Exploring the background and roots of anti-Albanian racism - building a European collaborative solidarity partnership

In 1991, the Albanian communist regime that had lasted over 40 years came to an end. However, the country struggled to transition into a healthy and functioning democratic system. The collapse of the pyramid schemes after the country’s transition to a market economy led to civil unrest and increased numbers of people leaving the country in despair. Even nowadays, the country is still recovering, and is marked by significant social inequalities and societal problems.

Despite recent claims by the UK Government that Albania is a safe country, thousands of Albanians are leaving their country, and face the risk of modern slavery. In this process, they are becoming the latest scapegoat of racist and xenophobic rhetoric, and we have witnessed increased levels of anti-Albanian racism across Europe, as well as in particular in the UK with the Government now using this distortive narrative as part of driving forward their so-called ‘Illegal Migration Bill’ in Parliament.

This collaborative event is the first of two sessions dedicated to the fightback by civil society organisations against this emerging anti-Albanian discrimination, scapegoating and otherising, as well as the negative portrayal of Albanians in the UK media and politics; and which will focus on exploring the background and roots of anti-Albanian racism. We will examine the current situation in Albania, and consider why Albanians feel compelled to leave. What is the situation of modern slavery survivors upon their return to Albania?

ENORB has partnered with Albanian and other European CSOs to form a collaborative anti-racism solidarity partnership firmly opposing otherising, scapegoating and false narratives perpetuated by far right media and politicians. We wish to give a platform to those Albanians with ‘lived experience’ of the challenges they face, and to all work together to build this solidarity partnership. The session will be moderated by Kate Shurety, interim CEO of Hibiscus and ENORB Director Mark Ereira-Guyer (who will join the session live from Albania). We will be joined by Anxhela Bruci, coordinator of Arise, Ledi Pajaj, campaigns and leadership officer of London-based Shpresa Programme and we will be supported by our colleagues from the Media Diversity Institute.

About this partnership:

Hibiscus Initiatives supports and empowers vulnerable migrant women affected by the UK criminal justice system and immigration restrictions.

The Media Diversity Institute (MDI) is a London-based international non-profit organization which unlocks the power of media to lessen conflict, advance human rights and support deeper public understanding of social diversity. MDI promotes responsible media as a means of improving inter-community relations, increasing inclusion and encouraging dialogue among individuals and groups from different backgrounds. It works with media decision-makers and journalists, media academics and journalism students as well as CSOs advocating for inclusion and representing marginalized groups. MDI has offices in London, Boston, Brussels, Yerevan and Belgrade. MDI has worked in Europe, MENA, South-East Asia and Western Africa. Get The Trolls Out! is one of MDI's projects, which counters anti-religious hate speech through exposing individuals and organisations, finding and debunking dangerous narratives in the media, and educating young people how to spot and respond to online trolls.

Shpresa Programme is a charity that promotes the participation and contribution of Albanian-speaking refugees and migrants in the UK. Through our services and projects, we encourage and support individuals and families to play a positive and active role in British society.

Civil Society Consulting is a not-for-profit, with a mission to support, catalyse and empower civil society organisations by being a reliable source of excellent support, at low - or no cost.

Arise is an anti-slavery organisation working to prevent slavery and human trafficking in some of the worst affected areas in the world, with established presence in India, Nigeria, Philippines and Albania. Arise provides support to anti-trafficking frontline groups and their networks, through strategic grant giving, direct partnership, training and capacity building.