Following the working visit to the USA, and within the framework of the National Day of Justice, the High Inspector of Justice, Mr. Artur Metani held a conversation with Albanian lawyers and professionals in New York, a meeting organized by “The Albanian Professionals and Entrepreneurs Network – APEN”.
The conversation was led by the first Albanian judge elected in New York, Mrs. Edit Shkreli of the Bronx Civil Court, with which Mr. Metani focused on the changes made in Albania within the framework of the justice reform with new institutions, one of which is the High Inspector of Justice. After presenting the role and functions of the institution he leads, Mr. Metani responded to the interest on various aspects of the rule of law and institutions in Albania.
Speaking about the changes and expectations towards the justice system, Mr. Metani drew attention to the role of institutions, but also of society, in relation to justice and the rule of law.
“We need a society that develops and progresses based on the concepts of democracy and the rule of law, because justice cannot be administered only by its institutions, but also by the whole society, through information, ethical behavior and respect for the rights of human. Today, the justice system has been and remains one of the hottest topics of public debate in Albania. Justice is a topic of public interest. Today, we must increase our efforts to increase the level of the legal culture of our society. The access of Albanian citizens to the knowledge of the law is fundamental for guaranteeing an effective justice system. Thus, informing and providing knowledge about the law, about rights, law-enforcement institutions, responsibilities or otherwise, are not only related to legal education, but are the components of culture and the civic need for access to the rule of law.
At the same time, Albanian citizens should be given the opportunity to orient themselves within the broad legal spectrum, recognizing their rights and obligations. To understand the role and functions of institutions and justice delivery mechanisms, as well as to understand the concept of citizenship in the rule of law. Albanian citizens can organize and cooperate to supervise the activity of the bodies of the justice system, as well as exert pressure with democratic means on these bodies, in order to encourage the progress of issues of public interest.
We must work on changing the mentality of the actors of the justice system, which must be based on a complete understanding of the rule of law. It is important that Albanian society embraces the spirit and rules of a general culture of the rule of law. Without a deep legal culture, the justice system turns into a superficial formal system without values. An independent justice system with integrity, transparency and efficiency will only be guaranteed if the rule of law is adopted by all of us, by the magistrates, by legal professionals, the political class, the media, civil society, as well as the Albanian citizens themselves,” said, among other things, the High Inspector of Justice.
The permanent representative of Albania at the UN, Ambassador Suela Janina, also greeted the meeting, who appreciated the role and work of the High Inspector of Justice in the system and for strengthening the rule of law.
During the conversation with legal professionals, Mr. Metani invited them to cooperate or work with the Office of the High Inspector of Justice.
The event is part of the public communication concept of the High Inspector of Justice, through the organization of open forums and meetings with Albanian citizens, who represent a successful model from a social and professional point of view in the field of law, not only in Albania but even outside of it.Through these activities, the contribution of these individuals is intended, so that through the presentation of their personal achievements, challenges encountered and successes achieved, good models are given to follow, why not personally contribute to the progress of the implementation of the Reform in Justice in Albania.
