This study, supported by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) and the OSCE Presence in Albania, provides an in-depth analysis of the compensation process for former political persecutees, one of the key pillars of transitional justice in the country. It examines the historical evolution, legal framework, and institutional challenges that have shaped efforts to provide redress and rehabilitation for the victims of the communist regime.
Through a comparative approach with the experiences of other Central and Eastern European countries, the study evaluates how Albania has addressed the issue of compensation and what lessons can be drawn to improve the process. It also reviews the role of key legislation and Constitutional Court rulings that have influenced the recognition and implementation of the right to compensation.
The study emphasizes that compensation for former political persecutees is not merely a financial obligation but a broader process tied to the restoration of human dignity, national reconciliation, and the strengthening of trust in democratic institutions. While progress has been made, reports from both state and independent bodies (such as the Ombudsman and the State Audit Institution) indicate that the process continues to face delays, a lack of transparency, and insufficient financial resources.
The publication concludes with concrete recommendations for improving public policy, enhancing social and economic support for beneficiaries, and developing more effective mechanisms to ensure full justice and genuine rehabilitation for the victims of communism in Albania.
