Albanian third sector is moderately developed. Given the growing importance of civil society’s role It operates in a generally enabling environment and in governance and other sectors, the challenges for at a relatively developed organisational level that ap- its development are not isolated within the sector. pears supportive to the general practice of values Hence, the responsibility to add value to these ef- within the sector. Its major deficiencies consist of forts should not rest solely with civil society actors. the low degree of civic engagement and also the The CSI therefore draws a set of recommendations limited impact. for all stakeholders proposing that concerted efforts need to be directed at addressing deficits in civic en- Highly qualified and efficient human resources and gagement, transparency, accountability, sustainabil- management, flexibility in responding to develop- ity of actions and resources, capacities to influence ing situations, networking potential, resistance to the policy cycle based on local inputs, dialogue and political pressure, objectivity, highly knowledgeable exchange with governmental and other actors, lack about and receptive to contemporary approaches, of civil society platforms in remote / rural areas etc. capable to provide qualitative expertise and help in- The eventual interventions must form part of an in- stitutional building are some of the major strengths clusive plan d’action that relies on the commitment of the Albanian civil society. On the opposite side, of a broad range of actors. 2