By means of the print and broadcast media, the Albanian Helsinki Committee (AHC) has been informed about the concern of a considerable number of citizens who complain that they have been removed unjustly from the economic welfare scheme.

AHC does not prejudice how lawful and founded is this or that welfare scheme that has been applied or amended, as this would require profound, concrete and comprehensive monitoring in order to arrive at accurate conclusions.

Nevertheless, the complaints of citizens are important and vital and so we deem it necessary to suggest to relevant state institutions to demonstrate greater transparency in order to provide accurate responses, with convincing and legal arguments, to every petitioner.

AHC is of the opinion that for the country’s circumstances, the level of poverty and lack of certain employment alternatives for all citizens faced with it, this is as important a problem as it is vital. Albania continues to remain the sole country in Europe that has not determined the minimum of economic income that an individual and their family needs to meet health, physical, and mental needs in a dignified manner (poverty threshold).

AHC is of the opinion that the state should demonstrate greater care for groups in need that do not have incomes and do not meet the minimal living conditions, are incapable of work, or may not be employed in appropriate conditions, as social objectives listed in article 59 of the Constitution stipulate.

For AHC, the resolution of the problem requires not politicization but review in a professional manner and in accordance with legal provisions, analyzing in an objective manner the economic, health and family needs of persons in need and who require the support of the state. In this regard, of importance is not only the contribution of experts of the field but also of groups of interest and of civil society organizations who protect the rights and freedoms of people in need. This consultation should not be formal but real and in accordance with legislation regarding public notification and consultation.