On May 30, 2025, the final event of the READ project, “Strengthening the Rights of National Minorities in Albania: Bridging Domestic Legal Frameworks with International Human Rights Commitments,” was successfully held at EPOKA University. The event was coordinated by Dr. Heliona Bellani, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bojana Hajdini, and Dr. Niuton Mulleti, in collaboration with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Damigela Hoxha, University of Bolonja.

The event brought together representatives from key institutions, including the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination, the Directorate of Free Legal Aid, the READ project, the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF), members of EPOKA University’s academic staff, and a dedicated group of students.

As a highlight of the event, students presented the results of their projects developed within the framework of the Law Clinic course, carried out in close cooperation with the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination and the Free Legal Aid Directorate. Organised into four groups, the students presented the following initiatives:

• Group 1 (Arba Xhani, Çeljeta Hodo, Greta Maloku): “Free Legal Aid and the Right to a Fair Trial for Marginalized Groups”
• Group 2 (Sabina Dedej, Sentiliano Hamiti, Sidora Tyli, Tadeo Jani, Xhoarda Xhixho): “Protection of the Rights of National Minorities in Albania”
• Group 3 (Britni Dushi, Gjinovefa Baci, Leonardo Bezhi, Xhiko Llanaj): “Challenges and Needs of Minority Groups in Accessing Free Legal Aid”
• Group 4 (Edja Metohu, Misenida Bica): “The Role of TLAS in Promoting Minority Rights Through Free Legal Aid in Albania”

The event also featured the presentation of a new publication summarizing the key findings and discussions from the Open Forum held in November 2024. This forum, organized with the involvement of academic staff, civil society actors, and human rights institutions, was titled “Strengthening Minority Rights in Albania: Linking the Internal Legal Framework with International Human Rights Commitments.”

In addition, books purchased within the framework of the READ project were presented. These resources, covering topics such as human rights, national minorities, and international protection instruments, will now be available to students and faculty at the EPOKA University Library.

We express our sincere gratitude to READ/AADF, the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination, the Directorate of Free Legal Aid, the Committee for the Protection of National Minorities, the Ombudsman, EPOKA University staff, and the committed students whose efforts made this project a success.